Here’s a look back at notable events that occurred in the Chicago area on June 11, according to historical archives.
2010: Chicago Blackhawks Celebrate Stanley Cup Victory
On June 11, 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their Stanley Cup win with a grand parade and rally. Double-decker buses carried the players through the streets, culminating in a massive event at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. Approximately 2 million fans, dressed in red, joined the celebration, marking the team’s first championship in nearly 50 years.
Weather Records for June 11
- High Temperature: 97 degrees in 1954
- Low Temperature: 41 degrees in 1980
- Precipitation: 3.02 inches in 1926
- Snowfall: Trace in 2001
1953: The Disappearance of Celinus “Clem” Graver
State Representative Celinus “Clem” Graver was abducted from his garage on June 11, 1953. Two men seized him while his wife and a friend watched. Despite an extensive search, Graver was never found. He was known for living beyond his means, with multiple homes and frequent trips to Cuba prior to his disappearance.
1964: The Rolling Stones Press Conference
The Rolling Stones held a news conference on June 11, 1964, outside the Tribune Tower. The event was cut short when a local barber humorously offered to cut the band members’ hair, capturing an amusing moment in their history.
1971: TWA Flight 358 Hijacking
On June 11, 1971, Gregory White hijacked TWA Flight 358 at O’Hare International Airport by holding a flight attendant at gunpoint. During the incident, passenger Howard L. Franks was fatally shot. White demanded to be flown to North Vietnam and sought money and weapons. He was subdued after U.S. Marshal Joseph Zito intervened. White was later found unfit for trial and subsequently took his own life.
1997: Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game”
Michael Jordan delivered a legendary performance on June 11, 1997, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Despite being severely ill, Jordan scored 38 points in a crucial victory against the Utah Jazz. His determination in the face of adversity further solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s greatest players.