Appleton Post-Crescent, April 21, 1962
A bittersweet account of the Civil War as provided by Mr. Ralph Moon's grandfather in his letters, his initial enthusiasm eventually tempered by the horrors of war. A most interesting presentation to the Menasha Historical Society, I'm sure.
A side note...the "Wigwam" that was mentioned was a convention center and meeting hall that served as the site of the 1860 Republican National Convention. It was located in Chicago at Lake Street and Market (later Wacker Drive) near the Chicago River.
Yes... it must have been a very interesting presentation. It would be neat if someone else went through those letters and gave their own program. The letters are now located at the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives. The WHS also has Reverend O. P. Clinton's Civil War letters. Those would hit even closer to home. He was chaplain of the 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He lived on Winnebago Ave., Menasha.
ReplyDeleteThe Neenah Historical Society has C. B. Clark's Civil War letters in their archives. Clark was from Neenah. He was in the 21st Regiment along with Rev. Clinton. Clark was a founder of Kimberly-Clark. The collection also contains letters to Clark from several members of the 3rd Regiment, including quite a few from Van R. Willard, whose journals were made into the book, "With the 3rd Wisconsin Badgers." Very interesting book. Menasha doctor, George W. Dodge also has letters in the collection.
I transcribed the C. B. Clark collection and I am now in the process of writing a book called "C. B. Clark: His Short Life."
David, if you want to feature a letter from G. W. Dodge in the future, I think I can arrange it. He was a witty and humorous penman. Let me know.