Elvis Presley: A Sad Goodbye on August 16, 1977
On August 16, 1977, the world learned of the death of Elvis Presley, the iconic singer and actor. At age 42, Presley was discovered unconscious in his Graceland mansion bathroom. Chicago time marked his passing at 3:30 p.m. The Chicago Tribune reported the event with the headline: ‘ELVIS IS DEAD!!!!!’
Weather Records
August 16 has experienced diverse weather events over the years according to Chicago’s National Weather Service:
- High temperature: 98 degrees in 1988.
- Low temperature: 48 degrees in 2004.
- Precipitation: 3.79 inches in 1968.
- Snowfall: None.
Babe Ruth’s Historic Home Run at Comiskey Park
In 1927, Babe Ruth hit a historic home run at Chicago’s Comiskey Park, becoming the first player to send the ball over the new double-deck roof in right field. This was Ruth’s 37th home run of the season. He helped the New York Yankees defeat the Chicago White Sox 8-1. Edward Burns humorously noted the potential danger to golfers at the Lincoln Park course if the ball had started from Wrigley Field.
Bushman the Gorilla’s Arrival at Lincoln Park Zoo (1930)
Bushman, a young gorilla from Cameroon, arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo in 1930. Captured by J.L. Buck, his mother was killed during the capture. The zoo bought Bushman for $3,500, equivalent to nearly $71,000 now. With little known about gorilla care at the time, Bushman was fed hot dogs, bananas, watermelon, and chicken. Named by zookeeper Eddie Robinson, Bushman gained fame with an estimated 100 million people visiting during his life. In 1950, over 100,000 visitors came to see him when rumors of his death spread. Bushman died on January 1, 1951, leaving fans in mourning. His remains are preserved at The Field Museum.
Tragic Airline Crash: United Airlines Flight 389 (1965)
A disaster struck on August 16, 1965, when United Airlines Flight 389 crashed into Lake Michigan near Highland Park. The Boeing 727 was minutes away from landing at O’Hare International Airport. All 30 passengers perished, as witnesses described a flash of light followed by a thunderous roar.
Uncle Buck Premieres in Chicago (1989)
John Candy’s ‘Uncle Buck,’ shot in Chicago and its suburbs, debuted on August 16, 1989. The Chicago Tribune rated the film 3 out of 4 stars, highlighting its local connection and entertaining storyline.
Binti-Jua’s Heroic Act at Brookfield Zoo (1996)
In a heartwarming incident on August 16, 1996, western lowland gorilla Binti-Jua cradled a 3-year-old boy who had fallen into her habitat at Brookfield Zoo. Carrying her own baby on her back, Binti-Jua demonstrated maternal instinct, protecting the child from other gorillas. The boy, who sustained a head injury, was safely rescued. Newsweek honored Binti-Jua as hero of the year.