In the book "Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey" by Lillian Shlissel,
she states evacuation and excretion by women was helped tremendously by
other women forming a curtain with their long skirts to provide privacy.
Even though these skirts were not in the least practical for long trips,
they were worn for their "properties as curtains".  This may have been used
on those long stagecoach rides and large gatherings in the countryside, as
well.

Holly Ulrich

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of David Kiracofe
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 12:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] Before the Portable Toilet


In some of the descriptions of the nineteenth-century Jamestown
commemorations, there is usually mention that planners took into account
that there would be "ladies" among the attendees, and therefore arranged
special "accommodations" for their comfort.   Perhaps these included
such facilities.  There were also buildings on the Island which served
as "hospitality centers" for the visitors as well as lots of tents.

David Kiracofe





David Kiracofe
History
Tidewater Community College
Chesapeake Campus
1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
757-822-5136
>>> Ronald Whitaker <[log in to unmask]> 05/01/07 11:59 AM >>>
Sound like a thesis topic to me!  Thanks, Brent.

--One wonders how the process was achieved for the ladies adorned in
hoop
skirts and layers of garments often required by fashion.  That would
seem
quite a chose in a facility, but in the woods......?