Historical Events in Chicago on July 25

Cecil Calimee Incident of 1994

On July 25, 1994, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) worker Cecil Calimee suffered serious injuries. He was set on fire in his ticket booth at the Blue Line station, located at Kedzie Avenue and 19th Street. This former semipro football player and basketball coach endured burns on his face, chest, and left arm.

Weather Highlights

Weather records for July 25 showcase a high of 101 degrees in 1940 and a low of 53 degrees in 1911. Notably, 1.22 inches of precipitation were recorded in 1993, while there was no snowfall.

Arrival of Sea Lions in 1889

In July 1889, 19 sea lions arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo from Santa Barbara, California. Capt. Cyrus Alvah Eastman captured and transported them, feeding them fish during their train journey. The arrival initially fascinated many, but locals soon complained about the noise.

Development of O’Hare International Airport

In 1942, Douglas Aircraft Co. began work on a 1,347-acre site at Orchard Place. This developmental project led to the creation of O’Hare International Airport. The work involved demolishing homes, leveling land, and adding a railway spur.

Shooting Incident at St. John of God Catholic Church

On July 25, 1984, a gunman fired shots at a “weeping” Virgin Mary statue in St. John of God Catholic Church. The man escaped, but thankfully, none of the 40 congregants present were harmed.

Renaming of Congress Parkway

In 2018, Congress Parkway in Chicago was renamed Ida B. Wells Drive. This honored Ida B. Wells, a respected activist, marking the first time a major downtown street was named after a woman of color.