Notable Events in Chicago on June 6

Explore significant happenings in the Chicago area on June 6 based on historical archives. If you know of an event that’s not mentioned, feel free to email us.

1944: D-Day Observances

On June 6, 1944, Chicagoans gathered at various places of worship, including Holy Name Cathedral, to pray as Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied France, marking the D-Day invasion during World War II. The front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune captured the moment with the headline “Allies Invade France.”

Weather Records

• High temperature: 97 degrees in 1971
• Low temperature: 39 degrees in 1985
• Precipitation: 1.6 inches in 1931
• Snowfall: None recorded

1883: Medinah Temple’s Charter

Charter No. 14 for Medinah Temple was issued at the ninth Imperial Session of the Imperial Grand Council at the Masonic Temple in New York in 1883.

1892: Launch of Chicago’s “L”

Service on Chicago’s first elevated railroad, known as the “L,” began between Congress and 39th streets. Though the event lacked fanfare, the Chicago Tribune termed it a “decided success.”

1995: Sentencing in Brach Case

In 1995, Richard Bailey was initially sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the suspected murder of candy heiress Helen Vorhees Brach. His sentence was reduced to 30 years after pleading guilty to defrauding women into buying overpriced show horses. Brach had been declared legally dead in 1984, her body never recovered.

2004: Riley Fox Case

Three-year-old Riley Fox was found drowned in a Wilmington creek. Her father, Kevin Fox, was initially arrested but later exonerated. Scott Eby, a convicted sex offender, confessed to her murder in 2010 and received a life sentence without parole. Tragically, Kevin Fox died in a car accident in 2023.

2015: Opening of The 606

Chicago’s new elevated track and park system, The 606, was officially opened on June 6, 2015. This space offers recreational opportunities and community connections.

If you have more stories or ideas related to Chicago’s history, share them with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather via email at [email protected] and [email protected].