Significant Events from Chicago’s Past

1971: Tragedy on the Field

On October 24, 1971, during an NFL game at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Chuck Hughes, a reserve wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, collapsed in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears. Hughes was later pronounced dead at the hospital, marking the only time an NFL player has died on the field. The scene was chaotic, with Bears’ defensive captain Dick Butkus urgently signaling for help.

Weather Records in Chicago

Chicago has experienced significant weather variations on this date over the years. In 2023, the high temperature reached 83 degrees, while in 1981, the low dropped to 17 degrees. In 2021, the city recorded 1.85 inches of precipitation, and in 2013, a trace of snowfall was noted.

1873: Chicago Public Library’s First Librarian

In 1873, William Frederick Poole was elected the first librarian of the Chicago Public Library, with a salary of $4,000 annually. He later became the first librarian at the Newberry Library in 1887.

1931: Al Capone Sentenced

On October 24, 1931, infamous Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined $50,000 after being found guilty of income tax evasion. He was transferred to a federal penitentiary in Atlanta in May 1932.

1964: The Southwest Expressway Completion

The Southwest Expressway, Chicago’s third major highway constructed within four years, was completed on October 24, 1964. It was later renamed Stevenson Expressway in honor of former Illinois Governor Adlai E. Stevenson II.

1995: Smashing Pumpkins’ Album Release

The Smashing Pumpkins released their double album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” on October 23, 1995. They celebrated with a performance at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre, despite technical issues with the sound system. The concert featured an appearance by Cheap Trick, and the album was hailed by critics as a major step forward for the band.