When did public restrooms start being used, and were they always segregated by gender?
366192
Outhouses were being used as public restrooms in the early 1800s. There was only room for one person at a time, unless there was a two-seater. It would not have been considered proper etiquette for two strangers to use the outhouse at the same time, even if they were same sex.
23055
Definitely.  I'm pretty sure most states probably have a law mandating that.  And yes, we boys do tend to use the little girls room when the other one is full, but not because we want to be girlie, as one rather uninformed commentator above mentioned.\n\nIt's just that we realize it's kind of silly to separate the sexes into their own bathrooms when everyone in a gay bar will be looking anyway:-)
261353
THE HISTORY OF TOILET PAPER:\n\n \n\nObviously, toilet paper hasn’t been around forever.  We can be pretty sure that those living before the late 19th Century weren’t able to drop by their local quickie mart mega stores to pick up a case of Charmin triple-ply, or Cottonelle flushable moist wipes.  Rather, the innovation of the roll of toilet paper is a very modern product and convenience, in which today, has arguably become a household commodity.  \n\n \n\nSo then, how did we go from nature’s fruitful leaves to the multiple choices that we are bombarded with every time we enter the tissue section at the grocery store today?  \n\n \n\nEvidence seems to suggest that original material used in place of toilet paper ranged anywhere from leaves and sticks, to cobs of corn, or linen.  It is believed that although the earliest form of toilet paper on a roll wasn’t introduced until 1880, people made do with many various items that stemmed from their environments.
834780
it all went down the toilet when woman thought they have to become liberated... liberated from what???? Men?
185307
In the early 1900's when women's suffrage began to help them gain the right to vote.It just would have been something awesome to be a part of.  And the 1970's. Just a powerful decade with all the politics, music, rights movements,etc.And Roe Vs. Wade.
929933
This would include people that used the left hand to remove defecation in olden times.  Sorry, I know this is a bit "earthy," but it's where it comes from, added to the fact that ancient people considered the left side the "evil" or gauche side of the body.
447673
No idea. I've been a woman my entire life, but I've never figured out why I must bring along a pal whenever I need to use a public restroom. I have a few theories, though.\n\n-To talk about whomever else we're with; especially guys.\n-Because WE don't want to be talked about! If all the girls are in the restroom with you, who's going to talk bad about you?\n-For tampons. This might just be my friends and I, but when I'm with my girfriends, I know that I'm never without protection. We'll be in two adjacent stalls and I'll yell, "Damnit! Throw me a tampon!" And two seconds later, a little tube slides under the door. I don't think I could do that with a stranger.\n-Because we've been doing it since we were potty-trained and don't know any better.\n\nJust my theories. I don't really think there's a real explanation.
781274
Well, that's interesting. You see, I, at one time, had a friend who owned a convenience store(like mom&pop) who begged me to do some remodeling. After a short period of phenagling, he convinced me to help him run the place while he ran his daily errands. It became convenient to me to keep some of my tools at his store so that I might leave directly from there to other construction projects. In his realising that he had not the storage space for my items, He insisted that he close the female restroom, and allowed me to use it as my personal area for storage. Well, after that, it was obvious to me that this was also my personal bathroom, as I was the only one with the key. To this date, I feel more comfortable with using the facilities given than at any other time in my life.\n  So , I would have to say yes to your question of 'Do I use the same toilet cubicle'.
617344
That is a male thing, I for one certainly don't do it cause it's disgusting. If we want or need to pee, then we should use the toilet which is what it was designed for, not the bath or shower! Yes, you're right, it is nasty.
72761
Back in the day, I believe early 1920's they used to have radio broadcasted programs (soap operas) during the daytime hours.  Since most of the audience included women they advertised soap and other cleaning products to target that particular audience. Over time those operas came to be known soap operas!
702027
Yes there is a law that you are suppose to have a public restroom,however there is many places that does not uphold that law,and they should be closed down until they obey the law......... a lot of people that run a business LIE and say they don,t even when they do,i think its wrong
676880
Well, I know that people are becoming more liberal in their ideas about Mens rooms and Womens rooms. \nMore and more places are putting up privacy stalls so that Men and Women can share the same restrooms. \n\nThis is helpful for two reasons:\n\n1) It reduces sexism.\n2) People with children are able to help their kids more comfortably use public toilets.
221522
usually, only one bathroom is required, but it is only required for the public if you are having a business that serves food and you can dine in with the food\ni.e. bakery,restuarant,etc...
675414
Yes, Japan has 'squat' style toilets, and yes, men's toilets have the same kind. But Western toilets are available in most places, and most homes have Western style toilets - often with the fancy 'wash/dry/heat/flush-sound' seats that Zoeksalamander mentioned!!\n\nMen's toilets obviously have urinals too, and Japanese toilets are NEVER communal!! Men & Women go SEPARATELY!!! (Although there's always a small-sized urinal in the ladies loos, so that little boys don't have to go into the men's on their own, or go into the actual cubicles in the ladies!)
680486
A toilet in a public restroom.
1136130
squat and still use a seat cover, never poop anywhere other than home. Public restrooms no matter how clean are gross. Unless it's like a very nice building at work where you always see janitors around the clock.
408055
Jesus was human and had sweay glands so Im sure he stank sometimes.... but as far as the other hygien questions, people werent animals back then, they even had holes carved in structures that served as early toilets. According to the KJV, men of stature "pisseth against the wall" which mean they had enough class to turn their backs and urinate privately.