In the quaint city of St. John's, Newfoundland, a peculiar tradition has left its mark on the urban landscape. The number 19, once a slang term for an outhouse, has shaped the very fabric of the city's streets. This intriguing tale, rooted in local folklore, offers a unique perspective on how language and culture can influence our surroundings.
The Smell of Tradition
Imagine a time when outdoor toilets were a common sight, and their presence was so strongly associated with the number 19 that residents refused to live in houses bearing that number. This is the reality that some streets in St. John's still reflect today. Older avenues skip straight from 17 to 21, a subtle reminder of a tradition that, while seemingly bizarre, holds a special place in the city's history.
A Personal Tale
Randy Cooper, whose grandparents built a home on Smith Avenue in the 1940s, shares a family story that highlights the impact of this tradition. His grandfather, upon learning that their new home would be numbered 19, was appalled. "I can't have my house to be number 19! That's a shithouse number," he exclaimed. The city, understanding the cultural significance, relented, and the house number was changed to 21. This anecdote not only adds a personal touch to the story but also showcases the power of tradition and how it can shape even the most mundane aspects of our lives.
The Spread of the Slang
The phenomenon extended beyond Smith Avenue. Cooper's investigation into the St. John's City Archives revealed that several other streets were also missing the number 19, including Mullock Street, Cook Street, and Gear Street. This pattern suggests a deliberate effort by the city to accommodate the residents' preferences, perhaps through a renumbering program. The impact of this tradition was not limited to street numbers; it also affected social interactions. Young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians today eagerly anticipate turning 19, but a century ago, a 19th birthday was met with trepidation, leading to age-lying and bullying.
The Origins of Slang
The origins of slang are often shrouded in mystery, evolving within the spoken language and rarely documented. Philip Hiscock, a professor emeritus of folklore at Memorial University, believes the term "number 19" originated from the game of golf. Golf courses, before their modern amenities, had outhouses known as Number Nineteen. Hiscock's theory is supported by the location of the earliest examples of streets missing the number 19 - around Golf Avenue, where the Newfoundland Golf Club opened in 1896. The club's limited membership and local caddies likely contributed to the spread of this slang term.
A Clever Joke, but a Rough Theory
While the golf theory is intriguing, it faces some challenges. The Newfoundland Golf Club had only nine holes, and the first 18-hole course in the city opened later, in 1908. However, Hiscock suggests that the term "19th hole" for an outhouse was likely in use on 18-hole courses abroad, and golfers who had played elsewhere might have brought it to St. John's. Regardless of its exact origins, the term "number 19" has left an indelible mark on the city's streets, a testament to the power of language and tradition.
A Thoughtful Reflection
This story invites us to consider the deeper connections between language, culture, and our physical environment. It's a reminder that the seemingly mundane aspects of our lives can be shaped by complex historical and cultural factors. From the streets of St. John's to the golf courses of the past, the number 19 tells a story of tradition, language evolution, and the enduring impact of slang on our world.
