The Great Water Tower Caper

The Great Water Tower Caper was a prank pulled by three students of the Waterloo College Associate Faculties. In the cover of night, they scaled the Lester Street water tower and painted the word "BEER" on the side. Most recollections credit this event as the first time the general public took notice in the fledgling school which would become the University of Waterloo.

The Students
Three students were involved in the prank: Mike Matthews, Bill Stephen, and George Thompson.

The Prank
In the early morning of June 3, 1958, the three students scaled the fence around the tower, broke the lock, and climbed the ladder to the top. Using a rope and a harness, they lowered Bill over the edge with painting gear. Once the word was painted, they packed up and went home.

The Aftermath
The students returned to the tower the following day as part of a group of students. They once again climbed the tower in order to be on top when a aerial photographer came to take a picture. The plane never showed up and when they climbed down, Bill and Mike were arrested. (George's involvement was never revealed until much later) After a trial, the two were let off with a stern warning from a judge, and ordered to pay a ~$100 fine, as well as court costs.