1946: LaSalle Hotel Fire
On June 5, 1946, a devastating fire occurred at the LaSalle Hotel, located at the intersection of LaSalle and Madison streets in Chicago. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 61 people and injured over 200. It remains the deadliest hotel fire in the city’s history. The hotel was demolished in the 1970s.
Significant Weather Records
The highest recorded temperature for June 5 in Chicago was 97 degrees in 1971, while the lowest was 37 degrees in 1945. In terms of precipitation, June 5, 1932, saw an inch of rain, and there was a trace of snowfall on June 5, 1955.
1854: Railroad Connection Advance
The Rock Island Railroad achieved a milestone in 1854 by connecting Chicago to Lockport and stretching to the Mississippi River. This railroad connection was vital for the city’s growth.
1913: Auto-Polo Matches at Comiskey Park
Comiskey Park hosted a series of thrilling auto-polo matches starting on June 7, 1913. The admission prices ranged from 25 cents to $1. Although Chicago lost the opening match to New York with a score of 9-8, it won the night match 10-8. Fortunately, no competitors were injured during these matches, as noted by the Tribune.
1985: The Day ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ Was Set
The film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” marked June 5, 1985, as the day when the protagonist, along with his girlfriend and best friend, explored Chicago instead of attending school. This brought to light the iconic filming locations across the city.
1989: Frank Thomas Drafted by the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox selected Auburn’s standout first baseman, Frank Thomas, as their seventh pick in the first round of the 1989 amateur draft. Nicknamed the “Big Hurt,” he boasted a notable Major League career playing from 1990 to 2005 for the team, hitting 521 home runs. In 2014, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot.
1991: Michael Jordan’s Iconic Move
In 1991, NBC sportscaster Marv Albert famously exclaimed, “Oh! A spectacular move by Michael Jordan!” This comment came after Jordan executed a remarkable layup during the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers. He switched the ball mid-air from his right to left hand to avoid Sam Perkins, dazzling the crowd and cementing a top moment for his career and the Chicago Bulls.
1996: Princess Diana’s Visit to Chicago
Princess Diana visited Chicago on June 5, 1996, with a focus on raising funds and awareness for cancer victims. Her brief stay raised over $1 million for cancer charities in Chicago and London. She attended a breast cancer symposium at Northwestern University, toured several hospital units, and graced a black-tie fundraiser at the Field Museum. Her visit coincided with the Chicago Bulls playing the Seattle SuperSonics in the NBA Finals.
Leave a Reply