Flashback: Significant Events in Chicago on October 3

1969: Inaugural Black Expo

The first Black Expo, organized by Operation Breadbasket of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, debuted at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago. This pivotal event featured cultural and musical icons such as poet Gwendolyn Brooks and musical artists Marvin Gaye, Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin. The Expo continued annually until 1976, with a revival in the 1990s.

Weather Records

Chicago’s weather records on October 3 show extreme temperatures and precipitation levels. In 1954, the high reached 91 degrees, while the low in 1981 was recorded at 29 degrees. Notably, 3.95 inches of precipitation fell in 1954, but there was no snowfall.

1915: Last Game at West Side Grounds

The Chicago Cubs played their final game at the historic West Side Grounds, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. This site witnessed back-to-back Cubs championships in 1907 and 1908 and hosted World Series games four times in five years. Today, the location is part of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine.

1930: Soldier Field’s Night Football Debut

Soldier Field introduced nighttime football with a game where Oregon triumphed over Drake, 14-7.

1983: Second-Longest Teachers Strike

Chicago Public Schools endured a 15-day strike, the second-longest in its history, with more than 420,000 students affected. The Chicago Teachers Union, led by Robert Healey, criticized CPS Superintendent Ruth Love for prolonging the strike. The eventual agreement included a 5% raise for teachers, altering payment periods for some to ease financial strain on the board, totaling $81 million.

1987: Record Teachers Strike

The longest teachers strike in CPS history spanned nearly a month, with 19 school days lost. Teachers negotiated a salary increase of 4% for the first year and contingent 4% for the next. Additional measures included reduced class sizes in certain schools, supported by a $43.8 million package funded by cutting 1,800 positions.

1992: Barack and Michelle Obama’s Wedding

Barack and Michelle Obama were married at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, celebrating their reception at the South Shore Cultural Center.

2010: Nancy Faust’s Last Game

White Sox organist Nancy Faust completed her tenure after 41 seasons, having played over 3,000 games at U.S. Cellular Field. Famous for tunes like “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye,” Faust contributed significantly to the ballpark atmosphere. She made a special return during the Sox’s 125th season in 2025.

2018: Addison Russell’s Suspension

Cubs shortstop Addison Russell faced a 40-game suspension without pay under MLB’s domestic-abuse policy following the Cubs’ loss to the Colorado Rockies. Initially eligible to rejoin in May, Russell was sent to Triple-A Iowa.

2019: Museum of Science and Industry Donation

The Museum of Science and Industry announced plans to change its name following a record-breaking $125 million pledge from billionaire Ken Griffin, marking the largest donation in its history.