Lee's Final Retreat - September 1-2, 2007 - Eagle, WI

[Balthauser]

The members of the Ol' Sipley Mess (http://sipleymess.org), in cooperation with the Old Northwest Volunteers (http://oldnorthwestvols.org)(ONV), are proud to host the 2007 Civil War Weekend event at the Midwest's largest outdoor living history museum, Old World Wisconsin. Old World Wisconsin, located in Eagle, WI, is nestled in 600+ acres of pristine Kettle Moraine forest. It boasts several 19th-century ethnic farmsteads — all original buildings — and a 19th-century crossroads village. Each of the farms and most of the buildings in the village are occupied by 3rd-person interpreters who are dressed in clothing correct for the period that the structure they are working in represents.

EVENT SCENARIO—
It is April 1865 and the Army of Northern Virginia is on the run. Lee's army, piecemeal, is trying to stay ahead of the Federal infantry of the Army of the Potomac — while pushing aside the Federal cavalry of Custer, Devin and others. Culminating in the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, the Confederate army pushes west. Even after the surrender small units of the Confederate army, not knowing of the surrender, continue their flight.

For Old World 2007 we present that aspect of Civil War history. Remnants of the United Artillery of Norfolk (serving as infantry once again) and the 18th Georgia Infantry stumble across each other in a Virginia village, join forces, and fight together to stay ahead of the of the Federal army, including the 5th Wisconsin Infantry and other Wisconsin units. For freedom of interpretation, we will not specify the actual town we are portraying at the Crossroads Village. Confederate troops surrendered at a number of locations other than Appomattox.


As of this writing, we are planning on having only Federal Infantry and Cavalry, Confederate Infantry and Civilian impressions represented. The Federal Infantry will be portraying the 5th Wisconsin Infantry. John Wedeward will be serving as a staff officer and Mark Hidlebaugh will serve as field commander. The cavalry will work under the direction of the Federal infantry. The Confederate forces will be under the commands of Jason Reinholz and Andy Ackeret. Andy will be in command of the United Artillery of Norfolk (Mess #3) and Jason will command the 18th Georgia (Ol' Sipley Mess). The two Confederate forces will enter the Crossroads Village on Saturday morning from different poiints and will meet each other in the middle. They will then decide to join forces and work together since both units' numbers are greatly depleted.


Federal forces will enter the village from the north and will push the Confederates out of town, where the latter will find refuge at the Schulz Farm in the German area. The rest of the story will unfold during the remainder of the weekend. Two sets of schedules will be given out by the museum; one for Union and one for Confederate. This will allow the visitors the opportunity to pick and choose which "side" they care to follow. The Confederate forces will arrive at a scheduled destination and rest. During their rest, they will engage in 1st-person vignettes and interact with the period civilians. They will then get pushed off the property by advancing Union forces, where a brief skirmish may ensue. Once the Confederates are removed, the Union forces will rest and engage in 1st-person vignettes. This will be repeated throughout the day on Saturday and part of Sunday.


Sunday will see the final surrender of the Confederates once word comes that Lee has surrendered to Grant. The "Johnnies" will be paroled and offered what meager rations are left from the haversacks of their former foes.

This event has continuously been one of the highest attended events by the public each year. The museum has raised the authenticity standards for this event to keep in line with its other programs. Participants will be in 1st person throughout the weekend. Third-person interpreters will be assigned for each area/vignette to talk to the public.

There is a $15 registration fee, which will cover the cost of rations for the weekend. Any money left over will be donated to the museum. The program is open to Federal infantry and cavalry and civilian impressions. There is very limited space for Confederate infantry.

Point of contact for the program is Dave Frohmader (dfrohmader@oldsipleymess.org)

For more information and registration, please visit the ONV's website at www.oldnorthwestvols.org (http://oldnorthwestvols.org).

[Suppelsa]

I like it.

[Steve Acker]

To flesh out Dave information. Old World Wisconsin is an amazing site that features farms and villages representing the various cultures that came to Wisconsin: German, Dutch, Irish, Polish, etc. Each of these areas are seperated by forested roads and trails, perfect for the scenario explained by Dave.

