Why Do Old Farmer's Almanacs Have Holes in Them?

For over two centuries, the Old Farmer's Almanac, from New Hampshire, and Farmer's Almanac, published in Lewiston, Maine, have been the source of useful information for tens of millions of Americans.

In addition to extended weather forecasts, these annual publications include information on planting your garden, the dates for celestial events (like full moons and eclipses), and recipes.

While the extended forecasts from these publications can differ quite a bit, one thing is the same for both almanacs: there is a hole in the upper-left corner of the booklet.

Have you ever wondered what the reason is for this hole?

The answer goes back to a time before everyone had indoor plumbing.

Why Does the Alamanac Have a Hole In It?

According to a 2020 episode of The History Guy, on YouTube, the hole was originally added to both the Old Farmer's Almanac and the Farmer's Almanac to make it easier to stash in the family outhouse.

The video explains that, prior to the 1920s, purposely produced toilet paper was rare. As a result, people often used to wipe themselves with paper from catalogs, newspapers, and other publications.

One of the most popular was the almanac.

The hole was intended to allow a person to hang the almanac on a nail in the outhouse. When they were done reading it (before we all had phones, we had to find another way to stay occupied in the bathroom), people would use it as toilet paper.

Check out the entire episode of the History Guy below...

Learn more about the Old Farmer's Almanac and the Farmer's Almanac on their respective websites.