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

A cartoon tree on a multi-colored background with "A Season at Shaver's Creek" in large text in the foreground.

A Season at Shaver’s Creek

A recap of wildlife captured on Shaver's Creek's trail cameras across the seasons, with commentary from Wildlife Program Coordinator Alex Suleski.

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.

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.

laser

SciTech Now

SciTech Now captures the latest breakthroughs in science and technology.

Six pieces of deep fried shrimp on a plate with a bowl of dipping sauce.

World Kitchen

World Kitchen is a free interactive cooking class presented on Zoom so that you can follow along to create the recipe with each guest chef.

A multicolored map of Pennsylvania with the words "Past PA" in the foreground.

Past PA

Past PA illuminates the history of Pennsylvania and brings a deeper understanding of important events and individuals throughout the Commonwealth’s history.

Adulting

Adulting is a digital series offering tips for graduating high schoolers and recent college students entering the adult world. Our first season focuses on demystifying the world of personal finance.

 

« Digital Home Page