Lady Elgin — the Titanic of the Great Lakes — sinks off the North Shore
Here is an overview of what happened in the Chicago region on September 8, according to the tribune archives.
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Meteorological files (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
- High temperature: 96 degrees (1960)
- Low temperature: 43 degrees (1986)
- Precipitation: 1.65 inches (1885)
- Snowfall: None
1860: The Lady Elgin – A 252 -foot side steam ship was heading for Chicago in Milwaukee on Lake Michigan – collided with the Gull Augusta just before midnight during a thunderstorm. Because the Augusta was under the sail, it had the priority, but the ship was difficult to see because it ran without marker lights. The collision left Lady Elgin with a cut in his side which caused him to flow 2 to 3 miles east of Highland Park in half an hour.
Flashback: “ While waiting for the waves to abandon their dead ”: the Lady Elgin disaster sent hundreds to death
Many of those on board – including members of a Milwaukee democratic organization – did not know how to swim. The rescue canoes were few. According to the Winnetka Historical Historical Society, about 100 passengers were swept away south to Winnetka where they were rescued by the residents and students of the Northwestern University. It is estimated that 300 to 400 others died.
In the aftermath of the disaster – the greatest loss of life of the Great Lakes – better lighting has become required on ships.
The sinking of Lady Elgin was discovered by soldier Salvor Harry Zych off Highland Park in 1989. Some of the ship’s treasures were exhibited at Chicago Maritime Museum.
1918: The arrival of the influenza pandemic in the Chicago region was reported for the first time among the sailors of the Great Lakes Naval Station.
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Naval Station Grands Lakes
According to a study by the University of Michigan, up to 40% of the Flu and Pneumonian Army and the US Navy personnel from September 1918, according to a study by the University of Michigan.
1953: The Cubs of Chicago bought the Ernie Banks contract, a 22-year-old stop-side, Kansas City monarchs of the black Leagues for $ 10,000.
1954: It is estimated that 260,000 people – 180,000 inside Soldier Field and 80,000 others outside – gathered for a mass in tribute to the Virgin Mary on Soldier Field.
1985: About 20,000 fans of “Miami vice” gathered in front of the Marshall Field State Street store to get a glimpse of the stars of Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. The duo has signed autographs for fans adorned with sleeveless t-shirts, silk blazers and Hawaiian shirts on the ninth floor of the store.
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Oprah Winfrey – 10 moments of its Chicago years
1986: Oprah Winfrey’s first talk show made his debut. Only seven months after Winfrey received an Oscar nomination for the best support actress for her professional theatrical beginnings as Sofia in “The Color Purple”, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was broadcast at 9 am CDT to the public outside Chicago for the first time.
The theme of the first show: “How to marry the person of your choice.”
1987: The longest strike in the history of Chicago public schools began – the first day of school. Some 430,000 students were stuck at home, because 99% of Chicago public school teachers promised to stay outside their classrooms as long as necessary to earn a new contract with salary increases.
102 days on strike: Take a look at the 11 teaching strikes from Chicago since 1969
How it was resolved: The one -month record strike ended on October 3, 1987 in a two -year contract with a salary increase of 4% the first year and another 4% increase next year (if the money was found to finance the second boost). The size of the classes was to be reduced by two students from kindergarten to the third year in 36 overcrowded schools and 100 sub-played schools. The package of $ 43.8 million is said to be funded by reducing 1,800 jobs, reported the gallery.
Mayor Harold Washington promised that the strike – which caused the outrage of the parents and students of the city – would bring a radical reform of the Chicago public schools.
2024: Chicago’s recruit quarter-arre, Caleb Williams told journalists that the team’s return 24-17 victory on the Tennessee Titans in the opening of the season was “incredible”.
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