In article >,
James Silverton > wrote:

>I am reminded of a story where someone suggested an announcement as
>follows:
>
>"Donner party of six", then "Donner party of five" and then "Donner
>party of four".

I am told that a lot of people waiting for tables in Truckee (near Donner
Pass) use "Donner" as a call name.

One hostess quipped, "Well, I guess you won't need the menu, then."

Charlotte
--