Highlights Archives
Old World Wisconsin Recalls World War I
It is summer 1917, and a company of soldiers from Fond du Lac is just being mobilized for training to take part in the deadly trench warfare that characterized the western front during World War I. They are the soldiers of Company E, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. They wear the unit's Model 1910 cotton canvas uniforms, they carry M1903 Springfield or M1917 Enfield rifles chambered in 30.06, and their camp is an authentic re-creation of a working Wisconsin National Guard camp — right down to the bivouac marker flag. Come to Old World Wisconsin on Saturday or Sunday, July 12-13, and you can join them for a true World War I Experience.
Each day of the event, amid the soldiers' pup tents and wall tents, visitors can walk among these dedicated re-enactors who take their military history seriously — and who, when not enmeshed in their duties, are always willing to stop and chat with visitors wanting to know more about the doughboys who fought in the trenches of western Europe, what their camp life was like, and about the weaponry of the day. On Saturday morning the re-enactors will demonstrate mobilization activities as new recruits receive their uniforms, supplies and weapons. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, they will engage in skirmishes ranging from bayonet and grenade drills to trench-clearing exercises and firing maneuvers.
The focus won't all be on warfare, though. In keeping with the old adage that an Army travels on its stomach, a working field kitchen will turn out authentic camp fare to feed the re-enactors. Other trappings of camp life will be in evidence too, including cursory medical examinations for the incoming recruits. The role the Red Cross made to the war effort will be highlighted, too, with a Red Cross Signature Quilt. The first such quilt, made in 1918, was one of many that were displayed at events across America to raise money for the war effort.
For complete details on hours, admission fees, locations and directions, and other details, see our Plan Your Visit pages.
:: Posted July 7, 2008
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