In the old days, people used newspapers for their toilet needs too. They
had plenty of newspapers in colonial times.

There might be old toilets still in use in buildings in this area.  The
biographer might seek one out to see how they work. I used one in the
Shepherdstown WV Old Country store last fall. It was the genuine thing. And
you pulled a chain to flush; the tank was real high near the ceiling.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, Henry Wiencek <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> A friend of mine, a biographer, is earnestly trying to describe the exact
> appearance/equipage of a toilet room/bathroom/water closet of the 1890s in
> a boarding house on Capitol Hill. This is not a joke; she seriously needs
> to know. I suggested dialing up LOC Prints and Photographs "toilet,
> Washington 1890s"; or searching 1890s architecture journals; or emailing
> the Architect of the Capitol for suggestions for sources. Can anyone
> suggest a plumbing history source (a toilet expert?) with specific
> knowledge of Capitol Hill plumbing? I say again: this is not a joke. Years
> ago, on this list, the question was asked: what would George Washington
> have used as toilet paper in his outhouse and the answer came -- corn
> husks. So this list can answer anything.
>
> HW
>
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