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May 30, 2021ARCHIVE SUNDAY—OUR WATER TOWER: On December 20, 1927, our monastery of Subiaco was almost completely destroyed by a fire. A lack of water to fight the fire was one of the primary reasons for the extensive damage. To make matters worse, within one year Subiaco would also lose our auditorium to another fire that could not be contained. The monks quickly resolved to get control of this lack of water by deciding to purchase a large water tank. On June 17, 1928, the Monastic Council approved the purchase of a 50,800 gallon water tank for the cost of $6,000 which included the contract for the erection of the 100 foot steel tower framing. The tank was originally constructed by the Pittsburgh and Des Moines Steel Company. The foundation was started in July of 1928 as noted on the recent marker found by Fr. Mark Stengel. The framing work began on September 1, 1928 and was completed by September 30, 1928. Additional work to extend the water main and various “fire plugs” would occur over the months that followed. The pressure was enough to force a stream of water about 150 feet from the nozzle of the fire hose. The tower itself contains 33 tons of steel with the largest unit being 2,150 lbs. The whole structure is 135 feet tall from the base to the top of the ball that crowns the tank. Over the years, just a few very select people have been allowed to climb the water tower (although alumni occasionally tell stories of “unofficial” climbs). In any case, this iconic water tower can be seen for miles as part of our Subiaco iconic image. In the end, though, it has a long history related to our 1927 fire and how we now have 50,800 gallons of water ready to be of service when needed. UIOGD!
