Today in Chicago History: Dinosaur invasion!!! (Yes, it was an April Fool’s Day joke)

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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 1, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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

Vintage Chicago Tribune: April fools

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 83 degrees (2010)
  • Low temperature: 17 degrees (1881)
  • Precipitation: 1.58 inches (1967)
  • Snowfall: 8.2 inches (1970)
The Chicago Tribune published illustrations making it look like dinosaurs had invaded the city on April 1, 1906. (Chicago Tribune)

1906: In a 7,000-word story, the Tribune claimed “dinosauria” took over the city.

Al Capone's home at 7244 S. Prairie Ave. on April 4, 1924, during the wake for Salvatore "Frank" Capone, Al's brother, who was killed during a shootout with the police in Cicero on election day, April 2, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)
Al Capone’s home at 7244 S. Prairie Ave. on April 4, 1924, during the wake for Salvatore “Frank” Capone, Al’s brother, who was killed during a shootout with the police in Cicero on Election Dy, April 1, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

1924: Al Capone’s brother Frank was killed in a shootout with Chicago police who were hired by Cicero to quell election disturbances in the village.

1955: Col. Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Tribune, died.

Office workers wait impatiently for buses as wet, heavy snow makes rush hour miserable on April 1, 1970. (Michael Budrys/Chicago Tribune) published April 2, 1970.Date Created: 1970-04-01 Copyright Notice: Chicago Tribune Folder Description: Chicago Weather - Snow Folder Extended Description: 1970 Title: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970 Subject: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970
Office workers wait impatiently for buses as wet, heavy snow makes rush hour miserable on April 1, 1970. (Michael Budrys/Chicago Tribune)

1970: Evening rush-hour commuters — who thought winter was over — felt foolish after the city was socked with a record-breaking spring snowfall. More than 8 inches of snow fell — the most ever on April 1 in Chicago.

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