History of the State of Illinois Center

On September 1, 1982, the State of Illinois Center’s construction reached a milestone. It was, at the time, the most costly building in the state, exceeding $172 million. Architect Helmut Jahn, Governor Jim Thompson, and Mayor Jane Byrne attended the ceremony. Archbishop Joseph Bernardin from the Archdiocese of Chicago offered a blessing for the structure. Governor Thompson became the inaugural occupant in November 1984. In 1993, the building was renamed the Thompson Center in his honor. His office featured a desk once belonging to George Pullman, contributed by the Chicago Historical Society.

Record-Breaking Weather

The National Weather Service recorded various weather phenomena in Chicago over the years. The highest temperature was 101 degrees in 1953, while the lowest was 45 degrees in 1949. Significant rainfall was noted in 1977 with 2.92 inches. There was no snowfall recorded on this date.

Chicago’s Ecclesiastical Development

In 1880, Rome elevated Chicago’s status by designating it an archdiocese. This decision positioned Bishop Patrick Feehan as the city’s first archbishop, enhancing its religious prominence in the region.

Urban Grid Transformation

In 1909, Chicago adopted a new citywide grid system. State and Madison streets became the reference points. The plan altered most addresses and influenced suburbs’ street layouts. The system, proposed by Edward Brennan in 1901, organized the city using a logical numeric block system with directional indicators: N, S, E, W.

Chicago Bears’ Early Adoption

In September 1933, the Chicago Bears held their training camp at the University of Notre Dame. This marked their first camp outside the city. The notable absence of player Red Grange was reported at the time.

Tragic Aerial Incident

On September 1, 1961, a TWA Constellation plane experienced a catastrophic event. A loose bolt caused a third of the tail section to detach shortly after takeoff from Midway Airport. The crash near Clarendon Hills resulted in the loss of all 78 people aboard.

Smoke Detector Ordinance

In 1984, Chicago made smoke detectors mandatory in multi-unit residences. The City Council’s unanimous April vote led to a maximum $1,000 fine and six-month jail sentence for non-compliance. Commissioner Louis Galante highlighted that over 90% of the city’s fire fatalities in 1983 were in non-compliant dwellings.

Tully Monster Becomes State Fossil

After nearly two years of delay, Governor Jim Thompson signed legislation in 1989 establishing the Tully monster as Illinois’ state fossil.

Mae Jemison’s Historic Space Mission

In 1992, Mae Jemison, raised in Chicago, became the first Black woman in space. She participated in the STS-47 Spacelab J mission aboard the Endeavour.

Intrigue in Fox Lake

In 2015, Fox Lake police officer Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz was found dead in a marshy area. Initially, it was thought to be a murder. Known as “G.I. Joe,” he was later found to have staged his suicide. His widow, Melodie Gliniewicz, faced charges for financial crimes related to his activities.

Khalil Mack Joins the Bears

In 2018, the Chicago Bears made a significant move by trading for Khalil Mack. They offered multiple draft picks to the Oakland Raiders. Mack signed a six-year, $141 million contract extension. He amassed 36 sacks and numerous accolades before his 2022 trade to the Los Angeles Chargers.