Chicago Historical Highlights: Events on October 3
1969: The First Black Expo
On October 3, 1969, the inaugural Black Expo was launched by Operation Breadbasket of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The event took place at the International Amphitheatre and showcased notable figures such as poet Gwendolyn Brooks, and musical stars Marvin Gaye, Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, B.B. King, and Aretha Franklin.
The Black Expo continued annually until 1976 and experienced a revival in the 1990s.
Weather Records on October 3
- Highest recorded temperature: 91°F in 1954.
- Lowest recorded temperature: 29°F in 1981.
- Precipitation: 3.95 inches in 1954.
- No snowfall recorded.
1915: Chicago Cubs’ Last Game at West Side Grounds
On October 3, 1915, the Chicago Cubs played their final game at the West Side Grounds. They defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at a location bordered by Polk, Wood, and Taylor streets, now part of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine.
1930: Soldier Field’s First Night Football Game
Soldier Field hosted its first nighttime football game on October 3, 1930. Oregon emerged victorious against Drake, with a score of 14-7.
1983: Chicago Public Schools Teacher Strike
October 3 marked the continuation of the second-longest teachers’ strike in the Chicago Public Schools history, lasting a total of 15 days. Over 420,000 students were affected. The strike concluded with the school board proposing a 5% raise for teachers in a tentative agreement on October 23.
1987: Longest Chicago Public Schools Strike
On October 3, 1987, Chicago Public Schools faced its longest strike, which lasted almost a month and resulted in the cancellation of 19 days of school. Teachers received a 4% salary increase for the first year, accompanied by a reduction in class sizes at specific schools.
1992: Marriage of Barack and Michelle Obama
On October 3, 1992, Barack and Michelle Obama tied the knot at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Their reception took place at the South Shore Cultural Center.
2010: Nancy Faust’s Final Home Game
Veteran Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust played her last home game at U.S. Cellular Field (now Rate Field) on October 3, 2010. Known for her iconic renditions, including “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” Faust returned for special appearances during the team’s 125th season in 2025.
2018: Cubs Shortstop Addison Russell’s Suspension
On October 3, 2018, following the Cubs’ loss in the National League wild-card game, shortstop Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic-abuse policy.
2019: Museum of Science and Industry’s Name Change
On October 3, 2019, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry announced plans to rename itself following a pledge of $125 million from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin, marking the largest donation in the museum’s history.