Significant Chicago Events on June 11

Flashback: Chicago Events of June 11, 2010

On June 11, 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their Stanley Cup victory in style. Double-decker buses carried the team through the Loop in front of an estimated 2 million fans gathered at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. The parade ended with a lively rally. This marked the Blackhawks’ first Stanley Cup championship in nearly 50 years, turning downtown into a sea of red as fans joined the celebration.

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

The Disappearance of Celinus “Clem” Graver in 1953

Celinus ‘Clem’ Graver, a state representative and Republican committeeman, vanished on June 11, 1953. As he parked his car in his garage near 1013 W. 18th Place, two men abducted him. Despite being witnessed by his wife and a friend, Graver was never found. Known for his expensive tastes on a modest salary, Graver was rumored to have made secret trips to Cuba prior to his disappearance.

Rolling Stones Visit in 1964

In June 1964, the Rolling Stones held a news conference outside the Tribune Tower in Chicago. The event came to an unexpected end when a local barber offered haircuts to the band members.

TWA Flight 358 Hijacking in 1971

Gregory White hijacked TWA Flight 358 on June 11, 1971, at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Armed with a gun, White held a flight attendant hostage, tragically killed a passenger, and demanded $75,000 and safe passage to North Vietnam. Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph Zito, disguised in a captain’s uniform, boarded the plane. During a confrontation, Zito shot and wounded White, leading to his capture. White was later deemed incompetent for trial and died by suicide in 1978.

Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” in 1997

June 11, 1997, is remembered for Michael Jordan’s legendary “Flu Game.” Despite illness, Jordan scored 38 points, contributed 7 rebounds, and made 5 assists against the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. His performance, which included a crucial 3-pointer, remains iconic in basketball history.