[Danielle G.]

Thunder Box​

Ah, the good old Thunder Box—a relic from a simpler time, before indoor plumbing made its way into every Aussie home. For many growing up in the bush or outer suburbs, the Thunder Box wasn't just a dunny, it was a rite of passage. Kids dared each other to go after dark, armed only with a torch and nerves of steel. What are your Thunder Box stories? Share them here.

Image source: Australian Nostalgia / Reddit

 

[Neanie-Bobs]

I dropped my Aussie Terrier dog into one& my oldest brother had to fetch him out. Then give him a wash.

 

[SirExton]

The first ever Newspaper recycling system! The Newpaper after being read, was cut into 4inch squares and the nail was reloaded with New Toilet Paper! As the Meerkat' say "Simple's!

 

[Mikev]

Oh yes, I remember the backyard toilet. I used to hate having to go out especially when it was dark.

 

[Iggydi]

I remember one night after watching a spooky movie on TV that I had to go to the thunderbox. I ran up to it and while I was running up something passed me going the other way. We lived in the bush so I assumed it was a kangaroo as we had lots of them around.

 

[Iturate]

If the green tree frogs were silent, be extra vigilant, probably a snake close by.

 

[NoNoNoNoNoNo]

|Finding one in the middle of the bush near a layby in absolutely clean and well built condition. A find in a million.

 

[gamiry]

oh the memories... firstly our loo was hard up against the back fence. Over the fence was a cemetery in which Dobson's cows roamed and scratched themselves against the fence. Not a good sound in the dark but what was worse were the men who raided the lead in the lettering on the headstones and when they completed one, would push the headstones over to land with a crash and frighten the life out of whoever was sitting on the "throne".

 

[Bob R]

I remember as a kid when visiting my grandparent's farm they had a thunder box in the paddock and it seemed 100 metres from the fence. It was guarded bhy Toby an old ram which if given the opportunity would bunt you. My sister and I would stand at the fence, if the way was clear we would sprint to the dunny, and then make sure the way was sclear before returning to safety. My grandad would just kick the ram outo of the way if it dared to attack him. We were far too small

 

[louarrivolo]

Our thunder box was well catered for with a candle in a holder with a box of matches, plenty of dunny paper mainly telephone books and tissues that wrapped apples from the fruit shop. Used Readers Digest mags for the toilet readers and even an umbrella if you got caught by a sudden downpour whilst in the thunder box.There was also an umbrella near the back door of the house for going to the hallowed quarters when raining.We treated dunny users with all these extras,but lets be honest, it was still a nuisance.

 

[Liag]

Grandparents lived on a farm. One day Grandma went to the thunderbox and found a snake curled around the receptacle, so she went and got the shotgun and aimed carefully, pulled the trigger and killed both the snake and the thunderbox. Blew the whole thing to pieces!

 

[SirExton]

Grandparents lived on a farm. One day Grandma went to the thunderbox and found a snake curled around the receptacle, so she went and got the shotgun and aimed carefully, pulled the trigger and killed both the snake and the thunderbox. Blew the whole thing to pieces!

Sounds like Granny Clampet?

 

[Luckyus]

lifting the seat to check for snakes and redbacks, you didn't when of them biting you bollocks or bellend?