Tragedy on the Football Field
On October 24, 1971, Chuck Hughes, a reserve wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, collapsed during a game against the Chicago Bears at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Hughes was pronounced dead at a local hospital, marking the only instance of an NFL player dying on the field during a game.
Don Pierson of the Chicago Tribune reflected on the event, noting, “It was a tremendous football game, and suddenly it wasn’t a game at all.” George Langford wrote that Hughes lay unattended before Bears player Dick Butkus signaled for help from the Lions’ bench. The incident occurred with 66 seconds left in the game.
Chicago Bears players, including Dick Butkus, Ron Smith, Garry Lyle, and Doug Buffone, were present as the dramatic scene unfolded.
Historical Weather Records
The National Weather Service recorded significant weather extremes for October 24 in Chicago:
- High temperature: 83 degrees (2023)
- Low temperature: 17 degrees (1981)
- Precipitation: 1.85 inches (2021)
- Snowfall: Trace (2013)
Early Days of the Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library began its journey with an old water tank from around 1870, opening formally in 1873 at the corner of LaSalle and Adams streets.
William Frederick Poole, elected as librarian, earned an annual salary of $4,000. He later became the first librarian at the Newberry Library in 1887.
Al Capone’s Sentencing
October 24, 1931, marked a pivotal moment for Al Capone, the Chicago Outfit boss. Just a week after being found guilty on five counts of income tax evasion, Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison and levied with a $50,000 fine.
Capone was transferred to a federal penitentiary in Atlanta by train in May 1932. He was released early in 1939 due to complications from syphilis.
Completion of the Southwest Expressway
On October 24, 1964, the Southwest Expressway opened as Chicago’s third major highway in four years. It was later named the Stevenson Expressway in honor of former Illinois Governor Adlai E. Stevenson II following his death.
Smashing Pumpkins’ Album Release
October 23, 1995, saw the Smashing Pumpkins release the double album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” and perform at a celebration concert at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre. Critics praised its departure from previous studio albums, labeling it as both loose and accomplished.
During the concert’s encore, The Smashing Pumpkins were joined by Cheap Trick, despite issues with the sound system.