NOTE: The name of our mess group comes directly from the history of the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. The following article was written by Edwin E. Bryant and is found in his book, "The 3rd Wisconsin Veterans: 1861-1865", copyright 1898.


Every member of the old Third will smile when he sees in print the words "Old Sipley." Colonel Ruger once in the early history of the regiment, kindly reprimanded Capt. Hammer, telling him there was lack of discipline in his company. The captain, desirous of righting all that was amiss, paraded his company and made a speech to them. The Captain's accent was strongly German; and this interfered somewhat with his readiness in giving commands. He told his company that Col. Ruger wanted more "de-sipley" in the company. The boys took up the word, and soon "Old Sipley" was used as the impersonation of the idea of good discipline. When a Third man saw a well drilled regiment or any evidence of soldierly training, he would surely say, "Old Sipley" is in that camp.