c.1923 Cheap House For Sale in Pennsylvania $53K

OHU50K Notes $53,000

See this cheap house for sale in Pennsylvania – a c.1923 bungalow with three bedrooms, one bath. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the nicer things in life. The 1,152 square foot home offers front and rear porches, hardwood floors, fireplace with flanking built-in bookcases, and unpainted woodwork. Additionally, the property features a detached garage, basement, Pittsburgh potty, and city water and sewer. That behemoth furnace looks like a 1923 man eater.

House View featured at 721 Penrod St, Johnstown, PA, 15902

Realtor Comments

3 bed/1 bath home within minutes of Richland and Downtown Johnstown. Large lot that is partially level. Extras include a full basement, 1 bay detached garage with additional storage in rear of the garage, and 2 covered porches.

3bed
1bath
Circa 1923

Utility Room featured at 721 Penrod St, Johnstown, PA, 15902

721 Penrod St, Johnstown, PA 15902 $53,000

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

Kitchen featured at 721 Penrod St, Johnstown, PA, 15902

Pittsburgh Potty

Pittsburgh potties, also known as Pittsburgh toilets or basement toilets, are a unique feature found in some older homes, often in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These toilets are typically located in the basement of the house, often in an unfinished or utility area, and are not enclosed within a separate bathroom.

The origin of Pittsburgh potties can be traced back to the early 20th century when many homes in the city were built. There are a few reasons why these toilets were placed in the basements:

Industrial heritage:

Pittsburgh has a rich history of heavy industry, particularly in steel production. During the height of industrialization, the city experienced a population boom as workers flocked to the area for employment. To accommodate the growing workforce, houses were constructed quickly and efficiently. Placing toilets in the basement helped maximize limited space in these smaller, working-class homes.

Sanitation and plumbing regulations:

At the time these homes were built, plumbing regulations and standards were not as strict as they are today. Building codes allowed for more flexibility in toilet placement, and it was not uncommon for toilets to be located in unconventional areas such as basements. This practice helped simplify plumbing installations and reduced costs. Also, if and when the primitive city sewer systems backed up, the mess could be contained to the basement.

Practicality and convenience:

Basements were often used as multi-functional spaces, serving as laundry areas, storage rooms, or workspaces. Having a toilet in the basement provided added convenience for the homeowners, especially during times when they were engaged in activities in the lower levels of the house. It eliminated the need to go upstairs to use the bathroom, saving time and effort. Often steel workers and miners would come home from work and head directly down to the basement to clean up.

It’s worth noting that Pittsburgh potties are not exclusive to Pittsburgh and can be found in other regions as well, like this one in Johnstown, although they are less common.