A very proper lady began planning a week's camping
vacation for her church group. She wrote to a campground
for reservations. She wanted to make sure that the
campground was fully equipped and modern, but couldn't
bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. So, she
decided on the old-fashioned term "Bathroom Commode."

Once written down she still
wasn't comfortable. Finally she decided on the abbreviation
"B.C." and wrote, "does your campground have its own
"B.C.?" When the campground owner received the letter, he
couldn't figure out what she meant by "B.C." He showed it
to several of the campers, one of whom suggested the lady
was obviously referring to a Baptist Church. So
he sent this reply:

Dear Madam:
The B.C. is located nine miles from the campground in a
beautiful grove of trees. I admit it is quite a distance if you
are in the habit of going regularly. No doubt you will be
pleased to know that it will seat 350 people at one
time, and it is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday of
each week. Some folks like to take their lunch and make a
day of it, especially on Thursday when there is organ
accompaniment. The acoustics are very good,
so everyone can hear even the quietest passages.
It may interest you to know that my daughter met her
husband there. We are also having a fund-raiser to purchase
new seats, as the old ones have holes in them.
Unfortunately my wife is ill and has not been able to attend
regularly.

It's been a good six months since she last went. It pains her
very much not to be able to go more often. As we grow
older, it seems to be more of an effort, especially in cold
weather. Perhaps I could accompany you the first time you
go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks who
will be there. I look forward to your visit. We offer a very
friendly campground.
A Proper Lady
Rockingham Remembered
Short Stories