Chesterton Tribune

Photos: Remembering Armistice Day

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Remembering Armistice Day — World War I cannon in Railroad Park: This picture, taken November 11, 1929 (Armistice Day), shows American Legion Post 170 members in front of a captured German 9.2 inch howitzer in Railroad Park (Thomas Centennial Park).

In May of 1929 the Legion secured the cannon from the United States government. Shipped from Florida, it weighed 9,700 pounds and occupied an entire railroad car.

Local businessmen contributed to the shipping cost. The Legion was told that there was no carriage for the cannon because the government made use of them and did not give them away.

Legion members then made forms, poured concrete and placed the cannon on a permanent base in time for the observance of Armistice Day.

Pictured are, front row, left to right, beginning second from left, Hjalmer E. Lafving, Sr., Edward Carlson, Walter LaHayn, Norvil Rosbrugh (sailor), Robert Johnson, Bennett Reling, Elmer Isaacson, Roy Carlson, Henning Johnson, Evert Eggleston, and far right man unidentified. Second row, left to right, Royal Atkinson, Harry Carlson, unidentified, Edward Reglein, unidentified, Warren R. Canright, Michael Wood. Back row, third from left, George Stephens, Walter Carlson: others unidentified. (Picture courtesy of Westchester Township History Museum)

 

Off to war: Cannon donated to war effort: In 1942 the captured German cannon placed at the southeast corner of Railroad Park (see above photo) was donated to a scrap metal drive for World War II. The men in this picture of the cannon being loaded on a truck are not identified. For many years after World War II the base remained in the park as a silent memorial for both World Wars. (At rear left is the park band stand on its original wooden base at its original location.) (Picture courtesy of Westchester Township History Museum)

 

 

 

Posted 11/10/2006

 

 

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