A rusty pistol. Hidden in a pipe. That’s the secret whispered by the Carlson Cottage Plaque.
Before you stands the Carlson Cottage Plaque. It marks a small but significant piece of Chicago history. This unassuming building was once Lincoln Park’s first public restroom. Built in 1888 it’s a testament to Victorian-era architecture. Architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee designed this little gem. He also designed much grander projects.
The Carlson Cottage served its purpose for many years. Then it fell into disrepair. For decades it quietly decayed. In 1995 the Lincoln Park Zoo took over. They used the cottage for their volunteer gardening program. This marked the beginning of its transformation. The zoo initiated plans to rehabilitate the building. They needed funding. They secured a Save America’s Treasures grant. Additional funds came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. State Representative Sara Feigenholtz and several foundations also contributed.
The restoration wasn’t easy. Finding historical images proved impossible. Apparently nobody wanted their photo taken in front of a public restroom. The team relied on an 1888 engraving. A local construction newsletter provided additional details. Original wooden shingles were found in the attic. Paint analysis revealed the original colors.
During demolition a surprising discovery was made. A rusty 19th-century handgun was found in a plumbing vent. It hints at Lincoln Park’s less savory past. The pistol’s story may never be fully known. It is speculated that it may have been used in a robbery then tossed into the pipe. The Carlson Cottage. A small building with a big story to tell. A story of restoration a story of secrets. A story etched in brick and whispered by the wind.