Chicago: Key Historical Events on August 9
1974: The Presidency Changes Hands
On August 9, 1974, Gerald Ford officially became the 38th President of the United States. He took the oath at 11:05 a.m. CST, although his presidency legally commenced 40 minutes earlier. This was triggered by Richard Nixon’s resignation, marked by a brief letter delivered to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
The Tribune’s Role in the Watergate Scandal
In April 1974, the Chicago Tribune took a significant step in revealing the Watergate scandal. A dedicated team in Washington, D.C., quickly printed the entire Watergate tape transcripts, comprising 246,000 words. This special 44-page section preceded other newspapers and was produced without modern computing technology, engaging hundreds of staff members.
Weather Highlights for August 9 in Chicago
- High temperature: 97°F in 1913
- Low temperature: 51°F in 1972
- Precipitation: 1.6 inches in 1952
- Snowfall: Trace in 1954
1922: Louis Armstrong Arrives in Chicago
In 1922, a young Louis Armstrong arrived in Chicago from New Orleans. Uncertain about his decision at first, Armstrong soon joined Joe “King” Oliver’s band, beginning what he later referred to as “some of his finest days.” His arrival marked a pivotal moment for jazz history.
1973: Lincoln Mall Opens
The Lincoln Mall had its grand opening on August 9, 1973. Located southeast of U.S. 30 and Cicero Avenue, it was the first enclosed mall in Chicago’s far south suburbs, predating the Orland Square opening by nearly three years. After several decades, the mall closed in January 2015, with Carson Pirie Scott following suit in March 2018.
1985: Bruce Springsteen’s Concert Ends in Tragedy
Bruce Springsteen performed at Soldier Field during his “Born in the U.S.A.” tour. However, tragedy struck as a CTA bus collided with a Cadillac, resulting in seven fatalities on the way to the concert.
1988: First Complete Night Game at Wrigley Field
August 9, 1988, witnessed the first complete night game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs faced off against the New York Mets after a rainout, drawing 36,399 fans. The Cubs managed a 6-4 victory, with significant noise from the crowd throughout the game.
1993: Bo Jackson’s Memorable Outburst
During a game against the Oakland Athletics, White Sox’s Bo Jackson famously broke a bat over his knee after striking out. Frank Thomas later secured the win with a pivotal home run, exemplifying the competitive nature of Chicago baseball.