In this edition of Explore New York, Time Warner Cable News reporter Mike Hedeen found something unique. It's the only one of its kind in the United States.
PHELPS, N.Y. -- In the Ontario County village of Phelps, there's a Victorian home that attracts people from across the country.
The Howe House is home to the Phelps Community Historical Society. The home features exhibits from the Howe family including textiles and garments, household equipment, military memorabilia and items that tell the history of Phelps.
"The Howe family was very prominent. Dr. Howe was not the only doctor, there were others. But his house was purchased in 1999, given to the Historical Society by an anonymous donor," said Terry Allen with the Phelps Community Historical Society.
There are many historic homes in communities throughout New York state. However, the Howe House has a feature you won't find anywhere else.
"The two-story outhouse is the only two-story brick attached outhouse in the United States," said Allen.
There are other attached outhouses across the country, but what makes this one unique is it's believed to be the only one attached when the home was built in 1869.
Access to the lower level is from a porch that wraps around the back of the home. You get to the upper outhouse by walking across the roof. There are six holes in the outhouse, three on each level. That's because Dr. Howe had a large family with seven children. A question many visitors ask is where does the fallout go from the second story?
"That one upstairs is deeper, the people are behind where the people downstairs are. So, it all drops down behind, the waste drops down behind the first story then there are two separate cleanout areas," said Allen.
You can tour the Howe House and the two-story outhouse Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.