WC STORY In the days when you couldn't count on a public facility to have indoor plumbing,
an English woman was planning a trip to Germany.
She was registered to stay in a small guest house owned by the local schoolmaster.
She was concerned as to whether the guest house contained a WC. In England,
a bathroom is commonly called a WC which stands for water closet. She wrote
the schoolmaster inquiring into the location of the nearest WC.
The school master, not fluent in English, asked the local priest if he knew
the meaning of WC. Together they pondered possible meanings of the letters and
concluded that the lady wanted to know if there was a "Wayside Chapel"
near the house . . . a bathroom never entered their minds. So the schoolmaster
wrote the following reply:
Dear Madam,
I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9 miles from the
house. It is located in the middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely
grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sundays and Thursdays.
As there are many people expected in the summer months, I suggest you arrive
early. There is, however, plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation
especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.
It may be of some interest to you that my daughter was married in the WC as
it was there that she met her husband. It was a wonderful event. There were
10 people in every seat. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces.
My wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. It has been almost a
year since she went last, which pains her greatly.
You will be pleased to know that many people bring their lunch and make a day
of it. Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just in time! I
would recommend your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday as there is an organ
accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds
can be heard everywhere. The newest addition is a bell which rings every time
a person enters. We are holding a bazaar to provide plush seats for all since
many feel it is long needed.
I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating you in a place where
you can be seen by all.
With deepest regards,
The Schoolmaster