My understanding is that the moon was there for ventilation. Some of my relatives say that the moon was carved into the door also to help light the interior in the daytime as well as on a moonlit night. Having used an outhouse in my youth in the 40's and 50's, I don't remember any of the outhouses I used having a moon carved in the door. It was always dark and not always the sweetest smelling place. I also remember the use of the Sear's catalog. I can only say that the outhouse experience isn't in my greatest memories of my youth book. Mike _Ar2BurnTree@aol.com_ (mailto:Ar2BurnTree@aol.com) Michael N. Arterburn 210 Marywood Avenue Claremont, CA 91711 1-800-350-5445 Ar2BurnTree@aol.com