April 26 has seen remarkable events in Chicago’s history, as recorded by the Chicago Tribune archives.
Weather records for this date highlight the extremes experienced in the city, such as a scorching high of 89 degrees in 1986, and a chilling low of 27 degrees recorded in 2006.
Additionally, notable precipitation events have occurred, including 1.76 inches of rain in 1995 and a rare snowfall of 0.8 inches in 1910.
One of the memorable occurrences in 1941 involved the Chicago Cubs, who made history as the first Major League team to feature organ music at a baseball game.
However, the celebration was short-lived. Organist Ray Nelson had to stop playing by 2:30 p.m. due to concerns about performing restricted ASCAP arias that would interfere with radio transmission.
That same year, an incident at Brookfield Zoo captured public attention when Ziggy the elephant demonstrated aggressive behavior, throwing his keeper George “Slim” Lewis to the ground and attempting to gore him.
In a dramatic turn, Lewis successfully defended himself with a punch to Ziggy’s eye and jumped into the moat surrounding the enclosure to escape.
Despite management’s initial intention to euthanize Ziggy after the incident, Lewis advocated for the elephant’s life.
The plea resulted in Ziggy being confined indoors for 29 years, chained to a wall in the Pachyderm House.
A movement initiated by then-Tribune reporter Michael Sneed in 1969 eventually aimed to free the aging pachyderm, gathering over $15,000 in donations (equivalent to more than $132,000 today) to construct a new outdoor habitat.
On September 23, 1970, Ziggy finally experienced his long-awaited freedom in the new enclosure, a testament to the successful efforts of animal rights advocates in the city.
Fast forward to 1951, and another significant event took place when General Douglas MacArthur, who had recently been dismissed from his command in the Far East by President Harry Truman, addressed a large crowd at Soldier Field.
The general commanded attention as he defended his stance on the Korean War, with the audience interrupting him 19 times with applause during his speech, where he called for a practical approach to limit American casualties.
In stark contrast, 2006 saw the Chicago City Council voting to ban foie gras—the delicacy made from the fatty livers of ducks and geese, produced through force-feeding.
This controversial decision, effective August 22, 2006, drew ire from some, including Mayor Richard M. Daley, who bemoaned the council’s interference in personal dining choices.
The ban came into the spotlight as chef Charlie Trotter publicly voiced his stance against foie gras, citing personal visits to production farms that revealed inhumane treatment of birds.
Alderman Joe Moore championed the ordinance against foie gras, framing it as a moral issue of animal cruelty.
In a striking comparison, former “M*A*S*H*” actress and animal rights advocate Loretta Swit voiced her disapproval, likening the treatment of ducks to the mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison.
The foie gras debate drew national attention, even being satirized on “The Colbert Report,” while food celebrity Anthony Bourdain criticized the ban, claiming it painted Chicago as a “stupid cow town.”
Despite the ordinance, some local establishments continued serving foie gras, challenging the council’s authority.
Ultimately, the ban was repealed on May 14, 2008, concluding a contentious chapter in the city’s culinary history.
April 26 has served as a reminder of Chicago’s ability to generate newsworthy events ranging from sports innovation to humanitarian actions and contentious legislative decisions, all shaping the character of this vibrant city.
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