Events in Chicago History on June 13

Revisiting June 13 in the Chicago area, historical events encompass a range of milestones across different years.

1990: Movie Premiere in Woodstock

The film adaptation of Dick Tracy, featuring stars Warren Beatty and Madonna, made its debut in Woodstock, the hometown of Dick Tracy’s creator, Chester Gould. Although major stars were absent, Dick Tracy, a Chicago police officer, attended the event.

Weather Records for June 13

• High temperature: 95 degrees in 1956
• Low temperature: 40 degrees in 1985
• Precipitation: 4.64 inches in 1976
• Snowfall: Trace in 2022

1888: Lincoln Park Zoo Acquisitions

The Lincoln Park Zoo invested $3,000 to acquire its first 8-year-old elephant, named ‘Duchess’, along with several other animals from the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Currently, the zoo’s acquisitions are noncommercial.

1940: Hall of Fame Game

The inaugural Hall of Fame Game at Cooperstown saw the Chicago Cubs defeating the Boston Red Sox with a score of 10-9. The game, interrupted by rain, recorded four home runs, and was attended by 3,500 fans.

1957: Baseball Fight at Comiskey Park

A significant baseball brawl occurred when New York Yankees’ pitcher Art Ditmar’s close pitch to Larry Doby sparked a fight. Veteran Yankee Enos Slaughter engaged in a physical confrontation with Sox’s Walt ‘Moose’ Dropo, emerging with a torn jersey.

1986: Vietnam Veterans Parade

Eleven years post-war, Vietnam veterans were honored in a parade that wound through downtown Chicago, providing a long-deserved platform for recognition.

1994: Ryne Sandberg’s Retirement

Cubs’ second baseman Ryne Sandberg announced his retirement, prioritizing family time. He later returned, performing impressively in his comeback season.

1997: Chicago Bulls’ Victory

The Chicago Bulls celebrated their fifth NBA championship, marking a historic achievement in sports for the city.

2006: James Laski’s Sentencing

Former City Clerk James Laski received a two-year prison sentence, serving about a year for his involvement in the city’s Hired Truck Program bribery case.