Established 1862
Reborn 2006
The West Side Soldiers Aid Society, Inc., is a research-based living history organization, a modern-day soldiers' aid society, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. It was incorporated in 2006 to promote awareness of the Wisconsin Soldiers Home/National Soldiers Home movement in Milwaukee and the lasting contribution of this movement to veterans' health care. While education of the public is our primary goal, we want our common interest and “work” to be beneficial and enjoyable for members as well.
Our core impression is of the citizens of 1864-1867 Milwaukee, most of these prominent women and men in civilian and military life. We expect a higher degree of authenticity in dress, deportment and presentation from our members and a willingness to use this level of authenticity to tell the story of the women and men who cared so much for the well-being of Civil War soldiers.
Members participate in living history events and are available for presentations at schools, civic organizations and other educational gatherings. Members will help produce and procure items for the group impression, assist in WSSAS projects and recruit new members.
Creating an impression involves an ever-growing knowledge of manners and mannerisms, attitude, deportment, speech patterns, news and culture of the period, including material culture. Impression is an ongoing work, aided by research, sharing and mutual encouragement. Event participation will be scripted whenever possible with ample time for research and preparation. This approach will help members move into first-person impressions and become familiar with the work of the West Side Soldiers Aid Society (1861-1864) and Wisconsin Soldiers Home (1864-1867).
Patricia Lynch, Laura Rinaldi and Terry Arliskas read the names of Union soldiers buried by the Lady Managers of the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home, Forest Home Cemetery, May 24, 2009. Deacon Dean Collins, Camp 1, SUVCW, Tom Arliskas and Patrick Lynch led the service. The Society was joined by members of Camp 4, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; 5th Wiscosnin Volunteer Infantry; 2nd Wisconsin, Company K; U.S.S. Carondolet; and Dr. Michael McBride, VA Medical Center. Next year's observance will be held on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30, 2010, and will include tributes to Cpl. Giles Spear and dummer boy Charlie Moores, both of the 39th Wisconsin
Civil War Dancing
Bi-monthly sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., at the Hales Corners, WI, Library. No experience is necessary. Dancers may come with or without a partner and in period dress or comfortable modern clothing. Dance sessions and presentations are free, but donations are welcome.
See our home page for details of our Summer Dance Workshop.
Hales Corners Library,
5665 S. 116th St., Lower Meeting Room
We'd love to bring the spirit of the 1860s to your next meeting, event or private gathering. Contact us for details.
Quilting Circle
WSSAS members and friends support the society and our educational outreach by creating charity quilts and quilts for hospitalized and homeless veterans. The Sewing Circle meets on the third Sunday of each month, 1-3 p.m. For information and location, call 414-427-3776.
Above: Quilt top as of March 2010. See it in person at the Hard Times Ball! Raffle tickets are now available. Winning ticket will be drawn at our September 27, 2010, meeting. Call 414-427-3776 for tickets.
Research and Publications
In addition to research for living history impressions, members are actively engaged in the search for documents and artifacts related to the Northwestern Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Society works closely with the librarians of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in safeguarding historical materials and in transcribing records.
Publications:
Out at the Soldiers' Home: A Memory Book by Elizabeth Corbett, expanded edition, 2008. REDUCED PRICE! Only $10 & shipping and handling. (Originally $19.95)
Reproduction of 1889 Souvenir Book of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers
(ONLY A FEW COPIES LEFT)
The Wisconsin Homefront: Caring for Soldiers During the Civil War (children's activity book, LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES AVAILABLE)
My Dear Mrs. Hewitt: Letters of Fanny Burling Buttrick (TEMPORARILY OUT OF PRINT)
