Ludwig Outhouse

Ludwig Outhouse by R

A building considered essential to almost any historic landmark has been added to the Franklin historical site in Lions Legend Park. It is an outhouse.

While retired from its standard use several decades ago, the two-seater has been located on the S. 68th Street Ludwig homestead since 1908. Fred Ludwig, who began farming in Franklin in 1875, bought his second 80 acres of farmland in 1902. In 1906, he built a barn on the property. Two years later, the home was built to accommodate Fred and Mary Ludwig and their five children. The outhouse was constructed about five yards west of the house.

The two-seat commode continued to serve second generation William and Emma Ludwig and their five children. Fritz one of the five children continued to occupy the homestead until his death at age 87. With Fritz’s death, his widow, Louise Ludwig, donated the outhouse to the FHS. The outhouse is now painted white the traditional color of a school’s outhouse and is relocated off the corner of the Whelan Schoolhouse.

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