view of man's back holding a shovel in hand

Adventures in Privy Digging

Looking for a new hobby? “Adventures in Privy Digging,” a digital series from WPSU, takes a look at a unique kind of amateur-anthropology that involves digging up artifacts from the sites of former outhouses and privies.

Support our shows » Get our newsletter »

Episodes

jamaica ginger bottle

Dark Side of History

Frank explains the tragic legacy of a Jamaica Ginger bottle he unearthed.

11/10/21 | 1m 21s

 

hutcherson bottle

Soda or Pop?

Frank explains how the Hutcherson bottle launched the pop vs. soda debate. 

11/3/21 | 40s

 

old bottles

How Old Is This Bottle?

Frank explains how to assess a found bottle’s age.

10/27/21 | 1m 30s

 

glass bottles

Mystery Solved

Frank explains how one of his privy discoveries proved a local malaria outbreak.

10/20/21 | 54s

 

frank show a pipe he dug from the ground to the camera

Found in the Privy…

Frank shares some of the more colorful items he’s found on his privy digs.

10/13/21 | 1m 31s

 

man looking down at the ground

Where to Dig

Find out what clues privy diggers use to find their treasures.

10/6/21 | 1m 8s

 

Person digging in the ground

Tools of the Trade

Find out what you need to start unearthing old outhouses in your neck of the woods.

10/6/21 | 1m 8s

 

Person standing surrounded by shelves filled with antique bottles

Meet Frank Harchak

You can find a lot of things at the bottom an old outhouse, including your local history.

10/6/21 | 2m 36s

 

Adventures in Privy Digging title card

Promo

In a new limited series from WPSU Digital Studios, Houtzdale resident Frank Harchak shares his passion for privy digging.

9/29/21 | 30s

 

 

More from WPSU Digital

Elena Zavala

Women in Science Profiles

WiSci Files features local women with careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

bicycling for beginners logo

Bicycling for Beginners

This series guides new and returning cyclists through topics like bike safety, general maintenance, how to change a flat tire on the trail, and more.

town illustration

I’m Your Neighbor

Get to know some of the remarkable people who call central Pennsylvania home.

Ben Ahlgrim working with hot glass

Pennsylvania Makers

Pennsylvania Makers features local artists showcasing their unique talent and creativity.

PA Local

PA Local Podcast

A new podcast from WPSU shining a light on the workings of local government and the services that it provides with the taxes we all pay.

Wonders of the Night Sky title card

Wonders of the Night Sky

Stargazing tips, insights and more for beginning and veteran astronomers and anyone curious about the Wonders of the Night Sky.

Instructor shows students petri dish

Science-U

Science-U is a summer camp at Penn State University exploring every inch of the universe!

Metronome from The Attic

METRONOME

METRONOME features local performing artists and groups from a variety of genres playing in their own environments throughout Central Pennsylvania.

 

« Digital Home Page