The W.C.
An English lady, while visiting in Switzerland, was looking for a room, and she asked the schoolmaster if he could recommend one. He took her to see several rooms, and when everything was settled, the lady returned home to make final preparations to move. When she arrived home, the thought occurred to her that she had not seen a W..C in the place.( A W.C. is a water closet or a bathroom). So, she immediately wrote a note to the schoolmaster asking him if there was a W..C in the place. The schoolmaster was a very poor student in English so he asked the parish priest if he could help in the matter. Together they tried to find a meaning of the letters W C. The only solution they could find for the letters was “Wayside Chapel”. So the schoolmaster then wrote the following letter to the English lady:
My dear lady:
I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is situated nine miles from the house in the center of a beautiful Grove of pine trees surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people, and is open on Sundays and Thursdays only.
As there are a great number of people expected during the summer months, I suggest that you come early, although usually there is 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 know that my daughter was married in the WC and it was there that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats. There were 10 people at every seat usually occupied by one. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces.
You will be glad to hear that a good number of people bring their lunch and make a day of it while those who can afford to go by car, arrive just in time. I would especially recommend your ladyship to go on Thursday when there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere.
The newest edition is a bell donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings every time a person enters. The bazaar is to be held to provide for plush seats for all, since the people feel it is long needed. My wife is rather delicate so she cannot attend on a regular basis. It is almost a year since she last went, and naturally it pains her very much not to be able to go more often.
I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you, where you shall be seen by all. For the children, there’s a special day and time so that they do not disturb the elders. Hoping to be of some service to you.
The Schoolmaster