Historical Events in Chicago on August 23

Flashback: August 23, 1938

On August 23, 1938, an enormous crowd of dancers, primarily teenagers, gathered at Soldier Field for a free entertainment night. A ‘Jitterbug riot’ occurred as gates were forced open by thousands eager to dance. By 7 p.m., 100,000 people were inside the stadium, even before the scheduled program began.

Weather Records in Chicago

According to the National Weather Service, August 23 has seen varied weather conditions:

• High temperature of 98 degrees recorded in 2023
• Low temperature of 48 degrees recorded in 1904
• Precipitation measured at 2.35 inches in 2007
• No snowfall recorded on this date

Legislation Impacting Wrigley Field

On August 23, 1982, Illinois Governor James R. Thompson signed legislation prohibiting nighttime games at Wrigley Field. He cited noise pollution concerns for nearly 60,000 residents living nearby. The law specifically targeted sports events with noise levels exceeding 45 decibels after 10 p.m., though Soldier Field and Comiskey Park were exempt due to a ‘grandfather clause.’ In 1988, an ordinance allowed the Chicago Cubs to host night games.

Fred Rice: First Black Superintendent

Fred Rice made history on August 23, 1983, by becoming the first Black superintendent of the Chicago police.

The Unsolved Murder of Tammy Zywicki

In 1992, Tammy Zywicki was traveling from New Jersey to Grinnell College, Iowa, when tragedy struck. Her car broke down on Interstate 80 on August 23. Nine days later, her body was found in Missouri. Tammy had been stabbed and assaulted; her case remains unsolved.

Conviction of Cicero’s Betty Loren-Maltese

Betty Loren-Maltese, the former president of Cicero, was convicted on August 23, 2002, of racketeering conspiracy and fraud. She was involved in the theft of over $12 million from the town’s funds, facilitated by connections with organized crime and insurance claim manipulation.

José Abreu’s Remarkable Feat

Chicago White Sox’s José Abreu achieved a sports milestone on August 23, 2020, hitting four home runs in four consecutive at-bats during a game against the Cubs, facing four different pitchers.