John Foster
When you mention November, most folks will think of “Election Day,” “Veterans Day” or “Thanksgiving.”
But Nov. 19th was “Toilet Day.”
The oldest “potty” is reported to be in Knosson, Greece (on the island of Sicily) and it worked for more than 4,000 years.
The typical life expectancy for a “crapper” today is about 50 years.
I’ve replaced a number of “johns” in our homes over the years.
I know about “wax rings” quite well.
I found a little green plastic Army man in the trap of a “privy” I replaced in one of our Ohio homes.
Our current guest bathroom has a “throne” that claims to be able to flush six golf balls.
(I’ve never tried to prove that!)
We Americans use the “water closet” about 2,500 times a year (not counting colonoscopy prep) and we’ll spend about three years of our lives sitting on the “can.”
“Toilet” comes from the French “toile” which means “the act of washing, dressing and preparing oneself.”
The next time you use a public restroom, remember the cubicle closest to the entrance gets used the least so it’s generally the cleanest.
BTW, why is toilet paper in most public restrooms more like wax paper than Charmin?
Most of us use 57 sheets of toilet paper every day.
About 75% of us place toilet paper in the holders so the flap comes over the top of the roll.
Studies reveal 40% of us fold it while 60% crumple and wipe.
The Scott Paper Company is credited with being the 1st manufacturer to use a roll for toilet paper.
In 1935, the Northern Paper Co. proudly introduced the first “splinter-free” bathroom tissue.
(A definite improvement over outhouse corn cobs).
We Americans use enough toilet paper each year to go to the sun and back.
(And you wondered why toilets get clogged!)
Thirty percent of all water used inside houses is for flushing toilets and it typically costs us 1.3 cents per flush.
The first flushing toilet is credited to Sir John (imagine that!) Harrington, the grandson of Elizabeth the 1st.
John Foster anchors “All-News-in-the-Morning” weekdays on 1010 WCSI-AM and 98.1 FM. You can read his weekly blog at johnnyonthespot1950.com and monthly in The Republic. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
