Notable Events in Chicago’s History on October 20
According to the Tribune’s archives, several significant events have shaped Chicago over the years on October 20. Here’s a look back at some of these events:
1926: Wacker Drive Dedication
On October 20, 1926, Wacker Drive was officially opened. This key development in Chicago provided a significant thoroughfare for the city’s transportation network.
Weather Records for October 20
- High Temperature: 86 degrees recorded in 1953
- Low Temperature: 24 degrees recorded in 1930
- Precipitation: 1.65 inches recorded in 1916
- Snowfall: 3 inches recorded in 1952
1925: Dedication of the Goodman Memorial Theatre
The Kenneth Sawyer Goodman Memorial Theatre was dedicated in 1925. This 700-seat venue, named after a playwright who died in 1918, was located next to the Art Institute of Chicago. The theater moved to the city’s theater district in 2000, facilitating the expansion of the Art Institute’s Modern Wing.
1995: Greenville Federal Correctional Institution Uprising
In 1995, inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville overtook a housing unit after a lockdown was enforced by the Justice Department.
2014: Laquan McDonald Shooting
On October 20, 2014, Officer Jason Van Dyke shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times on South Pulaski Road, leading to McDonald’s death at Mount Sinai Hospital. Van Dyke was found guilty in 2018 of second-degree murder and aggravated battery, serving over three years of an 81-month sentence before his release in 2022.
2015: College of DuPage President Dismissal
In 2015, the trustees at the College of DuPage voted to dismiss President Robert Breuder. Breuder’s tenure ended amid accusations of excessive spending, poor oversight, and failure to comply with state records laws. A legal battle ensued, which eventually resulted in Breuder receiving a $4 million settlement in 2022.
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