Historical Events in Chicago on May 20

Significant Events on May 20 in Chicago

Below are notable incidents and activities that occurred in the Chicago area on May 20, drawn from the archives of the Chicago Tribune.

1987: Prostitution Ring Uncovered

Doris Fischer, alongside her two daughters and son-in-law, admitted guilt in operating a prostitution ring from their home in Buffalo Grove. This was part of an investigation led by the FBI and IRS, known as “Operation Safebet.”

Weather Highlights

• 1977: Highest recorded temperature was 95 degrees.
• 2002: Lowest recorded temperature was 33 degrees.
• 1975: 2.54 inches of precipitation fell.
• Snowfall: None on record for this date.

1883: The Wells Burt Disaster

The schooner Wells Burt, carrying coal from Buffalo, was caught in a storm on Lake Michigan and sank. The shipwreck occurred 3 miles off Evanston, leaving the remains in 40 feet of water. It has since become a site for divers.

1943: Military Plane Crash

A U.S. Army Air Corps B-24 Bomber crashed during poor weather conditions into a gas tank near Chicago’s Midway Airport. All 12 onboard perished. The explosion’s heat was felt over a mile away.

1970: Atomic Imaging Achievement

Physicist Albert Crewe from the University of Chicago announced the imaging of individual atoms within molecules using a specially designed electron microscope, marking a significant advancement in atomic physics.

1988: Tragic School Shooting

Laurie Dann opened fire at Hubbard Woods Elementary School in Winnetka, resulting in the death of 8-year-old Nicholas Corwin and injuring several others before taking her own life.

1992: Ban on Spray Paint Sales

To tackle graffiti issues, Chicago aldermen voted to ban spray paint sales in the city. The measure, supported by Ald. Richard Mell, passed with a 38-1 vote, despite dissent about the focus on unemployment and housing.

1994: Chicago Bulls’ Last Game at Stadium

The Chicago Bulls secured a 93-79 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This marked their last game at the Chicago Stadium. They later lost the series in Game 7.

2006: Heated Baseball Clash

Tensions flared between the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs when A.J. Pierzynski collided with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett. The encounter led to a physical altercation, resulting in multiple player ejections and subsequent suspensions and fines.

2012: NATO Summit Protests

Despite the relocation of the G-8 Summit, a NATO summit took place in Chicago, attracting significant protests across the city.

2017: Cubs Game Postponed

The Chicago Cubs rescheduled a match against the Milwaukee Brewers due to weather threats. The absence of rain led to speculation about the Cubs’ intentions, voiced by Brewers GM David Stearns.

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