THE WAYSIDE CHAPEL
An English schoolteacher, was in Switzerland and looking for a room to
rent for when she would begin her teaching there the following fall.
She asked the schoolmaster if he would recommend any. He took her to
see several rooms, and when everything was settled she returned home
to make final preparations for the move. When she arrived home, the
thought suddenly occured to her that she had not seen a Water Closet
(toilet) around the place. She immediately wrote a note to the
schoolmaster asking him if there was a "W.C." near the room. The
schoolmaster was a poor master of English so he asked the parish
priest about the meaning of the letters "W.C." and the only solution
they could come up with for the letters was "Wayside Chapel". The
schoolmaster then wrote the following note to the English lady seeking
a "W.C." with her room.
Dear Madam:
I take great comfort in informing you that a "W.C." is situated nine
miles from the house in the corner of a beautiful grove of pine trees,
surrounded by lovely grounds.
It is capable of holding 229 people, and it is open on Sundays and
Thursdays only. As there are a great many people expected during the
summer months, I would suggest that you come early, although there is
usually plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation,
particularly if you are in the habit of going regularly. You will no
doubt be glad to hear that a good many bring their lunch and make a
day of it, while others, who can't afford to go by car, arrive just in
time. I would especially advise your ladyship to go on Thursdays when
there is an organ accompaniest. The acoustics are excellent and even
the most delicate sounds can be heared everywhere. It may interest you
to know that my daughter was married in the "W.C." and it was there
that she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats.
There were ten people to a seat usually reserved for one, and it was
wonderful to see the expression on their faces.
The newest attraction is a bell, donated by a wealthy resident of the
district, which rings every time a person enters. A Bazaar is to be
held to raise money for plush seats for all, since the people believe
it is a long felt want.
My wife is rather delicate so she can't go regularly: it is almost a
year since she went last. Naturally it pains her not to be able to go
more often. I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat for you, if
you wish, where you will be seen by all. For the children there is a
special time so that they will not disturb the elders.
Hoping to have been of some service to you, I remain.
Sincerely,
The Schoolmaster
