Over the years, I have done a few of these strange little toilet flower tattoos. The one pictured above I just did recently, so I am all primed to share my home town "Toilet Gardens" story with you. Let's plunge right in!
Potsdam has come to be known in some circles as Potty Town. A local resident has planted these toilet gardens on some of his properties around town. He feels he has a valid right to decorate his lawns in this way but has gotten a lot of crap from the many residents who think it smears their wholesome small town's image. For close to 25 years, he has tended the flowers in his odd toilet gardens. It all began as a "porcelain protest" over a zoning dispute with the town government. Let me flush out the story a bit for you.
Hank Robar, a longtime Potsdam resident and property owner, wanted to rezone one of his parcels to sell. The town officials denied his request and continued to deny his subsequent petitions, some involving other properties he owns. So Hank, being the clever jolly fellow that he is ( I've known him for years), created his colorful bathroom displays not only in protest but also as artistic installations. The ensuing two decade debate in the local court system has been an argument over whether these repurposed fixtures are illegal under the "junk storage ordinance" or are protected under the first amendment as free artistic expression. Potsdam residents are very divided on the subject. It has, however, become somewhat of a tourist attraction so, let's get a toilet think tank going and stir up some new marketing ideas!
They should make me Chamber Pot President and I would have a great time creating new and more dramatic toiletry presentations. The streets could have toilet seat framed name signs (being renamed as Latrine Lane or Privy Place for instance) and the street lights could have plunger-like lampshades. A town newsletter and event listing for visitors might be called The Potty Papers. (Free toilet brush pens as souvenirs!) There should be a Pottydam Day with a parade of floats decorated by streams of toilet paper and all sorts of crapper creations. (Free lemonade and urinal cakes for all!) And, of course we would build a Potty Park with a bidet fountain in the center to toss coins in. Oh, I could go on and on with this because, obviously, I love toilet humor (and especially outhouses) but I better put a lid on it for now.
Some local folks have jumped on the Potty Parade bandwagon. We have Tee-shirts and a board game that can purchased. And a fellow resident made a documentary about this whole story called Potty Town which was well received by critics and widely available to watch. There have been several national write-ups about it. It has become Potsdam's own Game of Thrones!
Me? I will continue to be in my little castle doing occasional toilet flower tattoos on young ladies' butts. And enjoying myself by writing about the interesting experiences I am lucky to be part of.
