Trespassing Privy

Richard G. Clark, a former Grove City attorney was a story teller and one of his best was about a “trespassing privy” that straddled a property line west of the railroad tracks in the Beulah Addition. Described as ramshackle, unpainted and almost falling down, the outdoor toilet was not only unsanitary, it caused offensive odors throughout the neighborhood. Town officials and two attorneys met at the property and were told by the neighbor lodging the complaint that a survey of the two lots showed the outhouse was sitting squarely on the property line and the next-door neighbor wanted immediate corrective action. While discussing the matter, one attorney stepped backwards sinking both shoes into the overflow from the outhouse causing considerable laughter. The mayor promptly said they would reassemble at the municipal building giving the out-of-town attorney time to compose himself.