We recently found this interesting snippet from the Neenah City Times in September of 1882 (we forgot to note the exact date). The M&N offered special fares to Milwaukee for a couple of special events that month.
The Sham Battle, or war games, referenced in the article was part of the Fourteenth Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, which was held 20 and 21 September. The Wisconsin National Guard encamped at the fairgrounds during the reunion. They conducted special ceremonial drills on 20 September and war games on the 21st. The general public were also invited to observe the military exercises, but they were charged 50 cents admission. You can find an incredible collection of documents about the reunion at the Bowdoin College Library.
The Exposition referenced in the article was the second annual Milwaukee Industrial Exposition, which was held for several weeks in the new, massive, beautiful Milwaukee Exposition Building. It graced the entire city block bordered by 5th St., State St., 6th St., and Cedar St., from when it was completed in 1881 until it was destroyed by fire in 1905. You can find awesome photographs and additional information about the building at the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and numerous other web sites.
