Outhouse Wall

Outhouse Wall American Decoration attributed to either Anton or Albert Bruflat, 1905 Wood (pine) Gift of Bob & Vicki Applegate MHAHS 1986.040.0001

This carved interior outhouse wall is a remnant from the Bruflat family’s homestead. The artist, likely one of the Bruflat sons based on the initials “AB”, incised a dove with an olive leaf and a scroll, possibly inspired by religious motifs from their local Perry Lutheran Church or common design themes found in religious publications. It is interesting to contemplate why they chose to decorate such a mundane space with an elegant carved scriptural reference.