Flashback to July 16 in Chicago History

According to the archives, several notable events occurred in the Chicago area on July 16 over the years. Here is a summary of these events.

Renaming of an Iconic Skyscraper

In 2009, the Sears Tower in Chicago was officially renamed the Willis Tower following its purchase by the London-based insurance brokerage, Willis Group. Many residents and visitors still refer to it as the Sears Tower, indicating a strong attachment to its original name.

July 16 Weather Records

On July 16, 1887, Chicago experienced its first day where temperatures soared to 100 degrees. Suggestions from the time for dealing with the heat included staying indoors with a book or leaving the city for cooler locations. Weather records from the Chicago National Weather Service show that on this date, the highest temperature recorded was 100 degrees in 1887, while the lowest was 49 degrees in 1945. There was notable precipitation of 2.48 inches in 1950.

1947 Boxing Match

On this day in 1947, Tony Zale, known as the “Man of Steel” from Gary, fought Rocky Graziano in a much-anticipated match at the Chicago Stadium. Zale, who had been the champion since 1940, lost the title in a sixth-round TKO. However, Zale later reclaimed the title in a subsequent match.

Princess Grace’s Advocacy

In 1971, Princess Grace of Monaco addressed the topic of breastfeeding at a La Leche League International conference in Chicago. She joined the league in 1965 and was a proponent of breastfeeding, which she practiced with her three children.

Millennium Park’s Grand Opening

The year 2004 marked the opening of Millennium Park in Chicago. Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin described this as one of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s praiseworthy achievements. The park features notable attractions such as Cloud Gate, known as The Bean, and the Crown Fountain. It consists of 24.5 acres of cultural and artistic spaces.

Soccer at Soldier Field

In 2005, soccer star David Beckham played at Soldier Field with Real Madrid against Chivas Guadalajara. The game ended with a win for Real Madrid, and Beckham made a memorable gesture by gifting a jersey to a local family.

Alligator Capture in Humboldt Park

In 2019, a five-foot-long alligator, named “Chance the Snapper,” gained notoriety after evading capture for a week in Humboldt Park. Professional alligator trapper Frank Robb eventually captured it, leading to its relocation to a facility in Florida.

If you have any suggestions for events that might be missing from this date, the Chicago community is encouraged to reach out and share their memories or discoveries.