Historical Events in Chicago on August 23
August 23rd has seen a variety of notable occurrences in the Chicago area. These events span several decades and involve different aspects of society, from cultural gatherings to tragic incidents.
1938: Jitterbug Riot at Soldier Field
On August 23, 1938, Soldier Field witnessed a significant event known as the “Jitterbug riot.” At least 100,000 dancers, mostly teenagers, forced open the gates to enjoy a night of free entertainment featuring numerous bands. This gathering occurred an hour before the scheduled program time, highlighting the immense enthusiasm among attendees.
1982: Governor Signs Law Affecting Night Games
In 1982, Illinois Governor James R. Thompson enacted legislation to ban all but daytime games at Wrigley Field, citing concerns over noise pollution. This move aimed to protect nearly 60,000 residents living around the stadium from noise levels exceeding 45 decibels after 10 p.m. However, Soldier Field and Comiskey Park were exempt due to a “grandfather clause.”
1983: First Black Police Superintendent
Fred Rice made history on August 23, 1983, by becoming Chicago’s first Black police superintendent. Rice’s leadership played a pivotal role in addressing gang violence and community policing.
1992: Unsolved Murder of Tammy Zywicki
Tammy Zywicki’s murder remains a somber chapter in Chicago’s history. The 21-year-old college student disappeared on August 23, 1992, after her car broke down on Interstate 80 near Utica, Illinois. Nine days later, her body was found in rural Missouri, and despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved.
2002: Betty Loren-Maltese Conviction
In August 2002, Cicero’s former town president, Betty Loren-Maltese, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and fraud. Her administration had diverted over $12 million from town coffers to personal projects, drawing significant public and legal scrutiny. Loren-Maltese served a prison sentence and later struggled to rebuild her life.
2020: José Abreu’s Historic Home Run Achievement
On August 23, 2020, José Abreu of the Chicago White Sox joined a rare group of MLB players by hitting four home runs in four consecutive at-bats against the Chicago Cubs. This remarkable achievement added another exciting milestone to the Crosstown Series.
For those interested in exploring more of Chicago’s past, consider subscribing to the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter or joining the Chicagoland history Facebook group. For suggestions on historical topics, contact Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at the provided email addresses.