The 19th Century feel of Old World Wisconsin, the efforts of ONV members in making the event historically accurate and fhe uniqueness of the theme, in my mind, makes this an event to attend.

Website for OWW: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/oww/


Enjoy,
Steve Acker

[Charles Heath]

Thanks for putting a smile on my face, and I'd bet I'm not the only one enjoying a good chuckle. From what I've seen of the ONV in the field, you guys could probably execute a quality event in a shopping mall parking lot.

The 18th Ga. Infantry is one of my favorite regiments. Thank you for selecting "honorary Texans."

[GrumpyDave]

I have this old poster...:)

[Kevin O'Beirne]

I second Charles's and Grumpy's posts and sentiments on the ONV, but heck, what a name to attach to an event... :)

[BrettKIllinois]

I was previously moving into a new apartment that weekend, I am going to try to do all my moving friday night and monday so that I can make this event.

[Steve Acker]

LFR does bring memories of an even not had, but I feel confident the ONV will pull off our attempt at a Lee's retreat event.

Our goal is a large federal force pursuing a smaller confederate one. We'll post ratios, uniform regulations and other logistics later.

Thanks for checking the event out. I realize Wisconsin is a bit far for some and just right for others.

See ya all in Wisconsin,

Steve Acker

[DougCooper]

I second Charles's and Grumpy's posts and sentiments on the ONV, but heck, what a name to attach to an event... :)

I'm just happy that awful memory may be expunged, though if you guys changed it to Meade's Final Advance that would be OK too :D

Wish I could go but have a wedding that weekend. :(

[Eric Tipton]

Might be able to make it up for this one. I have relatives nearby not to mention the fact that I have an awful cheese craving right now.

[Terry Sorchy]

Gents the More feds we can get the better. There was a small typo that will be corrected though. The event is September 1-2. Saturday and Sunday so Labor day is free. I live about 45 minutes away from the event and have alot of room so anyone coming in and needing a place to crash Sunday night feel free to tell me the invite is there. :rolleyes:
As Steve said the place is great and if we can pull a 30-40 man fed company that would be great. ONV hospitality is extended.:cool:
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Balthauser]

!!!DATE CORRECTION!!!

Sorry, fellahs! I must've been looking at a 2006 calendar when I came up with those dates!:o

The event is being held over Labor Day Weekend — which, for 2007, falls on September 1-2 with September 3rd being Labor Day. I'm making the corrections all across the board.

Sorry for the confusion.

[41stVa]

Dave,

Looking forward to the event! I hope we can get alot of folks interested and have an outstanding time. It's not very often that we get a chance to do an eastern impression. This will be an event not to miss!!

Ryan Protz
Granville Mess
ONV

[IowaYank]

Looks to be another great event this year. If anyone here on the board is interested in attending as cavalry, send me a PM. We are in need of at least one more quality Federal cavalryman so we can fill out our set of four for dismounting and fighting on foot.

Cant wait!!

[BenjaminLDavis]

Might be able to make it up for this one. I have relatives nearby not to mention the fact that I have an awful cheese craving right now.

Eric - Should you or any of the other boys from Mess # 1 make it up here for this one,
I can promise you two things: it will not be as hot as Vicksburg (Tim Ruyle and I were
discussing this recently, and this will be the new yardstick for heat: as in, "It was hot,
but it wasn't Vicksburg hot!") and I will endeavor to provide you, before the event, with
some of that fine Held's Landsjaeger dry sausage that you boys have become so fond
of. The cheese you may have to buy yourself.
Jason has promised us Rebs at least a handful of parched corn, maybe a few leaves
or such, to fill our hungry bellies. Maybe not even that much. So save a small bit of
sausage to give a hungry Johnny if you have the Christian charity and the forethought.
This, of course, presupposes our capture or surrender, something which we would
never even contemplate . . .
Hope to see you there.

Yer comrade, Jim

[Terry Sorchy]

After the event at My place in Brodhead, Sunday night, Beer, Brats, Burgers, Cheese, more Beer:rolleyes: Its on me Boys!
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Eric Tipton]

Terry, Jim:

My relatives live in Oconomowoc. How far is that from the site?

As far as heat... Never been as hot as I was at Vicksburg. Never been as cold as I was at Donelson. Never been as wet as I was Sunday morning at Granger.

