Haymarket Police Memorial Bombing
On October 6, 1969, a bomb destroyed a bronze monument honoring seven police officers killed during the Haymarket Affair. Since its erection in 1887, the memorial faced numerous challenges. It was moved thrice, nearly moved twice, wrecked by a streetcar in 1927, vandalized, sandblasted, and restored. Weather Underground claimed responsibility for the blast, which Mayor Richard J. Daley condemned as an attack on Chicago’s citizens. Today, the restored monument stands at Chicago police headquarters, while the Haymarket Memorial is at 175 N. Desplaines St.
Weather Records
Chicago weather records show notable extremes on October 6:
- High temperature: 94 degrees in 1963
- Low temperature: 28 degrees in 1952
- Precipitation: 1.57 inches in 1955
- Snowfall: Trace in 1935
Illinois’ First Governor
In 1818, Shadrach Bond, inaugurated as Illinois’ first governor, faced a nearly empty state treasury and tarnished credit. He advocated against severe criminal penalties, opposing use of whipping and confinement in the stock.
Billy Goat Tavern and Wrigley Field
On October 12, 1945, Billy Goat Tavern owner Bill Sianis and his goat Murphy were denied entry to Wrigley Field, initiating the curse of the goat. Though Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley allowed Sianis to enter, Murphy was barred due to his smell.
‘Tokyo Rose’ and Treason
In 1949, Iva Ikuko Toguri D’Aquino, known as ‘Tokyo Rose,’ was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined $10,000 for treason. Broadcasting propaganda during WWII, Toguri was pardoned in 1977 after media attention.
MLK Holiday Movement
Following Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 death, a movement sought a national holiday in his honor. Illinois Rep. Harold Washington was a pioneering sponsor for a bill recognizing King’s birthday statewide. Governor Richard Ogilvie vetoed a bill making it a legal holiday, which was later signed by Governor Dan Walker.
Chicago Water Tower
Chicago’s Water Tower was named a city landmark in 1971, acknowledging its historical significance.
Michael Jordan’s Retirement
On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA. He claimed no further achievements to prove, yet returned in 1995, famously announcing with a two-word fax: ‘I’m back.’
Exoneration of Catherine O’Leary
In 1997, Chicago’s City Council adopted a resolution clearing Catherine O’Leary and her cow of starting the Great Chicago Fire, 126 years post-event.
Sue the T. rex
In 2020, Sue the T. rex lost its title as the priciest T. rex specimen after ‘Stan’ sold for $31.8 million at auction.