The 1903 Dry Run Sewer Banquet of Elites in Waterloo, Iowa

In 1903, a strange event occurred in a large underground tunnel in Waterloo, Iowa. A bunch of elites were celebrating the construction of a "new" sewer system meant to solve the city's flooding problems. Around 450 guests enjoyed a fine dinner at this unusual banquet. But is there more to this story? Why would anyone host a massive banquet in a sewer?

WHAT WAS THE DRY RUN SEWER BANQUET?
“The then-newly built Dry Run sewer served as a banquet hall in October of 1903. In the underground chamber, 450 guests -- the women in high heels and richly embroidered gowns -- filed down a ready-made stairway in a block-long section of the sewer between Wellington and Randolph Streets. Many of the guests were representatives of State of Iowa or city officials who were holding a convention in Waterloo. The $100,000 sewer project provided an underground conduit between the marsh and the Cedar River.” (Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier)

In 1903, a rather unusual event took place in Waterloo, Iowa. A banquet was held in a large underground tunnel to celebrate the construction of a new sewer system. This system was designed to address the city's flooding problems.

With $3 tickets in hand, 450 guests arrived decked out in their best suits and evening gowns as music from the Beloit Orchestra sang against the sewer walls. Cigar smoke soon filled filled the air as Mayor Martin served as toastmaster at an event which drew worldwide coverage. In the aftermath, Waterloo booster Frank Pierce wrote in the paper, boasting of the feast: “no other municipality can hope to equal…no other city will be able to give us a banquet in a sewer.”

The event, known as the Dry Run Sewer Banquet, was attended by around 450 guests. These guests, considered to be the elites of the time, enjoyed a fine dinner in this unconventional setting. The banquet was held in the deepest section of the new sewer, where workers hung lights and set up long tables and chairs.

The menu for the banquet was quite elaborate, including dishes such as oysters, roast turkey, veal, lobster, and Waldorf salad. Guests arrived in their best suits and evening gowns, and the Beloit Orchestra provided music for the event.

This banquet was not just a celebration of the new sewer system, but also a testament to the city's resilience and innovation in the face of recurring floods. The event drew worldwide coverage and is still remembered today for its uniqueness.

SOURCE
Mind Unveiled