Historical Events in the Chicago Area on June 11

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Chicago Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup Victory Parade – 2010

On June 11, 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years. The team paraded through the city on double-decker buses, turning downtown into a sea of red as they traveled through the Loop and to a rally at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. An estimated 2 million fans attended the celebration.

Weather Records for June 11

High temperature: 97 degrees (1954)
Low temperature: 41 degrees (1980)
Precipitation: 3.02 inches (1926)
Snowfall: Trace (2001)

Kidnapping of Celinus “Clem” Graver – 1953

State Representative Celinus “Clem” Graver was kidnapped from his garage near his home at 1013 W. 18th Place in Chicago on June 11, 1953. The incident occurred in front of his wife and a friend. Despite investigations, Graver was never found. Notably, his lifestyle raised questions, as he owned two $30,000 homes and frequently carried large sums of cash, yet his government salary was only $5,000.

The Rolling Stones’ Visit – 1964

In June 1964, the Rolling Stones held a news conference outside the Tribune Tower in Chicago. The event ended suddenly when a local barber offered to cut the band’s hair. The band members included Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, and Mick Jagger.

Hijacking of TWA Flight 358 – 1971

On June 11, 1971, Gregory White hijacked TWA Flight 358 at O’Hare International Airport. He held a flight attendant at gunpoint and killed passenger Howard L. Franks. He demanded to be flown to North Vietnam and asked for $75,000 and a machine gun. Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph Zito managed to board the plane undetected and subsequently shot White, stopping the hijacking. White was later found incompetent to stand trial and died by suicide in 1978.

Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” – 1997

During Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan, despite suffering from food poisoning, scored 38 points and helped secure a crucial win against the Utah Jazz. His performance in this weakened state became legendary in basketball history.