Travel and Places

Indianapolis beer towers immediate hit

In the early 1880s, Indianapolis introduced beer towers that pumped beer straight into homes. This follow up story appeared in local newspapers a week later.

A Frothy Affair: Indianapolis’s Unique Approach to Urban Development

June 11, 1882

Just a week after the unveiling of the “Ale Aqueducts,” Indianapolis has seen both an influx of curious visitors from neighboring towns and a buzz of activity in local taverns and breweries. As more residents adapt to the novelty of having beer on tap in their homes, the city’s social landscape is undergoing a transformation.

Local businesses have been quick to capitalize on the newfound beer boom. Shops are offering “beer-hour specials,” and hardware stores are selling out of ornate beer mugs and tap attachments. Samuel Whitmore, a local plumber, jovially stated, “Business has never been better! Installing beer-proof pipelines and fancy new tap systems is all the rage.”

But it’s not just commerce that’s thriving. Local artists and musicians are hosting ‘Ale and Art’ evenings, where residents gather to paint, sculpt, and create while enjoying a fresh pint from their faucets. The city’s parks are filled with jovial picnickers, raising their glasses to good health and good company.

However, the frothy enthusiasm has also led to some unexpected complications. Local lakes and rivers have reported increased froth levels, baffling local ecologists. Meanwhile, the ducks at Hawthorne Park seem to have developed an odd preference for beer-infused breadcrumbs, leading to rather amusing sights of wobbly waterfowl.

Dr. Brewster, ever the optimist, remains undeterred by the challenges. “Every revolution has its hiccups,” he commented. “We’re working closely with the city council to ensure that the Ale Aqueducts remain a sustainable and enjoyable venture for all.”

The rest of the country is watching with bated breath as Indianapolis takes bold strides into this new beery era. Will other cities follow suit and introduce their own beverage-based utilities? Only time will tell. For now, Indianapolis remains a shining, if slightly tipsy, beacon of innovation in the heartland of America.



Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.