Notable Events in Chicago on August 8

August 8, 2004: Dave Matthews Band Incident

Chicago police provided updates on an investigation into an infamous incident involving the Dave Matthews Band tour bus. The bus was seen dumping waste onto a boat in the Chicago River. Surveillance footage confirmed the bus’s presence on a bridge over the river.

Historical Weather Records

The National Weather Service in Chicago documented notable weather extremes for August 8:

• High temperature: 100°F in 1934
• Low temperature: 52°F in 1976
• Precipitation: 2.35 inches in 1977
• Snowfall: Trace in 1912

1931: Ringling Bros. Circus Arrival

Hundreds of performers, including Goliath the sea elephant, arrived in Chicago. They were part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which became a summer staple at Soldier Field’s parking lot.

1940: Eleanor Jarman’s Escape

Eleanor Jarman, also known as the “Blond Tigress,” escaped from a women’s reformatory in Dwight. Convicted as an accomplice to a murder, she vanished from public sight, only reappearing during a secret family reunion in 1975.

1958: O’Hare Airport Goes International

O’Hare International Airport processed its first international passengers from a TWA flight arriving from Paris. Custom inspection facilities then included immigration and public health services, which were not available before.

1974: First Illinois Lottery Drawings

The first Illinois State Lottery drawings took place with 7.5 million tickets sold. The event, poorly attended due to President Nixon’s resignation, saw an electrician become a major winner. Laws at the time prevented live broadcasting of winning numbers.

1976: White Sox Short Shorts

The Chicago White Sox made a fashion statement by wearing shorts during a game against the Kansas City Royals. This odd uniform choice was short-lived, with the shorts only worn in three games that season.

1977: Ernie Banks Hall of Fame Induction

Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In his speech, he credited his career and honor to the late Cubs owner, Philip K. Wrigley.

1988: Wrigley Field Night Game Aborted

Wrigley Field’s first scheduled night game ended prematurely due to rain. Although not recognized as official, it marked a significant moment in the stadium’s history.