One of Newfoundland’s unique traditions involves the number 19, historically associated with outdoor toilets. This association led to some residents in St. John’s avoiding homes numbered 19, with certain streets skipping directly from 17 to 21. Randy Cooper shared a personal story about his grandparents, who insisted their home number be changed from 19 to 21 when it was built in the 1940s. Research revealed that several streets in St. John’s and its surroundings historically lacked a number 19, with some homeowners actively refusing the designation. Philip Hiscock, a retired folklore professor, traced the number’s origins to golfing slang, suggesting that “number 19” referred to the outhouse used before modern amenities, linking it to the early days of the Newfoundland Golf Club, established in 1896.
Why It Matters
The aversion to the number 19 in Newfoundland reflects cultural beliefs and historical practices related to sanitation and social norms. The tradition of skipping the number is rooted in local folklore, demonstrating how language and culture can shape perceptions of ordinary elements like street numbers. Understanding this phenomenon offers insights into Newfoundland’s social history, revealing the impact of community values on personal choices, such as home numbering. The evolution of slang and its ties to local customs highlight the interplay between language and cultural identity, making this topic significant in the study of regional folklore and history.
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