Significant Events in Chicago on August 15

Tragic Events at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin

On August 15, 1914, Taliesin, the renowned residence of architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Spring Green, Wisconsin, became the site of a terrifying tragedy. A servant, Julian Carlton, set the building on fire and attacked its inhabitants with a hatchet as they tried to flee. Among the seven victims were Martha “Mamah” Borthwick Cheney, her children Martha and John, and four others. Following the attack, Carlton ingested acid and succumbed to his injuries afterward.

Taliesin was known for housing Wright’s controversial relationship with Mamah Borthwick. The resort, meant as a sanctuary, turned into a scene of horror on that fateful day.

Weather Extremes in Chicago History

Chicago’s weather has varied drastically on August 15 throughout different years. In 1944, residents experienced scorching temperatures reaching 98 degrees. In contrast, 2004 recorded a cooler 48 degrees. August 15, 1993, saw significant rainfall with 1.87 inches, but there has been no recorded snowfall on this date.

The Clash at Fort Dearborn

On August 15, 1812, a group of around 500 Potawatomi and their allies confronted 110 individuals leaving Fort Dearborn, near the Chicago River’s mouth. The group was heading towards Fort Wayne in the Indiana Territory. The Native Americans engaged the soldiers and civilians, resulting in the death of 68 members of the Fort Dearborn contingent. The number of casualties among the Potawatomi remains unclear, though likely fewer.

Known traditionally as the Fort Dearborn Massacre, this event is more recently referred to as the Battle of Fort Dearborn. This change acknowledges that both sides committed acts of violence during the broader conflict between Native Americans and European colonizers.

Picasso’s Controversial Gift to Chicago

On August 15, 1967, Pablo Picasso presented a unique sculpture to the city of Chicago. This was a high-profile event as the Civic Center sought a centerpiece for its plaza. Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed, and Pulitzer Prize winner Gwendolyn Brooks delivered a poetic tribute. Around 50,000 people witnessed the unveiling.

The sculpture stirred various opinions among the public. William E. Hartmann from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill stated, ‘We wanted the sculpture to be the work of the greatest master alive.’ Despite mixed reactions about its appearance, some described it as abstract or like a “phoenix,” the piece has become a Chicago icon over time.

Elvira Arellano’s Defiance from Deportation

On August 15, 2006, Elvira Arellano sought sanctuary in Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago. She faced deportation alongside her U.S.-born son. Arellano previously worked as a cleaner at O’Hare International Airport, where authorities discovered she used a false Social Security number. She had been deported before.

Arellano’s stay at the church lasted a year and drew nationwide attention. Her case highlighted issues surrounding immigration policies in the United States.