Elvis Presley: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

On August 16, 1977, the world lost an icon. Elvis Presley was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. CST. He was found unconscious in his bathroom at Graceland, Tennessee, at the age of 42. His death marked a significant moment in music history. Chicago Tribune commemorated this with a special edition.

Weather Highlights

The National Weather Service recorded significant weather conditions for August 16. In 1988, the high temperature reached 98 degrees. Conversely, in 2004, temperatures dropped to a low of 48 degrees. Notably, in 1968, Chicago experienced 3.79 inches of rain. There was no snowfall recorded for this date.

Babe Ruth’s Historic Home Run

In 1927, Babe Ruth made baseball history. Playing at Comiskey Park, Ruth hit his 37th home run of the season. This feat made him the first player to hit a home run over the new double deck’s roof in right field. The New York Yankees triumphed over the Chicago White Sox with an 8-1 victory.

Bushman the Gorilla

Aug 16, 1930, marked the arrival of Bushman, a young gorilla from Cameroon, to Lincoln Park Zoo. Captured by J.L. Buck, his journey to Chicago was significant. The zoo purchased him for $3,500, equivalent to nearly $71,000 today. Despite limited knowledge of gorilla care, Bushman thrived on a diet including hot dogs and bananas. During his life, Bushman attracted millions to the zoo. His fame was further cemented by an escape incident where a garter snake frightened him back to his cage. His death in 1951 prompted an outpouring of public emotion. Visitors to The Field Museum can still view Bushman’s preserved remains.

Tragic United Airlines Crash

In 1965, tragedy struck near Highland Park as United Airlines Flight 389 crashed into Lake Michigan. The aircraft, a 727 model, was close to landing at O’Hare International Airport. All 30 passengers perished in the crash, which was witnessed by several who recounted a flash of light and thunderous roar.

Release of ‘Uncle Buck’

On August 16, 1989, ‘Uncle Buck,’ a film featuring John Candy, debuted in theaters. Set and filmed in Chicago, the Tribune awarded the film 3 out of 4 stars.

Binti-Jua: Gorilla Hero

In 1996, Brookfield Zoo’s western lowland gorilla, Binti-Jua, became a hero. After a 3-year-old boy fell into her habitat, Binti-Jua cradled him, showing maternal instincts. This act of compassion led Newsweek to name her hero of the year. The boy was eventually rescued, having suffered a head injury.

For those interested in Chicago’s rich history, more stories are available through the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter and associated social media channels.