Wicker Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Model 1912 4.7 Inch Howitzer
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 7, 2026
1. Model 1912 4.7 Inch Howitzer Marker
The Sommers/Plautz house was built in 1878 as a single family home and turned into an American Legion Hall in the 1920's. The howitzer, which belongs to Great Lakes Naval Station, was placed here in May 1934 when Pulaski Post 86 received its charter. Except for the 800 sq. ft. meeting hall, the house retains its original interior restored by the current owners who have lived here since 1977.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 41° 54.589′ N, 87° 40.802′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Wicker Park. It is on North Hoyne Avenue south of North Avenue (Illinois Route 64), on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wicker Park (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Wicker Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ignacy Jan Paderewski (18601941) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles Gustavus Wicker (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fountain Court Enhancement (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Wicker Park (approx. Ό mile away); Nelson Algren (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Nelson Algren (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. Based on Google Street View archived photos, this plaque seems to have been added in 2015 or 2016, and possibly replaced a different sign that was previously here.
Also see . . .
1. What's the Deal With the Century-Old Cannon in The Wicker Park Yard?. A 2016 article on the now-dormant DNAinfo website examines the history of this cannon, one of the most peculiar landmarks in Wicker Park. Based on other online sources, the home appears to still be owned by the same family that is profiled here.
Excerpt:(Submitted on May 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)"The cannon belongs to north suburban-based Naval Station Great Lakes, which placed the artillery in the yard at 1558 N. Hoyne Ave. in 1934 to mark the charter of American Legion Pulaski Post 86, which at the time was in the building that now serves as the Sommers home. The Queen Anne style mansion was originally built in 1878 for C. Herman Plautz, founder of the Chicago Drug & Chemical Company. After the American Legion Hall closed in 1972, a previous owner converted the hall back to a single-family home. Plautz, born in 1844, died inside the home in 1901, according to historian Elaine Coorens, who featured the home and cannon in her book, 'Wicker Park From 1673 Thru 1929 and Walking Tour Guide.'"Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 7, 20262. Model 1912 4.7 Inch Howitzer Marker
2. Wikipedia: 4.7-inch gun M1906. (Submitted on May 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 7, 2026
3. 1558 N. Hoyne Ave.
This single-family home, one of the oldest in Wicker Park, was converted into an American Legion post headquarters in the 1920s. When the legion post closed in the 1970s, it was acquired by a family that converted it back into a single-family homebut retained the howitzer that had been placed in the front yard.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
