Outhouses of the West

Today most people view the outhouse with a mixture of horror, amusement, nostalgia and awe. Yet outhouses were used all over the country not that long ago. In some remote areas, they're still used -- with the same mixed emotions.

Here and there these useful little buildings are still treasured and preserved. Most outhouses, though, are slowly being reclaimed by the earth through the effects of neglect, weather and gravity.

Fortunately, before the last of their kind succumbed to the effects of wind, rain and indoor plumbing, Sherman Hines captured them on film. Outhouses of the West contains some of the most unusual and fascinating images from his extensive collection. A little known but vital part of our history is preserved forever in this book, and described and memorialized by Silver Donald Cameron's wry and witty text.

Outhouses of the West is a fitting tribute to an earlier, sturdier time. Here are photographs from across the west -- some of the outhouses remain in use everyday and many have not welcomed a guest for years. But all have one thing in common -- they were built to fill a noble function and can stand with pride.