Significant Events in Chicago’s History: July 28

1914: World War I Begins
On July 28, 1914, Chicago was abuzz following news of looming war in Europe. Cafes, coffee houses, beer gardens, and even street corners were packed as Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia. The Chicago Tribune’s archives reveal that the city’s foreign communities were deeply affected by these developments.

1888: Jimmy Ryan Hits for the Cycle
Chicago Cubs’ Jimmy Ryan became the team’s sole member to hit for the cycle twice. On July 28, 1888, against the Detroit Black Sox, Ryan managed four hits in six attempts, achieving an average of .833. The cycle included a single, home run, triple, and double.

1942: Lincoln Park Zoo’s Elephant’s Demise
Lincoln Park Zoo’s elephant, Deed-a-Day, gifted by Chicago Boy Scouts in 1924, passed away in 1942. A post-mortem revealed the elephant died from ingestion of hazardous items. Public visitors had fed her broken glass and rubber balls, causing her terminal condition.

1961: Illinois Revolutionizes Criminal Code
Governor Otto Kerner signed laws making Illinois the first state to repeal its sodomy law. As of January 1, 1962, homosexual acts were no longer criminal offenses in the state.

1976: White Sox Achieve Unique No-Hitter
Pitchers Francisco Barrios and Blue Moon Odom combined for the only no-hitter in Chicago White Sox history. This performance added to Chicago’s list of 20 no-hitters by White Sox pitchers since 1902.

1979: Dick Butkus Enters the Hall of Fame
Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility. He played for the Bears between 1965 and 1973, starting all 119 games. Notably, Butkus recovered 27 fumbles and was recognized as an All-Pro five times.

1982: Stevie Wonder and ChicagoFest Boycott
Stevie Wonder withdrew from ChicagoFest due to Rev. Jesse Jackson’s call for a Black boycott of the festival. The boycott was a response to Mayor Jane Byrne’s appointment of three white members to the Chicago Housing Authority board.

2009: Brian Dugan Confesses to Murder
Serial killer Brian Dugan admitted to murdering 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico in 1983. Initially sentenced to death in 2009, his punishment was later reduced to life imprisonment when Illinois abolished the death penalty.

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