The number 19 holds a peculiar place in Newfoundland's history, one that's both amusing and a bit gross. It's not just about being the loneliest number or the smelliest, but the story behind it is a fascinating blend of local tradition, folklore, and a bit of wordplay. In this article, I'll delve into the origins of why 19 was once considered the 'shithouse' number in Newfoundland, and how it shaped the city's street numbering and local culture.
A Smelly Number
In Newfoundland, the number 19 was once synonymous with an outdoor toilet, or outhouse. This association was so strong that some residents of St. John's refused to live in houses numbered 19, and streets in the city's older areas often skipped this number entirely. The story of George and Jean Gulliver, who built their home on Smith Avenue in the 1940s and were initially assigned the number 19, illustrates this reluctance. Their grandfather, George, was appalled, calling it a 'shithouse number'. The city eventually relented, and the house number was changed to 21.
This phenomenon wasn't isolated. Randy Cooper, who discovered this story in the St. John's City Archives, found that many other streets, including Mullock Street, Cook Street, Gear Street, and Allan Square, also lacked a number 19 in the 1920s. The city later added the number 19 to these roads, possibly as part of a renumbering program.
The Golf Course Connection
The origin of the term 'number 19' as a slang for an outhouse can be traced back to the Newfoundland Golf Club, which opened in 1896 on Golf Avenue. Philip Hiscock, a professor of folklore, suggests that the term '19th hole' originated from the club's outhouse, which was indeed the 19th hole on the course. This theory is supported by the fact that the club had only nine holes, and the outhouse was likely the 19th hole in the context of the course.
Hiscock's research also indicates that the term '19th hole' as slang for an outhouse might have been used in other 18-hole courses abroad, but it was in St. John's that it took on a life of its own. As indoor plumbing became more common, the term 'number 19' fell out of use, but its impact on the city's street numbering and local culture was significant.
A Lasting Legacy
The story of the number 19 in Newfoundland is a fascinating blend of local tradition, folklore, and wordplay. It's a reminder that language and culture are dynamic, and sometimes, a simple number can carry a rich history. The reluctance of residents to live in houses numbered 19, and the city's eventual renumbering, showcases the power of local traditions and the impact they can have on a community's identity.
In my opinion, this story is a testament to the importance of preserving local history and folklore. It's a fun and quirky part of Newfoundland's heritage that continues to intrigue and amuse, even a century later. The term 'number 19' may have fallen out of use, but its legacy lives on in the city's streets and the memories of its residents.
