| A strong connection exists between cultural artifacts, social awareness and cleanliness. The true basis for any serious study of the links of nature and sanitation depends, therefore, upon an examination of cultural standards and historic laws that led to worldwide control of epidemics created by unclean conditions. Until society understood the close relationship between cleanliness and disease, the privy continued to be the world's simple lavatory method. To correct the impact of disease, a transition from the privy to modern technology followed, and the outhouse faded with time.; Studying the typical privy can broaden awareness of lighthouse history, add to our cultural identity, and help us understand the need for improved hygiene. Therefore, if the original three privies at the Cape May lighthouse in New Jersey are reconstructed, they will be a resource to expand society's knowledge of the past and increase funding for preservation of this historic maritime site. |
