Papers and photographs, 1896-1941, (bulk 1908-1912).

ArchivalResource

Rosman, Rolf P. M., 1873-1941. Papers and photographs, 1896-1941, (bulk 1908-1912).

Papers and photographs, 1896-1941, (bulk 1908-1912).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/85375309

Papers and photographs relating to the service of Rolf P.M. Rosman, an officer in the Wisconsin National Guard during the time between the Spanish-American War and the beginning of World War I. The majority of the collection pertains to the continuing military education of Rosman, who began the twentieth century as the captain of Company L, 1st Wisconsin Infantry Regiment stationed in Beloit and received a promotion to major in 1909. Materials include correspondence course questions, distributed by the Wisconsin Adjutant General's Office, which posed questions of strategy and military administration to officers. Two of Rosman's answers can be found in the collection. These materials give an idea of the types of military strategy being discussed and taught between the Spanish-American War and World War I. Also included are materials pertaining to the administration of the Wisconsin National Guard during the early twentieth century. Military correspondence, orders, circular letters, memoranda, and other papers document promotions, resignations, soldiers being granted leave to attend to private business matters, inspections, and training exercises. Picture postcards show Camp McCoy and Guardsmen in various activities. The oversized folder contains two maps, one likely used for the correspondence course and the other showing Camp McCoy. Photographs include several shots of Rosman in uniform and many unidentified pictures of Wisconsin National Guardsmen marching, posing for group shots, and engaging in every day activities such as cutting hair and washing dishes. These include a cyanotype photograph of recruits at Cincinnati. There are some unidentified photographs that appear to be from the Spanish-American War era, but most were taken in the early twentieth century. A picture of a dog, labeled "Joe the war dog," shows a canine wearing a vest that bears the symbol of the 32nd Division, a red arrow. The dog likely served as the mascot of some unit in that division, likely during World War I.

Papers : 0.4 linear ft. (1 archives box and 1 oversized folder) and.Photographs : 0.4 linear ft. (1 archives box, 2 flat boxes, and 2 folders)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center