I apologize for getting this up so late. Our town of Independence is in the process of being flooded by the Willamette River. I don't believe it will reach our home, but some are saying there's a small possibility it might get into downtown on our waterfront--which is only about four blocks from our place. Over the past few days, our immediate area has seen over eight inches of rain and the precipitation is still falling. Hopefully the internet will remain on long enough for me to post this!
Now, about Mr. Crapper. January 27 is Thomas Crapper Day. Yes, the name is interesting, since he was indeed a plumber--and an inventor! There is a bit of controversy as to whether or not he actually invented the flush toilet. It is said that in the 1900's, or thereabouts, that Seattle had a terrible problem with local, er, powder rooms. Along with the rising tides of the Puget Sound, the commodes of the city would burst pungent waters into the air.
It is rumored Thomas Crapper, a brilliant plummer and inventor, was the man who designed the flushing toilet. Some believe this invention took care of Seattle's, um, problem.
Wikipedia does not agree with the rumor. Mr. Crapper did, however, did much to increase the popularity of the toilet and developed some important related inventions, such as the ballcock. He was noted for the high quality of his products. Indeed, manholes with Crapper's company's name on them in Westminster Abbey are now one of London's minor tourist attractions. It is on record that Thomas Crapper and Company owned the world's first bath, toilet and sink showroom on King's Road until 1966!
Have a lovely day everyone.
Happy Thomas Crapper Day!
I thought you'd like to see a picture of our flooding town! The Willamette should crest by four p.m. Hopefully it won't flood downtown.
This shot is from the street level of our town. The river is usually so far down you would not be able to see it from here.
This is the play structure in the middle of the park. They say the water will be a great deal higher by the time the river crests.
The water is almost half way up the amphitheater area. There is a pile of sand in the library parking lot, where folks are filling sand bags to take home to protect their properties. Entire towns near here and parts of downtown Salem have been evacuated because of flood waters. We have received nearly 10 inches of rain over the past month--most of it over the past several weeks. I would appreciate your prayers for the safety of all the folks affected by the flooding in the Mid-Valley Willamette Valley, here in Oregon.
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