History Unearthed as Drury Fest Returns
By Laura Lombardi
As the owners of Drury Dam cleared debris in preparation for Drury Fest this weekend, they uncovered what appear to be pylons from the old wagon bridge that was washed away in the devastating flood of 1923.
The scenic waterfall flows over the dam on the Chikaskia (chi-KAS-kee) River, providing an idyllic setting for fishing, camping and picnicking. The dam was built in 1883 to power the flour mill that began operating in 1884.
In the early 1900s, Drury was a popular destination for visitors looking for an afternoon drive or a weekend getaway. Travelers would drive down from Wichita, come up from Oklahoma or take the train from Caldwell and other area towns.
“When we purchased the dam in 2019, we had one goal in mind: offer guests a fun, affordable and all-around exceptional outdoor experience,” said owner Rick Connor.
This weekend, Drury Fest will celebrate that tradition with live music from a variety of artists, along with BBQ and vendors. The event runs from noon to 9 p.m., with tickets $20.
Drury Park is steeped in history. In the 1920s, the area was home to the 46-room Drury Hotel, the “Merry-Go-Round” bar, a dining hall and other resort amenities.
That all changed in June 1923, when a devastating flood swept through the area. The Caldwell News, June 14, 1923, reported that not a building was left standing. People had no time to remove their belongings and were “lucky, indeed, to escape with their lives.”
The wagon bridge was among the first structures to disappear.
According to the newspaper, it “washed away early in the flood. Parts of it were seen along the stream lodged in the trees.” The South Haven New Era, June 15, 1923, reported, “The wagon bridge was swept away, nothing remaining but the abutment on the west side.”
The destruction continued throughout Drury Park. The Monitor-Press reported June 20, 1923, that people staying in the hotel “had to be taken out of the second story window in boats.” Summer cottages and the large dance hall broke apart and floated away.
In several places, the water was reported to be more than a mile wide. Soon, the three-story hotel lifted from its foundation, rolled onto its side, broke apart and floated away as the “swift current came careening downstream.”
All that remained of the hotel were a few blocks of its concrete foundation. A large sandbar covered the area where the refreshment stands, boathouse and bathhouses had once stood.
That sand remains part of Drury Dam Park today, providing an enjoyable place to listen to the waterfall—and, this weekend, live music.
Grab your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a little music, a little history and the beauty of Drury Dam.
Drury Park is located on 175th Street South, 6.5 miles east of Caldwell. Visit drurydam.com for details.
Side bar:
Musical Guests
Noon – Girls With No Name
1pm – Jim Bales
2pm – Jason Savory
3pm – Savanna Chestnut
4pm – John Hutchison
6pm – Rachel & Griffin
7pm – M-Pyre
8pm – The Great Moon Hoax