Portable Toilet History in America

It's quite common to see portable toilets nowadays, whether at construction sites, large gatherings, events, etc.  But did you know that portable toilets got their big start during the 1940's during World War II?  

It was during that time that the first crude portable toilets were used on a large scale basis at the Long Beach Shipyards in California.  At the time, (besides all of the other war efforts like war bonds, aircraft building, munitions, etc) there was a huge need to build and repair the naval vessels used in the war effort.  This involved many laborers, (including many women that joined the workforce for the first time -- up to 6 million nationwide -- which were collectively and affectionately called "Rosie the Riveter"), which had to travel quite a distance every time they needed to use the bathroom. 

Below is an aerial view of the Long Beach Shipyard, along with Reeves Field Naval Air Station and  Roosevelt Base in 1958:

Photo courtesy of "RustyBattleship" at worldaffairsboard.com

The area has undergone many transformations since World War II.  The next photo is another aerial view of the Long Beach Shipyards, from the opposite direction, taken in 1993:

In order to save time, small wooden 'cabanas' were made, which used modified 55 gallon drums as a waste tank, and were placed on board the ships that were being worked on.  The waste tanks within these "portable toilets" would be emptied as needed, and the workers would save anywhere between 10 to 40 minutes for each trip they had to make to the restroom.  This may not seem like a lot of time, but when you multiply it times hundreds or thousands of collective trips each day, you can see how it was important!  The added bonus was that, while toilets were heavy compared to today's standards, they were easily moved; hence the term "portable".   So the toilet could be moved around, as the construction or repair on the ship progressed.

After the war, and with the return of the troops to the mainland, the housing boom started, and the portable toilets were found to be  perfect in the construction industry. Slowly, the design of the toilet changed; first to fiberglass walls, and then to plastic (polyethylene), which is still widely used today, because of its light weight, its imperviousness to water and the fact that it does not absorb odor.

In addition to the construction industry, the portable toilet is used extensively today for large gatherings and events, where standard toilets simply cannot handle a large amount of traffic. 

To see a vast array of portable toilets available to rent, check out the CALLAHEAD Corp. in New York -- you'll be amazed!

An American Style Port A Potty Rental For Your Next Special Event

CALLAHEAD Corporation presents a new special event portable toilet that brings the USA colors of red, white and blue to your backyard party.  The CELEBRATION TOILET has all the amenities and accessories of a high end restaurant's bathroom. Yet its rental price is still affordable enough to rent anytime outdoor restrooms are needed.  

The portable toilet is decorated in red, white and blue and has the “CALLAHEAD USA” signage. My first thought when I looked at this port a potty was, “this is a great portable toilet to rent for any military, government, memorial, NYPD or FDNY event.”  Then it came to me, “this is a porta potty that any proud American would want for their birthday party, barbeque, charity event, wedding or just about any celebration you may have.

Its durable and attractive interior is immediately impressive.   Then when you get inside the portable restroom you are shocked to be more impressed.  A floral arrangement is the first thing I noticed because it was unexpected.  Next, I was thrilled of the very clean and fresh smell inside the portable toilet that came from an automatic time released air freshener.  Again, something that was unexpected.

The interior of the Celebration Toilet has all the amenities of a great catering hall.   It has a flushing toilet that is easily flushed by pressing down on a pump with your foot so you never have to touch a lever or handle.  A full hand washing sink is accompanied by an antibacterial soap dispenser and fully stocked paper towel dispenser. This is just the start of this full service outdoor bathroom that will provide every user hygienic protection.

I was even more elated to see toilet seat covers installed behind the port a potty’s toilet bowl.  Headliners are CALLAHEAD’s own toilet seat covers which they will provide 250 sheets to give every person the opportunity to have a clean, dry and sanitary toilet seat.   Especially appreciated by woman, this added bonus included makes the Celebration Toilet a must rent for my next party.

The Celebration Toilet has a mirror on its interior and the door locks on the inside for privacy.  Once you lock the door from the inside others waiting will see an occupancy sign.  Guests will be at ease knowing they are assured to have a private visit to the portable toilet.

After I used all the Celebration Toilet’s amenities and accessory items that are included in the rental price, I was sold.  This is the perfect outdoor portable toilet rental that your guests will be happy to use because it is not only easy to operate but has all the requirements for a very pleasant trip to the portable bathroom.

The Celebration Toilet should definitely be added to your next special event or celebration to give you peace of mind that you have provided the best restroom facilities for your family and friends.   The Celebration Toilet is rented throughout New York for short term rentals and special events.  For more information on the Celebration Toilet and other unique portable toilets by CALLAHEAD visit www.callahead.com.