Notable Events in Chicago on June 11
2010: Chicago Blackhawks Celebrate Stanley Cup Win
On June 11, 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their first Stanley Cup championship in nearly fifty years. An estimated two million fans turned downtown Chicago into a sea of red. The celebration included a parade with double-decker buses that weaved through the Loop. The festivities concluded with a rally at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue.
Weather Records for June 11
The National Weather Service recorded several weather milestones for June 11. The highest temperature was 97 degrees in 1954, while the lowest was 41 degrees in 1980. On this day in 1926, precipitation reached 3.02 inches. There was even a trace of snowfall in 2001.
1953: Kidnapping of State Representative Celinus Graver
State Rep. Celinus “Clem” Graver was kidnapped from his garage on June 11, 1953. This occurred at 1013 W. 18th Place as his wife and a friend looked on. Graver, a well-known figure in Chicago’s “Bloody 21st” Ward, disappeared without a trace. Despite his modest government salary, Graver led a lifestyle that aroused curiosity, including owning two $30,000 homes and never carrying less than $500 in cash. Reports indicated he had made secret trips to Cuba before the incident.
1964: The Rolling Stones’ Abrupt News Conference
In June 1964, the Rolling Stones held a news conference in front of the Tribune Tower. The event was cut short when a local barber offered the band members haircuts. This happened at Nathan Hale Court outside the Tribune Tower.
1971: TWA Flight 358 Hijacking
Gregory White hijacked TWA Flight 358 from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on June 11, 1971. He took a flight attendant hostage and fatally shot a passenger. White demanded to be taken to North Vietnam, along with $75,000 and a machine gun. Deputy U.S. Marshal Joseph Zito eventually subdued White after entering the plane covertly. White was later found incompetent to stand trial and died by suicide seven years afterward.
1997: Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game”
On June 11, 1997, Michael Jordan played despite being ill in what became known as the “Flu Game.” Jordan scored 38 points, helped with 7 rebounds, and made 5 assists. His performance led the Chicago Bulls to a Game 5 victory over the Utah Jazz during the NBA Finals, shifting the series significantly.