Outhouses & their Role in the American Revolution

Please join us at the Andover Public Library on Tuesday, July 14th at 6:30PM as we welcome historian and educator Bev York back to Andover as she presents "Outhouses and their Role in the American Revolution" - a fascinating history about the role of the necessary privy in America's War of Independence.

In the olden days, saltpeter - a major component in gunpowder - was primarily produced by collecting nitrate-rich soil particularly from manure heaps, stables and ... outhouses! Throughout the Revolutionary War, General George Washington and the Continental Congress struggled to secure enough gunpowder. About 90% of the powder used by the Continental Army was imported, with the remaining 10% produced domestically. This made powder mills like the one in Windham operated by Jedidiah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jr. vital for boosting America's domestic supply.

This program is one of four we've got scheduled this Summer to celebrate America250, so sure hope you will consider joining us! Admission is FREE, and while it isn't necessary to RSVP, for space planning purposes, we sure would love to know if you're planning to join us. Give the library a call for more information: 860-742-7428.