Privy questions w/pics

[prolab69]

This foundation is from A mid1800s school house, the 2nd pic is what appears to be the privy, there are 2 of these concrete borders next to each other (boys & girls). Im thinking on digging it out. By seeing the pics, is there any way to tell how deep it would be? or if maybe its been dug already? and is there any general way to determine the boys from girls room?
thanks
Pro-

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[DiggerDave in Pa.]

This foundation is from A mid1800s school house, the 2nd pic is what appears to be the privy, there are 2 of these concrete borders next to each other (boys & girls). Im thinking on digging it out. By seeing the pics, is there any way to tell how deep it would be? or if maybe its been dug already? and is there any general way to determine the boys from girls room?
thanks
Pro-

pro, With the concrete borders I would say these would be the new pits. Look for a rectangle shaped depression somewhere nearby. There are alot of websites out there on privy digging which will help you find the good stuff. DD

 

[Tigger]

Pocket knives in the boy's privy?

 

[jgas]

Hey Pro, nice location to dig. As said previously the newer pits would most likely be cement foundations. Not saying that the cement goes all the way down. Sometimes they just used these as borders/ support for the structure. Then it just dirt below that. Or sometimes there is a brick liner. Now as far as the depressions are concerned. Yes look at those for sure, but I have found that when there is a depression they are also newer. The ones to find are the ones that are invisible at first look. Level across the ground which means no coal ash to sink. These would have been filled with wood ash which has a better consistency and does not depress. Get yourself a 6 foot spring steel probe and start poking around there. See how deep they are. And for sure just open them up. There is really no way of telling whether they have been dug until you get down a couple feet. Look around the area for glass shards, maybe ground hog holes that kick things up from the deep. I would be digging all over that place for sure though. Goodluck and let us know what ya find. jgas