The Stock Market Crash of 1929
On October 29, 1929, the stock market suffered a dramatic fall, marking the day known as Black Tuesday. The combined losses from the previous day led to a quarter of the market’s value being wiped out. The New York Times reported that the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by about 13% on the previous day and by nearly 12% on Black Tuesday. By mid-November, the Dow had lost approximately half of its value according to the Federal Reserve. Despite a late-hour rally, the market narrowly avoided a complete collapse, a fact noted by the Tribune’s Tom Pettey. The downward trend continued until summer 1932 when the Dow hit its lowest 20th-century value at 41.22, 89% below its peak. It took until November 1954 for the Dow to recover to its pre-crash heights.
Weather Records for October 29
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the highest recorded temperature on October 29 was 82 degrees in 2024. The lowest was 19 degrees in 1925. In terms of precipitation, 1.19 inches fell in 1875, and there was a snowfall of 1.7 inches in 1906.
Opening of O’Hare International Airport
On October 29, 1955, O’Hare International Airport opened for civilian use. Despite inclement weather, Trans World Airlines Flight 94 became the first plane to depart, heading to Paris then Cairo. The airport, once the world’s largest, began its journey into the jet age. Mayor Richard J. Daley highlighted the airport’s potential for expansion and future development in remarks made to approximately 2,500 onlookers. However, the airport lacked amenities like restaurants and lounges at its inception, with only vending machines offering coffee, sandwiches, and drinks.
Disappearance of Stacy Peterson
On October 29, 2007, Stacy Peterson was reported missing after failing to visit her sister. Her husband, Drew Peterson, a Bolingbrook police officer, was the last person to see her. He was later convicted of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2012 and sentenced to prison. In 2016, Peterson received an additional 40-year sentence for attempting to hire someone to kill the prosecuting attorney in his case.
Zach Miller’s Injury
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller suffered a severe left leg injury while attempting to catch a touchdown pass on October 29, 2017, against the New Orleans Saints. The injury was so serious that it required emergency vascular surgery to save his leg. Miller underwent nine surgeries before attempting to walk again, later receiving the Ed Block Courage Award from his teammates.
Klay Thompson’s Record-Breaking Performance
On October 29, 2018, Klay Thompson set an NBA record by hitting 14 three-pointers in a game where the Golden State Warriors defeated the Chicago Bulls 149-124. The Warriors scored a stunning 92 points in the first half at the United Center.
Hiring of Tony La Russa
In 2020, the Chicago White Sox surprisingly rehired Tony La Russa as manager, a figure who had led the team to a division title in 1983. The organization was aware of La Russa’s February DUI arrest but confirmed his employment on October 28. La Russa eventually stepped down after the 2022 season due to health issues.
Leave a Reply