Titusville in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Legend of the Cresent Moon on the Outhouse Door

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 9, 2022

1. The Legend of the Cresent Moon on the Outhouse Door Marker

Inscription. Many years ago these symbols were used to distinguish between the men's and women's outhouses — the star was used for the men's and the crescent moon for the women's. According to legend, over time men let their outhouses fall into disrepair and they soon collapsed from the lack of maintenance, eventually disappearing completely from our landscape. Women were more fastidious about the condition of their facilities, and would apply a fresh coat of paint each year and ensure that repairs were made in a timely manner. Hence, the women's outhouses survived, and the crescent moon on the doors has become the recognized symbol we know today for the outhouse doors of yesteryear.

Erected by in memory of Raymond W. Anderson.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.

Location. 28° 36.638′ N, 80° 48.495′ W. Marker is in Titusville, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Washington Avenue and Pine Street. Marker located within the Pritchard House Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 424 S Washington Ave, Titusville FL 32796, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Benecke Family Garden (a few steps from this marker); The Nelson Family Garden

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(a few steps from this marker); The Losley - Evans Family Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Olde Dawgs” Story (within shouting distance of this marker); The Happy Creek Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); LR91-3 Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); RL-10 Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpenter Family Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Titusville.

Also see . . . The Real Reason Outhouses Had Moons on the Doors Is Not What People Think. (Submitted on April 22, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1. Title
In the title of this marker “Cresent” is misspelled. I know it is misspelled yet I am reporting on history and feel it is not my responsibility to correct it?

— Submitted April 22, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, April 9, 2022

2. The Legend of the Cresent Moon on the Outhouse Door Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 798 times since then and 155 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.