Landmark Demolition: Heinrich Rincker House, 1980
The Heinrich (Henry) Wilhelm Rincker House, a 129-year-old historic site located at 6366 N. Milwaukee Ave., Norwood Park, was demolished on August 25, 1980. Despite its status as a Chicago landmark, the building was accidentally destroyed by Cirro Wrecking Co., owing to an address mix-up. No demolition records had been submitted, as stated by Ald. Roman Pucinski. Rincker, a German immigrant, was remembered for casting the Cook County Courthouse bell, lost in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire.
Earlier in 1980, the house narrowly survived a fire suspected to be arson, which damaged the attic and roof. Efforts by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to preserve the property were opposed by the owner, Anthony Roppolo, who planned to develop a shopping center and condominiums on the site. Highlighting preservation challenges, Paul Gapp noted the lack of effective deterrents for illegal demolition and inadequate processes to monitor such actions. A plaque currently marks the former site at 6312 N. Nagle Ave.
Record-breaking Baseball Game, 1922
On August 25, 1922, a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field broke Major League Baseball records by scoring a combined 49 runs. The Cubs triumphed 26-23, with all 26 runs scored in only four innings. This historic game remains the highest-scoring in MLB history.
Arlington Million’s Resilience, 1985
Despite a devastating fire less than a month prior, over 35,000 fans attended the Arlington Million at Arlington Park on August 25, 1985. British horse Teleprompter won the event, known as the “Miracle Million.” The speedy recovery was recognized with an Eclipse Award from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, marking a first for a racetrack.
Kenosha Shooting Incident, 2020
On August 25, 2020, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse opened fire amid protests in Kenosha, resulting in the death of two individuals and injuries to a third. The demonstrations were sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse claimed self-defense and was later acquitted on November 19, 2021, by a Kenosha jury.
Lucas Giolito’s No-Hitter, 2020
On the same day, Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito made history with a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the 19th for the franchise. Giolito struck out 13 players over a 101-pitch game, contributing to the team’s record of 20 no-hitters since 1902.
Weather Records for August 25
- High temperature: 95°F (2003)
- Low temperature: 47°F (1917)
- Precipitation: 1.88 inches (1972)
- Snowfall: Trace amount (1941)
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