Labor Day Parade of 1894
September 3, 1894, marked the country’s first Labor Day celebration in Chicago. Thousands of tradesmen and union members marched through Lincoln Park towards Ogden’s Grove picnic area. Despite the rain, over 6,500 participants from various unions such as carpenters, painters, plumbers, gas-fitters, and tile-layers joined the procession.
Weather Records for September 3
Data from the National Weather Service in Chicago indicates the following weather records: A high temperature of 97 degrees was recorded in 1953, a low of 47 degrees in 1974, and precipitation reaching 1.92 inches in 1961. No snowfall was recorded.
Charles Dvorak at the Olympics
In the 1904 Summer Olympics, Charles Dvorak from the Chicago Athletic Association achieved an Olympic record of 11 feet, 6 inches in pole vaulting. Initially, Dvorak traveled to France for the 1900 Olympics but was misinformed about the rescheduling of the event, resulting in a missed competition. He was awarded a silver medal in a consolation event. Dvorak pioneered the use of a lighter bamboo pole, a contrast to the heavy ash or hickory poles previously used.
Paul Stensland’s Capture
In September 1906, Paul Stensland, president of Milwaukee Avenue Bank, fled Chicago with over $1 million. Discovered in Tangier, Morocco, by the Tribune, he surrendered and returned to Chicago to plead guilty. The Tribune’s managing editor, James Keeley, earned a $5,000 reward, which he donated back to the bank.
Billy Williams’ Consecutive Game Streak
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams ended his streak of 1,117 consecutive games on September 3, 1970. Williams, a left fielder, sat out during a game where the Cubs won against the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-2.
Chicago Teachers Union Strike of 1975
On September 3, 1975, the Chicago Teachers Union voted to strike with a compelling 9-to-1 margin. Their demands included a complete contract for the upcoming school year, reduced class sizes, a cost-of-living pay raise, and improved fringe benefits. The strike ended on September 17, 1975, after the Board of Education agreed to a new contract involving a 7.1% salary increase and restoration of teaching positions, influenced by Mayor Richard J. Daley.
CTA Extension to O’Hare Airport
September 3, 1984, saw the inauguration of the Chicago Transit Authority’s train extension to O’Hare International Airport. Priced at 90 cents for a one-way trip, the “L” offered a more cost-effective transportation option compared to taxis or shuttle buses at the time.
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