Amelia Earhart’s Historic Flight

On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart completed her solo flight from New Jersey to Northern Island. She became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, covering 2,026.5 miles in 14 hours and 54 minutes. As a Hyde Park High School alumna, Earhart expressed that this flight was made “just for fun.” Her husband supported her aviation endeavors, and she maintained her professional identity, preferring to be known by her maiden name. A month later, Earhart landed in Chicago and received a medal for her achievement during a show commemorating George Washington’s birth bicentennial.

Notable Weather Records

In Chicago, May 21 has witnessed varying weather conditions. The highest temperature recorded was 92 degrees in 1977. In contrast, the lowest was 31 degrees in 2002. On May 21, 2018, the city received 1.96 inches of precipitation. Back in 1969, there was a trace of snowfall noted.

Lake Michigan Shipwreck

In 1891, the schooner Thomas Hume set sail from Chicago to Muskegon, Michigan, along with the Rouse Simmons. The Rouse Simmons turned back due to rough waters, but the Thomas Hume disappeared without a trace. Members of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association have since located its final resting place 147 feet underwater, 22 miles from Belmont Harbor.

The Crime of the Century

In 1924, Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb, two affluent young men from Kenwood, murdered Bobby Franks. They lured him in with a ride home offer. Their motive seemed monetary and thrill-based. They referred to their actions as a “perfect murder,” believing they would evade justice. However, after their arrest and confessions, the case became known as “the crime of the century.”

Charles Lindbergh’s Legendary Flight

On May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris after a 33-hour, 29-minute flight from New York. He completed the first nonstop solo trans-Atlantic flight. When exiting his plane, “The Spirit of St. Louis,” his first inquiry was “Am I in Paris?” A Tribune reporter confirmed his arrival.

Historic Baseball Game at Comiskey Park

In the 1943 baseball season at Comiskey Park, the Chicago White Sox faced the Washington Senators. They won 1-0 in a game lasting just 1 hour and 29 minutes. This game is the fastest nine-inning game in American League history.

Antiques Heist

In 2017, the Merchandise Mart experienced the theft of a jewel-encrusted Asprey & Co. mystery clock valued at $425,000 during an antiques exhibition.