Significant Events in Chicago History on October 6

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Haymarket Affair Monument Bombing

On October 6, 1969, the bronze monument dedicated to seven police officers killed during the 1886 Haymarket Affair was bombed. Since its erection in 1887, the monument has faced various challenges. It has been moved three times, nearly relocated two other times, wrecked by a street car in 1927, defaced by vandals, and ultimately restored. The bombing was claimed by Weather Underground members, with the city’s mayor, Richard J. Daley, calling it an insult to all Chicago citizens.

Today, the rebuilt police monument stands outside Chicago police headquarters, while the Haymarket Memorial is located at 175 N. Desplaines St.

Weather Records

According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, October 6 has seen the following weather extremes:

High temperature: 94°F in 1963
Low temperature: 28°F in 1952
Precipitation: 1.57 inches in 1955
Trace snowfall in 1935

Historic Inauguration

Shadrach Bond was inaugurated as Illinois’ first governor on this day in 1818. He highlighted the financial issues the state faced while advocating for humane criminal penalties. Bond opposed severe punishments such as whipping and confinements in stocks.

The Goat Curse

In 1945, Billy Goat Tavern owner Bill Sianis and his goat were denied entrance to Wrigley Field. This incident is linked to the infamous ‘curse of the goat.’ Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley allowed Sianis entry, but not the goat due to its smell.

Tokyo Rose Conviction

In 1949, Iva Ikuko Toguri D’Aquino, known as ‘Tokyo Rose,’ received a 10-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine for treason. She was accused of spreading propaganda during World War II. Toguri’s conviction led to considerable public discourse, culminating in a presidential pardon in 1977.

MLK Day Movement

Following the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, efforts to establish a holiday in his honor began. State Rep. Harold Washington of Illinois sponsored a bill for a commemorative day on King’s birthday, which was signed into law in 1971. Despite initial legislative hurdles, Illinois became the first state to recognize MLK Day.

Chicago Landmark

Established as a city landmark in 1971, Chicago’s Water Tower serves as a historical symbol. Built a century before, its resilience during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 marked its significance.

Michael Jordan’s Retirement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from professional basketball. Expressing satisfaction with his career, he stated, ‘I have reached the pinnacle of my career.’ Jordan returned to the NBA in 1995, famously declaring, ‘I’m back.’

Exonerating Catherine O’Leary

In 1997, a resolution exonerating Catherine O’Leary and her cow from blame for the Great Chicago Fire was adopted. Introduced by Alderman Edward Burke, it aimed to rectify past accusations tied to the fire.