As we turn the page back to June 14, we uncover a significant tapestry of events that shaped the history of Chicago, narrated through the archives of the Chicago Tribune.
Weather records from the National Weather Service highlight the extremes Chicago often faces. On this date, the high temperature reached an oppressive 99 degrees in 1987, while in a stark contrast, a low of 45 degrees was recorded in 1997. Rainfall also left its mark with a noteworthy 2.58 inches in 1949, demonstrating the diverse climate over the years.
The year 1949 was particularly notable as Eddie Waitkus, a former Chicago Cub, became a tragic figure in sports history. At the Edgewater Beach Hotel, he was shot by Ruth Ann Steinhagen, a young fan whose obsession spiraled into violence. This incident later inspired the iconic novel and film ‘The Natural.’
In 1977, Chicago witnessed its first significant major gay rights protest, a pivotal moment in the city’s history. As many as 3,000 demonstrators gathered outside Medinah Temple to express their dissent over Anita Bryant’s appearance. Bryant, a singer and spokesperson for orange juice, had led efforts to repeal a gay rights ordinance in Dade County, Florida, sparking a fierce response from the city’s LGBTQ community.
The year 1981 saw a visit from the revered Mother Teresa, who spoke passionately at Good Counsel High School regarding issues of social justice. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of the Missionaries of Charity called on Catholics to dedicate their lives to service, urging them to embody the compassion of Christ.
Tragedy struck in 1986 when mobster Anthony Spilotro and his brother Michael were brutally murdered in a cornfield in northwest Indiana. Their deaths were a reflection of the violent underbelly of organized crime in Chicago, the chilling details only surfacing during the infamous ‘Family Secrets’ trial years later.
The sports realm in Chicago also celebrated significant victories. On June 14, 1992, the Chicago Bulls captured their second NBA championship at Chicago Stadium. Overcoming a daunting 17-point deficit against the Portland Trail Blazers, they secured a 97-93 victory, marking a milestone in the franchise’s celebrated history.
Later, in 1998, the Bulls would clinch their sixth NBA title, solidifying their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in the history of basketball.
In recent times, 2016 marked a significant transition for popular Chicago-based publications. Johnson Publishing announced the sale of its iconic magazines, Ebony and Jet, to Clear View Group, after filing for bankruptcy. This sale was part of a larger narrative regarding the preservation of African American history, with the archives ultimately sold for $30 million in 2019 to maintain their historical significance.
A consortium of prestigious foundations later ensured that these archives would find a new home at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, preserving the rich heritage they encapsulate.
June 14 in Chicago serves as a rich reminder of the city’s diverse history, illustrating moments of valor, unity, and sometimes tragedy that continue to shape its identity. Whether through sports, social justice movements, or cultural history, the events of this day resonate with the spirit of Chicago.
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/14/chicago-history-june-14/
