Chicago Area Events on July 31

Plane Crash in Durango, Mexico

On July 31, 2018, an Aeromexico Embraer 190 aircraft, with 97 passengers and four crew members on board, crashed shortly after taking off from an airport in Durango, Mexico. Fortunately, all on board survived, including at least two passengers from Chicago. One of these was the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, who was in Mexico to celebrate his birthday.

Historical Weather Records

Historically, July 31 shares notable weather extremes recorded by the National Weather Service. The highest temperature hit 99 degrees in 2006, while the lowest was 51 degrees in 1984. In 1888, the date saw 1.29 inches of precipitation.

Betty Robinson’s Olympic Victory

In 1928, women’s track debuted in the Olympics in Amsterdam. Betty Robinson, a 16-year-old from Riverdale, Illinois, clinched the gold medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.2 seconds. Robinson later faced severe injuries from a plane crash but returned to win gold with the U.S. 4×100 relay team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Arlington Park Racetrack Fire

A destructive fire occurred on July 31, 1985, in the Post and Paddock Club at Arlington Park, resulting in the destruction of the main grandstand. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. The racing season’s biggest event still proceeded, attracting 35,000 fans to the “Miracle Million,” where Great Britain’s Teleprompter narrowly defeated Greinton.

Walter Payton’s Hall of Fame Induction

On July 31, 1993, Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for his exceptional rushing record of 16,726 yards, Payton held the record for 18 years until Emmitt Smith surpassed it in 2002. Upon his death in 1999, Payton was deeply mourned, and a large public memorial was held at Soldier Field. The NFL Man of the Year Award was renamed in his honor in 2000.