As an aside, I always liked Silas' alternate name - Grant's Final Advance. ;)

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Will CS participants at this event get to burn a half-mile long bridge? :D

That's the problem with reenacting--not nearly enough true destruction is allowed to make it really, truly satisfying. :p

[edgeinwi]

Eric;
Oconomowoc is only 20 miles to the north of Old World Wisconsin.

[2ndva]

"My relatives live in Oconomowoc. How far is that from the site?"

Eric,

Its about 20 miles from Oconomowoc to Old World Wisconsin.


"Will CS participants at this event get to burn a half-mile long bridge? "

Well, there arent any bridges, but there are plenty of farmsteads! :D

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Decoded message sent from Danville to R.E. Lee, April 9, 1865:

"General Lee, you took a wrong turn back there! General Johnston is looking for you. Should the government remain here or wait for you to return from Wisconsin?"--President Davis to Lee

Ok, I couldn't resist, I tried.

[Terry Sorchy]

You see the Confederate Cheese ration that was supposed to be at Danville was captured so they had to come here.:p
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[TKlas]

Hi gents,

I must admit I cringed as well when I saw the title for the event:( - it brought back some unfortunate memories of an event that never happened. I know Steve has done a good bit of work on the scenerio and the men leading both sides will be good men to fall under with.

Hopefully we will be able to honor the 5th Wisconsin a little better this time around than in 2005. And for anyone in the Midwest going to Outpost it will be a good primer as well in a wonderful backdrop.

And for those that can not attend here, please consider an excellent event that we have at Athens this year with the Hairy Nation Boys our hosts - August 4-5. Harrison Holloway is the POC for this living history event with more information available on the ONV Website.

Yours in accurate portrayls,

[Charles Heath]

Well, Tom, at least you folks won't be considering installing road wheels on a tobacco barn so a certain individual wouldn't get wet. Have a good event, and maybe this tongue in cheek title joke can alleviate some of the hard feelings about rainpussitis that continue to this day.

[edgeinwi]

Gents:
Please explain, I don't get the southern humor.
"maybe this tongue in cheek title joke can alleviate some of the hard feelings about rainpussitis that continue to this day."
Maybe I'm a slow midwestern boy..............I can handle the cheese and brat jokes, but I fail to see the humor in the title of this thread. Someone from down south please explain it to me.

[Charles Heath]

Karl,

It's not humor, even in the darkest sense. Those who were looking forward to a great event, are probably relieved the "tobacco barn rangers" have gone back to the mainstream. If you weren't involved with the hobby at the time, then there is probably no way to explain the gross disappointment.

[TKlas]

Karl,

Here is the old event thread from 2005 on an event called Lee's Final Retreat.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5551

It was going to be a A/C c/p/h event until certain things reared its head that I will not go into - it was cancelled. Pat Craddock was going to be our federal commander and Steve Acker was going to lead a company of ONV gents all portraying the 5th Wisconsin.

That is why the title of the ONV event gives some of us that bitter beer face.;)

[edgeinwi]

Guys;
Thanks......I thought I was missing something. Obvisously.......NOT. Thanks for setting me straight. I am so glad that these were the years that I was inactive and missed nothing. Nice to have a few friends to set me straight. Thanks. Although, I still think there is a joke in there somewhere............

[CornFedComrade]

Gents,
I know this is like beating the proverbial dead horse, but we need people to get registered for the event as soon as possible. A lot of planning still needs to be completed and it is very dependant upon numbers. It is extremely hard to purchase food without knowing how many will be there and without the registration money necessary to procure the items. The first weekend of September is quickly approaching...

http://sipleymess.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=88888900

1st Sgt. Jeremy Powell
5th Wisconsin Inf.

[IowaYank]

Pards,

For cavalry we have decided upon the 5th Michigan, Co. I to be our impressions. To recreate Custer's fierce Michigan Brigade will be a good impression for this event. Anyone interested in information about the impression can send me a PM. Still looking for a 4th cav trooper!!!!!!

Dan Chmelar

[GreencoatCross]

I'm on board for this one, Terry. I'll try to talk Wambaugh into coming up, but the way business is going I'm not sure he will be able to make it.

Brian White
Wambaugh, White, & Co.

