Today in Chicago History: Illinois becomes first state to recognize MLK Day

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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 15, 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: 60 degrees (1949)
  • Low temperature: Minus 19 degrees (1979)
  • Precipitation: 0.81 inches (1877)
  • Snowfall: 4.2 inches (1997)

Cook County unveils new flag designed by high school student and inspired by 1893 World’s Fair goddess statue

1831: Cook County was created. The Illinois State Legislature recognized it as the state’s 54th county.

1916: Confirming a scoop obtained by the Tribune weeks earlier, Charles Weeghman and others bought the Chicago Cubs from Charles P. Taft. New stockholders in the team included J. Ogden Armour and William Wrigley Jr.

Charles Weeghman and three of Chicago’s biggest names in business — J. Ogden Armour, William Wrigley Jr. and Julius Rosenwald — bought the Chicago Cubs from Charles P. Taft in Jan. 1916. (Chicago Tribune)

1925: The Chicago Bruins, the city’s first professional basketball team, lost to the Beloit Fairies 33-29 at the Broadway Armory. George Halas was the team manager and left guard. The rest of the team was comprised of Big Ten Conference captains.

The Bruins played in the American Basketball League through the 1930-31 season before disbanding.

A portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hangs above a memorial service for the slain civil rights leader at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 607 Oakwood Blvd. on Jan. 15, 1974, in Chicago. (William Kelly/Chicago Tribune)
A portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hangs above a memorial service for the slain civil rights leader at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 607 Oakwood Blvd. on Jan. 15, 1974, in Chicago. (William Kelly/Chicago Tribune)

1974: The first Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was observed in Illinois. A cheering crowd of 1,000 people joined a celebration at Operation PUSH headquarters while others attended a candlelit memorial service at St. Martin Catholic Church. Chicago public schools and city colleges were closed. All city, state and county offices in Chicago were closed as were criminal and civil courts and three state motor vehicle facilities.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: How Illinois became the first state to recognize MLK Day

1981: “Hill Street Blues” premiered on NBC. The cop drama, which was filmed in Chicago, continued until May 1987 and set records for most Emmys won in a single season.

2004: Lovie Smith was introduced as Chicago Bears head coach. He went 81-63 (.563) from 2004-12.

From George Halas to Thomas Brown: What was said about every Chicago Bears coach when they were hired

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