The number 19 holds a peculiar place in Newfoundland's history, one that goes beyond mere numerology. It's a tale of slang, superstition, and the enduring impact of local traditions on the urban landscape. What makes this story particularly fascinating is the interplay between language, culture, and the physical environment. From its origins in golf to its enduring presence in the city's street numbering, the number 19 is a testament to the power of local lore and its ability to shape our perception of place.
In Newfoundland, the number 19 was once synonymous with the word 'outhouse'. This slang term, deeply rooted in the island's culture, had a strong association with the unpleasant smell and unsavory nature of outdoor toilets. The number 19, therefore, became a symbol of something undesirable, a concept that extended beyond the physical realm of the house number itself.
The story of the number 19 in St. John's is a fascinating one, filled with anecdotes and historical context. It began with the construction of a house on Smith Avenue in the 1940s, where the number 19 was initially assigned. Randy Cooper's grandfather, George Gulliver, was appalled by this number, referring to it as a 'shithouse number'. This led to a change in the house number to 21, and the street was subsequently renumbered to avoid the stigma associated with the number 19.
This incident sparked a broader investigation into the phenomenon of missing house numbers 19 in St. John's. Cooper's research revealed that this practice was not isolated to Smith Avenue but was prevalent in other areas as well, including Mullock Street, Cook Street, Gear Street, and Allan Square. The city's insurance maps from the 1920s showed that even more roads were missing the number 19, suggesting a deliberate renumbering program by the city.
The origins of the slang term 'number 19' are shrouded in mystery. Professor Philip Hiscock of Memorial University believes it originated in a game of golf, where the '19th hole' referred to the outhouse. This theory is supported by the fact that the Newfoundland Golf Club, which opened in 1896, was located near Golf Avenue, and the term 'shithouse' was commonly known in St. John's at that time. However, the term '19th hole' may have been used as slang for outhouses outside of Newfoundland, and its evolution in St. John's is a testament to the city's unique cultural identity.
The number 19's association with the unpleasant and the undesirable is a recurring theme in Newfoundland's history. In the past, 19-year-olds in Head of Bay d'Espoir would lie about their age to avoid bullying, as turning 19 was no cause for celebration. This highlights the societal and cultural significance of the number 19, which transcends its numerical value.
In conclusion, the number 19 in Newfoundland is a fascinating example of how local traditions and slang can shape our perception of place. It's a story that combines history, culture, and language, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of local lore on our urban environments. From the streets of St. John's to the golf courses of the past, the number 19 is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to leave a lasting impression on our collective consciousness.