[cstaples]

Anything planned on the civilian side of this great sounding event?
I do know that Old World Wisconsin is a truely beautiful place.:)

[Terry Sorchy]

Gents,
We are seriousley in need of Federals for our event. If you can make it to this event we would appreciate it greatly. I know it is in Wi. but it is only about thirty minutes west of Milwaukee, which is not that far. The ONV would be supremely happy for all that can participate, would.
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Infantry Grunt]

Terry,
I trust that things have been well with you. It has been awhile since I fell in with you guys at Camp Randall. Too bad that I will not be able to do it again at Old World WI. I know it would be a great time. One of these days I will have to make time to fall in. It is a good group of guys.

[GWHall]

Less than a month away for this event. It should be a great time, and the site is well suited for the scenario. If you are interested in going, please don't delay.

[Dan Wambaugh]

Andy,

Sent in my registration last night. I'm looking forward to the event very much!


Best,

[Charles Heath]

I'm still chuckling every time I see the name of this event!

...or it could be gas from that ONV sauerkraut.

[Terry Sorchy]

Gents,
We have had quite a few nibbles for this event and many have seemed interested but as far as commiting to attend as far as I can tell we are still almost batting a zero. The facts are these. The State of Wisconsin has upped the Standards for this event this year. We Have an unbelievable spot for the event, a scenario that is second to none and very user friendly pards hosting it. We are not asking for alot really. We have around 17 or eighteen federals registered now. We need 30 to 40. The ONV needs you if you can make it. We cant flesh out the ranks with local units for most would have a hard time with the guidlines.
We ARE the show this year. And we really dont want to lose the park for usage or let the public down. This event is only about 30 minutes (maybe less) west of Milwaukee. You dont have to drive to the great white north to attend it.
PLEASE if you can make it register soon. You know the ONV and the types of events we can put on, please be a part of this experience.
Thanks
Terry Sorchy

[Balthauser]

I'm still chuckling every time I see the name of this event!

...or it could be gas from that ONV sauerkraut.

Hey Charles!

No sauerkraut at the event, but the ONV did finally put "Lee's Final Retreat" to rights. I don't think we could have done a better job of it than what we did this past weekend. The event was outstanding and I'm greatly looking forward to seeing the AAR's!

[BenjaminLDavis]

I second Charles's and Grumpy's posts and sentiments on the ONV, but heck, what a name to attach to an event... :)

Kevin and Charles, the onus has been lifted from the name, the demons are all
exorcized. It was what I had hoped the original would be, and, if you can forgive the
fact that it did not take place in Virginia but Wisconsin, there were moments when
I was there . . .
I will give you an example: we portrayed two small remnants of larger units who, after
finding each other and some jubilation, must avoid annihilation while being pursued by
a larger, better fed force with a small cavalry contingent. Word gets to us of the
Surrender, which our Major orders us not to believe, it is a trick. Documents are given
to us by the Union Commander, who seems reluctant to fire on us, though he has us
surrounded: the second document is the text of Lee's address to the troops ~ by the
end of a deeply moving reading of this by our Captain, every man of our company went
from looking sad for the crowd to real tears in our eyes We had a glimpse of the
feelings of those brave, tired soldiers at the bitter end of a bloody struggle.

Those of us who were paroled were well fed - Eric, I thought of you when Karl Pasch
gave this here starving Reb two good German sausages, which were quickly devoured.
You missed a good one ~ I will always remember it.

[Charles Heath]

Guys, that sounds great. I understand an event at the same site may be in the works for 2008, and as soon as you get the dates squared away, please post them. Thanks.

[IowaYank]

As one of the Federal Cavalrymen at the event I had a great time. I only wish I didnt have to leave early morning Sunday and miss the surrender. Here are a few pictures of the event.
Several images of the infantry.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1648.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1677.jpg

[GWHall]

Charles,

This event is traditionally (for the last 15 years or so) on Labor Day weekend, which I understand for 2008 will be August 30 and 31. A scenario for 2008 has not yet been developed.

[IowaYank]

Some of Federal Cavalry and Confederate Infantry
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1653.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1656.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1688.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1643.jpg

Sorry for the large sizes, I couldnt get them upload as thumbnail attachments.

