A century ago, Milwaukee’s “sewer socialists” were ridiculed for focusing on pipes, drains, and parks. These were small-bore projects, detractors claimed, and unworthy of political struggle. But mayors Emil Seidel and Frank Zeidler knew better: survival and dignity begin with the basics. They understood that public ownership of water systems, sanitation, parks, and essential infrastructure was the only way to ensure these things existed for everyone, not just those who could pay.

“Some Eastern smarties called ours a ‘Sewer Socialism,’” Seidel reflected decades later. “Yes, we wanted sewers in the workers’ houses; but we wanted much, oh, so very much more than sewers. We wanted our workers to have pure air; we wanted them to have sunshine; we wanted planned homes; we wanted living wages; we wanted recreation for young and old; we wanted vocational education; we wanted a chance for every human being to be strong and live a life of happiness.”

Seidel concluded that there was “but one way to get all of that — go after it and get it.”