Today in Chicago History: City celebrates first Earth Day with Civic Center rally

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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 22, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 91 degrees (1980)
  • Low temperature: 24 degrees (1986)
  • Precipitation: 1.55 inches (1981)
  • Snowfall: 0.2 inches (1893)
Some Chicagoans spent the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, attending a rally in Civic Center (now Daley) Plaza. (Chicago Tribune)

1970: As the first Earth Day was observed in the United States, Illinois Attorney General William Scott told a rally at the Civic Center (now Daley) Plaza that he planned to sue the city of Milwaukee for polluting Lake Michigan.

Mayor Byrne accepts a check for $50,000 from Dan Aykroyd, left, and John Belushi in her office on June 17, 1980, on behalf of the cast and crew of their film "The Blues Brothers" and Universal Studios. The donation was for children's and charitable organizations. Footage for the film was shot in Chicago, and while in town for the filming, the "brothers" called on the mayor last August at ChicagoFest and helped create a memorable picture along with the mayor's daughter, Kathy below. (Ernie Cox Jr./Chicago Tribune) published July 18, 1980 Date Created: 1980-07-17 Copyright Notice: Chicago Tribune Folder Description: Byrne, Jane Folder Extended Description: Chicago Mayor Groups July 1980 Title: BYRNE, JANE CHGO. MAYOR GROUPS JUL. 1980 Subject: BYRNE, JANE
Mayor Jane Byrne accepts a check for $50,000 from Dan Aykroyd, left, and John Belushi in her office on June 17, 1980, on behalf of the cast and crew of their film “The Blues Brothers” and Universal Studios. The donation was for children’s and charitable organizations. Footage for the film was shot in Chicago. (Ernie Cox Jr./Chicago Tribune)

1978: “Joliet” Jake Blues (portrayed by John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (played by Dan Aykroyd) — the Blues Brothers — made their first appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” Though Steve Martin was host, the musical act opened the show. The duo returned during the show’s fourth season.

Two years later, “The Blues Brothers” film — which was largely filmed in Illinois — was released.

On April 22, 1980, shortstop Iván DeJesús became the 12th player on the Chicago Cubs to hit for the cycle. (Chicago Tribune)
On April 22, 1980, shortstop Iván DeJesús became the 12th player on the Chicago Cubs to hit for the cycle. (Chicago Tribune)

1980: Chicago Cubs shortstop Iván DeJesús hit for the cycle against the St. Louis Cardinals. DeJesús had no idea what he had just done until third-base coach Joey Amalfitano congratulated him.

“It’s like pitching a no-hitter. It’s something you’ve never done before. But if I go 5-for-6 in the game, and we lose, it’s not the same,” DeJesús told reporters after the game. The Cubs beat the Cardinals 16-12 at Wrigley Field.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Chicago Cubs who have hit for the cycle

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