[Balthauser]

Charles,

This event is traditionally (for the last 15 years or so) on Labor Day weekend, which I understand for 2008 will be August 30 and 31. A scenario for 2008 has not yet been developed.

Andy's right. We're waiting for the dust to settle from this event before concocting next year's memorable event. We didn't think we could come close to the Sherman's March event from last year — but I think we were able to, at least, equal it. I'll get information out for next year's program as soon as I can.

Thanks.

[lesterschumacher]

QUOTE=DougCooper;65158]I'm just happy that awful memory may be expunged, though if you guys changed it to Meade's Final Advance that would be OK too :D

Wish I could go but have a wedding that weekend. :([/QUOTE]


;););) Got somthin in my eye. Sweet Memories Not a H/A. :cool:Join The Mo man, Geriactric Sunny and I on a 42.735 mile (nautical) Intrepretive Program of Lee's Final Retreat during April, 2008 -- for the Landsman, 6,076.11549 ft/NM--or--5,280 ft/LM. Specific dates, locations and scenarios from Petersburg to Appomattox C/H. TBD.

:shades_sm Lester

Lester Schumacher

[edgeinwi]

Dan;

Thank your parents for the pictures. The background really shows just how pristine OWW actually is. Everyone in the midwest and beyond should take note of what a wonderful playground we have to offer.

[IowaYank]

Karl, I have quite a few more pictures that I sent to Dave to hopefully go up on the ONV site. I also have video that I eventually will try to get linked to the ONV site.

[IowaYank]

Here are a few more pictures for your view pleasure.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1676.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1671.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1666.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1655.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q106/DanChmelar/100_1689.jpg

[Scott Gutzke]

Dan,

Those pictures are great! It brings back memories. In a year of great events, this one ties with Vicksburg for being the highlight of my year. I didn't think we could top the Sherman's March event we did last year. We did and it was all thanks to the diligence of several dedicated people. Great job guys and I can't wait until next year.

[Dan Wambaugh]

Dan,

Thanks for posting the pictures. I never before appreciated just how ugly those mustard trousers of mine are!

I promised Terry I would write a few observations about the weekend in the hopes of encouraging more folks to come out next year. Let me just say that the 6 hour drive out and 8 hour drive back from Lansing (gotta love Labor Day traffic) was well worth it, and the extra time on the drive home was spent talking about how much fun next year will be!

A few points:

-First person was maintained throughout 95% of the weekend. This was truly astounding for me, and instead of it feeling forced it came naturally because of the excellent scenario and comrades who were obviously well versed in maintaining their impressions. The time period of the weekend offered a myriad of conversations and honestly it was hard not to get emotional while recreating the last days of Lee's army.

-The comrades were first rate. These guys know how to put on a good event and spread the work around enough so that they can all actually enjoy it! Sure, there were some minor snafus but no one lost their temper and any problems were ironed out within a matter of minutes. Everyone was pulling together and making every last aspect of the event excellent. The fellows in the ranks were all excellent in their impressions and had the attitude of the soldier they were portraying.

-The site is superb! The buildings are all actually from the time period we are portraying, staffed by friendly park employees who are utterly grateful for our being there. There is a small town on the north side of the park, with five or six scattered farms throughout the rest of the grounds, with dirt roads and trails connecting them all. This gives the site endless opportunities for future events.

-The public was excellent. Not standing back and watching us from behind a chain link fence as if we were the monkey house at the zoo, but coming right up to us, asking about our kits and what we were doing, and coming up with intelligent, insightful questions.

-The battles were quick and decisive. Every one of them was fought out of necessity to the overall scenario we were portraying, and none felt forced or stilted. Out unit was fighting for its survival against overwhelming federal numbers (brought about by strictly enforced force ratios) and as a result we broke off contact with the enemy very soon after they attacked lest we be overrun and captured. There was no standing around waiting for the "lost battalion" to show up so we could start the battle.


Overall I cannot help but give this event straight A's. From start to finish the ONV put on one hell of a time, and made Brian and myself feel welcome and appreciated at every step. The site itself could easily hold full battalions of infantry and the possibilities are endless. I will be heading back to this one for many years to come.

Thank you for the wonderful time, gents!


Best,