Bad Bob's "Thought for the Week"

[RAM]

There are numerous myths about old fishing reels that are retired by diligent historians amongst us each year. Since most reel collectors consider themselves to be eclectic in their view of life (and seek facts over fiction), here are a few other myths perpetuated about a man to whom we collectors (and all other civilized people) owe a debt of gratitude. His name: Thomas Crapper, born September, 1836.

The first myth: He did NOT invent the flush toilet. That is generally attributed to Sir John Harrington in 1596. Thomas Crapper was a plumber, however, and owned "Thomas Crapper & Co., London". He is best known for manufacturing and promoting the USE of the flush toilet and for plumbing sanitation practices in general. In fact, he was named Royal Sanitary Engineer. He held nine plumbing patents, and widely advertised his toilets.

Second myth: He was never knighted, so any reference to him should omit the word "Sir".

Third myth: The profane use of his name (the obvious) did not originate in England, but rather the British colonies right here at home. The term "crap" was likely in use centuries before Thomas was born, derived from the word "crappe" for the grain waste or chafe found on barn floors. It was never used in a profane sense in England.

Fourth myth: The term "crapper" originated with the English. It is likely that the term was coined by U.S. doughboys in WWI who saw his name on so many toilets in England. As to the term "John" it may have originated in England, referring to Sir John Harrington's wonderful invention.

Frankly I think he, like Sir John, should have been knighted. Few people in history were as dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life than this man. May his memory be flush with praise!

Source-www.the plumber.com Plumber and Mechanical-June, 1993
Bad Bob

[Jim Wiegner]

Good morning Bob:

Another insightful post. And in honor of Thomas Crapper, I am reminded of another plumber from the past; one of my all time favorites...Ed Norton (Art Carney) from "The Honeymooners". Ed was also a sanitation engineer, and he and his fellow workers had a song which went something like this:

"We sing a song to the sewers,
to the sewers we sing this song,
together we stand with shovels in hand,
to keep things rolling along".

So to Thomas, and Ed, and all members of this noble profession, our eternal thanks!

Jim

[RAM]

I remember that well Jim. He also told Jackie Gleason that they took a break in the sewer entertaining themselves throwing dice. He called it "the original floating crap game". Cheers for the old TV shows! Bad Bob