On this episode of Our American Stories, Toilet paper might seem like a modern necessity, but the truth is messier—and much older. Long before perforated rolls and flushable comfort, people used whatever they could find: seashells, corn cobs, even stones. The History Guy shares the story of what people used before toilet paper was invented—and how one man’s idea for “medicated paper” launched an industry no one wanted to talk about.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) 

On this episode of Our American Stories, Toilet paper might seem like a modern necessity, but the truth is messier&mdash;and much older. Long before perforated rolls and flushable comfort, people used whatever they could find: seashells, corn cobs, even stones. The History Guy shares the story of what people used before toilet paper was invented&mdash;and how one man&rsquo;s idea for &ldquo;medicated paper&rdquo; launched an industry no one wanted to talk about.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>&nbsp;

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

The Surprisingly Strange History of Toilet Paper

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/abaac08d-ee8a-4f73-a496-b32f015e43b3/transcript