Ford's Theater

[RJNorton]

John, I wrote Ford's Theatre with this question back in 2011. Here is the reply I received:

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Mr. Norton:

The Ford's Theatre which was owned and operated by the Ford Brothers in 1865 would not have had indoor restrooms as we know of restrooms today.

Indoor plumbing as we know it today did not exist at that time. The 1963 booklet you noted may have been in reference to the planned building of new restrooms for the theatre just prior to the restoration of the building's interior back to a working theatre. The referenced renovations began in 1964 and was completed in January of 1968.

Also, noted in the "National Park Service Historic Structure's Report" of Ford's Theatre (circa 1963), it does not give any indication that any indoor bathrooms/restrooms existed back then. What would have existed at that time just outside behind the theatre were small "outhouses." Finally, the floor you mentioned above Taltavull's (commonly referred to as the Star Saloon) was used by the Ford Brothers as a lounge area as John Ford lived in a room above that floor next door to the theatre.

We hope this information is helpful in clarifying and answering your inquiry.

We thank you for your interest in Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.

Eric Martin
Education Coordinator
FOTH