Significant Events in Chicago’s History: May 26

Appointing Chicago Chief of Police Cyrus Bradley in 1855

In 1855, Cyrus Bradley was appointed as the Chief of Police in Chicago. He held this position until his passing in 1865. Bradley is credited with introducing the department’s motto: At danger’s call, we’ll promptly fly; and bravely do or bravely die.

Weather Records for May 26

The National Weather Service records for May 26 include a high temperature of 94 degrees recorded in 1911 and a low of 34 degrees in 1983. Precipitation reached 1.78 inches in 1913, and there was a trace of snowfall in 1907.

Opening of the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain in 1927

The Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains globally, began construction around 1926 and officially opened at a ceremony in August 1927. Architect Edward Bennet designed this iconic landmark, also known for Wacker Drive and the DuSable Bridge designs. French artist Marcel Loyau crafted the fountain’s four seahorses, symbolizing the states bordering Lake Michigan.

Kate Buckingham donated the fountain in memory of her brother, Clarence. She created a $300,000 trust fund with the Art Institute of Chicago to avoid burdening taxpayers with maintenance costs. This foresight proved beneficial during the $2.8 million restoration in 1994.

The fountain’s basin features pink marble from Georgia and draws inspiration from the Latona Basin in the gardens of Versailles, hence its resemblance to French grandeur. It houses 134 jets powered by three pumps that circulate over 14,000 gallons of water every minute. Initially, a computer in Atlanta controlled the fountain’s pumps, but this was relocated to a nearby pump house after the 1994 renovation.