View from Main House porch at Oakland Plantation, Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Prior to the mid-1900s, store-bought food other than can goods was uncommon in rural areas, so most people had to be self-sufficient. Surrounding the Main House at Cane River Creole National Historical Park’s Oakland Plantation are a number of outbuildings that were used not to produce food for sale, but to produce food for consumption by the plantation residents and workers.
Chicken and other poultry were a mainstay, for they didn’t take much effort to raise, slaughter, and cook. Located in the backyard of the Main House is a Grain Storage Shed and a Fattening Pen. The Grain Storage Shed was used to store feed for the poultry, and the Fattening Pen was used to house the poultry that was about to be eaten. Next to these is a Wash House for doing laundry.
Wash House (left), Fattening Pen (center), and Grain Storage Shed at Oakland Plantation’s Main House, Cane River Creole National Historical Park
There is also a Chicken Coop, Setting Pen, and Turkey Shed. The coop and shed housed their namesake birds. The Setting Pen was used to house nesting chickens.
Setting Pen (left) and Chick Coop (right) at Oakland Plantation’s Main House, Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Turkey Shed at Oakland Plantation’s Main House, Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Also vital to the Main House before indoor plumbing was installed in the 1930s was the privy, or outhouse. The one now standing is open, so you can look inside. Just don’t use it. Modern restrooms are located in the visitor information pavilion near the parking lot.
Privy at Oakland Plantation’s Main House, Cane River Creole National Historical Park
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Last updated on November 30, 2022
