Historical Highlights of July 28 in Chicago

World War I Begins

On July 28, 1914, the Chicago Tribune reported on the tension within the city’s immigrant communities as news of looming war in Europe spread. The paper hit the streets on the same day Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia, marking the start of World War I. Cafes, beer gardens, and street corners buzzed with discussions about the unfolding conflict.

Weather Records

Chicago’s weather on this date varied over the years. In 1983, the high temperature soared to 100 degrees, while 1984 saw a low of 51 degrees. On this day in 1906, rainfall reached 2.91 inches, and no snowfall was recorded.

Baseball Feat by Jimmy Ryan

On July 28, 1888, Jimmy Ryan of the Chicago White Stockings achieved hitting for the cycle against the Detroit Black Sox. His performance, including a home run and a triple, was praised in the Tribune. Ryan repeated this feat on July 1, 1891, against Cleveland.

Tragic End for Deed-a-Day

In 1942, Deed-a-Day, an elephant at Lincoln Park Zoo, passed away due to a stomach ailment caused by ingesting trash fed by visitors. This tragedy was highlighted in a Tribune cartoon by John T. McCutcheon, criticizing those who mistreated the animal.

Illinois Legal Reforms

On July 28, 1961, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner signed into law a new criminal code, including the repeal of the state’s sodomy law. This change decriminalized homosexual activity, effective January 1, 1962, marking a progressive step in legal reforms.

Chicago White Sox No-Hitter

In 1976, Francisco Barrios and Blue Moon Odom combined efforts to pitch a no-hitter for the Chicago White Sox. It remains the only combined no-hitter in the team’s history and is a notable event among the 20 no-hitters thrown by the White Sox since 1902.

Dick Butkus Hall of Fame Induction

In 1979, Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Butkus played nine seasons, was named first-team All-Pro five times, and held the team record for most fumble recoveries with 27.

Stevie Wonder and ChicagoFest Boycott

On July 28, 1982, Stevie Wonder withdrew from ChicagoFest after Rev. Jesse Jackson called for a boycott of the event. The boycott was a protest against Mayor Jane Byrne’s appointment of three white members to the Chicago Housing Authority board.

Confession of a Serial Killer

In 2009, Brian Dugan confessed to the 1983 murder of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico. Originally sentenced to death, Dugan’s sentence was later commuted to life in prison after Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011.