First, it was hand sanitizer. Next on the list? Water by the cases. Now, panic buying over coronavirus concerns has led to a shortage of a precious modern commodity: toilet paper. With anxious shoppers hoarding as much as they can get their hands on, stores are having trouble keeping rolls in stock–and the Newport Oregon Police Department has something to say about it.
In a post to their official Facebook page, the NOPD reminded citizens that running out of toilet paper is not an emergency. “It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this,” the statement reads. “Do not call 9-1-1 just because you ran out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance.” (1)
Before There Was Toilet Paper
The viral post–now having been shared over 7,000 times–offers some historical facts and humorous suggestions on alternatives to TP. Toilet paper as we now know it has only been in regular use since the 1920s, with the earliest version invented in 1857. That leaves thousands of years of human history without the fluffy staple to take care of bathroom business. (2)
The NOPD provided some historic, not-so-pleasant alternatives that were used for centuries. “Seamen used old rope and anchor lines soaked in saltwater. Ancient Romans used a sea sponge on a stick, also soaked in saltwater,” the police said. “We are a coastal town. We have an abundance of saltwater available. Seashells were also used.” Of course, the litany of clean-up methods didn’t end there. “Mayans used corn cobs. Colonial Americans also used the core of the cob.” Ouch!
From Catalog Pages To Quilted Comfort
The journey from rougher materials to paper for bathroom needs dates back to the 6th century AD. The Chinese were the first to use sheets of paper when doing their business, though the concept didn’t catch on for another 1300 years. Ironically, the common use of paper when taking a trip to the outhouse started with the popular Sears Catalog.
The thick book full of thin, pliable paper was delivered in the mail for free. It included a handy hole in the corner, perfect for hanging on a peg on the outhouse wall. In their Facebook post, the NOPD detailed how our ancestors really stretched their supplies. “The Sears Christmas catalog, four times thicker than the normal catalog, could get a family of three wiped clean from December through Valentine’s Day; or Saint Patrick’s Day if they were frugal.” It wasn’t until 1857 that Joseph Gayetty started selling “medicated” hemp paper with aloe to make things a bit more comfortable. By 1928, the Holberg Paper Company introduced the first rolled toilet paper common to what we know today. (1, 2)
Keep Calm And Clean On
The police suggested some options should Newport citizens run out of their supply. From grocery receipts, newspapers, cloth rags, lace, cotton balls and magazine pages to a handful of leaves from the backyard, people have an abundance of alternatives if toilet paper is scarce. “Be resourceful. Be patient,” the NOPD told its citizens. “Just don’t call 9-1-1.” (1)
