Janie Peel's favorite places are a world apart.
The commercial real estate broker divides her time between a small farm in rural Appling and a downtown office building -- and both have their own unique qualities.
"I've always loved the Lamar Building," she said of Augusta's oldest skyscraper, built in 1913.
Named during the 1920s after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph R. Lamar, the only Augustan ever appointed to the high court, the building's ornate interior qualifies as a functional historic site.
"It has wood-paneled, upholstered elevators -- the original ones -- and they're also the fastest elevators in Augusta," Mrs. Peel said. "Inside, it has polished brass, brocaded furnishings, marble floors and several suites with outside terraces and a baroque exterior."
On the rooftop is a private, glass-enclosed penthouse built in the 1970s and designed by architect I.M. Pei -- the same man who built the glass pyramid in front of the Louvre.
"It's the best view in Augusta," she said.
When she's not at the Lamar Building headquarters of her company, Prime Commercial Properties, she's at home in Columbia County enjoying -- among other things -- her outhouse collection.
"I just love them," she said. "It's one of the things I most enjoy showing people."
Behind her home are a growing number of vintage privies, aging remnants of an era that preceded indoor plumbing.
"I have four of them now," she said. "Two one-seaters, a two-seater and a three-seater."
Each one has a story.
"I got interested a long time ago in rescuing outhouses from places where they were going to be destroyed, and of course, I also got interested in rescuing plants and artifacts around old houses," she said.
Her favorite: a bullet-riddled two-seater.
"There are more of them still out there," she said. "I have my eye on several, but it takes four men to move one. My friends shy away from me every time I mention I've found another one that needs rescuing."
Today, her modest collection has been viewed by many a visitor. But they are just for looking, she said. The real plumbing is inside.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
MY AUGUSTA
For a week when guests are frequent, we asked several well-known local figures to share some of the favorite places they show. This week, watch for more stories to see what they had to say.
April 06, 2008: Janie Peel, commercial real estate broker 
April 07, 2008: Brian Graham, Professional Disc Golf Association
April 08, 2008: Terry Elam, Augusta Technical College
April 09, 2008: Scott Dean, former mayor of Harlem
April 10, 2008: Becky Shealy, Augusta Aviation
April 11, 2008: Mike Stacy, marina manager
April 12, 2008: Clay Boardman, building redeveloper
April 13, 2008: Allen Dean, U.S. Army Corps of EngineersYOUR AUGUSTA
"First stop for any tour of Augusta should be our great History Museum. It tells about our history in such interesting displays. There are many hands-on exhibits to educate as well as entertain all ages. Never been on a train? You can board one there ... but don't expect it to leave the building! Even we Augustans need to see the museum periodically to catch up on the latest exhibit."
-- Joe and Sue Converse
YOUR FAVORITE
Do you have a favorite local place? Why not share it: bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com
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