The call of nature

J

Jim Kalafus

Member
A semi-serious answer to the original question: Here, directly from the pages of the 1908 Sears Catalogue no gentleman would have dreamed of reading
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is a possible solution. Sandwiched in as it is with The Magic Flesh Builder and Cupper (a bust developer); The Genuine Faultless Rubber Massage and Complexion Bulb (another bust developer) and the Hair Growing Fountain Comb, and not placed with the other medical supplies (where a similar product is offered) the editorial implication (for something they couldn't have hinted at in print) is that this is a "convenience option" and not a medical aid.
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The Vinolia Otto Toilet Soap is only $5.00 a bar this year, Shelley. Maybe now you can use it? Treat yourself to a luxurious spa bath. You deserve it.
 
The niece of Mahala Douglas, Ellen Douglas Williamson, in her book "When We Went First Class," (1977, Iowa State University Press) describes her aunt's experience on the Titanic and addresses how this delicate subject was handled in the lifeboats:

"The lack of a chamber pot added terrifically to their discomfort; every woman in her boat could have used one. As it was, the only thing they had was some sort of a rolled-up cotton knitted underskirt that they used, rinsed out in the icy water after each use, and passed on to the next sufferer."
 
Now, that's being resourceful, but my goodness! What a way to transmit infections. And imagine how uncomfortable it must have been to sit upon an ice cold wet rag. We scream if the commode seat is a bit chilly, but that - and wet besides - well, ladies, I salute you!

Kyrila
 
Kyrila, found another source for Vinolia soap.
The Christmas catalog for the Vermont Country
Store. 3 bars for $14.95. Call 1-802-362-8440 or
visit www.vermontcountrystore.com " The days of the truly 'titanic' White Star Lines may be gone forever, but you can still bathe with the only soap to furnish the luxury liner's first class cabins."
 
Another wierd question for everyone - toilet paper - I assume they used it, as leaves were scarce on board, but were there different grades, as there are today, so that first class lucked out with the equivalent of Charmin while third used something like what I encountered in the Soviet Union?
 
Well, maybe, but I have to wonder about that. Carrying different qualities might have been S.O.P. for all I know, but from a logistical standpoint, it doesn't make a lot of sense. It's just simpler to carry the same thing for everyone, and considering it's "end" use, I don't think a great deal of fuss would have been made about it. (Though a firestorm might have ensued had it not been available!)
 
Some pointers on the link above- scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on enter to be admitted to this prestigious virtual gallery. I had not visited for awhile and was thrilled to find new information and exhibits on the topic.And yes- there actually IS a Toilet Web Ring-who knew?
 
I note that the makers of 'Northern Tissue' did not feel confident before the 1930s to claim that their product was 'splinter free', so maybe all Classes on the Titanic would have been mightily impressed by the paper that Lee made contact with in the Soviet Union. Shelley, there is I believe even a message board for toilet paper enthusiasts. I always direct my critics there when they say I'm a sad case for spending all my time discussing Titanic!
 
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