Chicago Area Historical Highlights: May 16

May 16: Historical Moments in Chicago

Explore significant events from Chicago’s past as documented in the Tribune archives for May 16.

Film Critic Gene Siskel on ‘Top Gun’ (1986)

In 1986, Tribune film critic Gene Siskel shared his thoughts on the film ‘Top Gun’. He praised the aerial sequences as thrilling and coherent, contrasting them with the romance between characters played by Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis, which he found unconvincing. Siskel highlighted that ‘Top Gun’ would achieve the success anticipated for ‘The Right Stuff’, rating it 3 out of 4 stars.

Weather Records from the National Weather Service, Chicago

• High Temperature: 94 degrees (1962)
• Low Temperature: 33 degrees (1997)
• Precipitation: 1.38 inches (1974)
• Snowfall: Trace (2019)

Union Station’s Opening (1925)

Chicago’s Union Station, opened in 1925, was celebrated as America’s latest triumph in railroading. Located along the Chicago River, the station’s concourse building stands in the foreground, with the larger office building and main waiting room behind. It was a landmark in transportation history.

Ben Hecht’s Oscar Achievement (1929)

In a historic moment during the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, Ben Hecht won an award for his work on the film ‘Underworld’. This was before the statuette was known as the Oscar. Hecht’s script, a mere 18 pages, earned him recognition for Distinguished Achievement in Writing. His Oscar, housed at the Newberry Library in Chicago, remains a popular artifact for visitors.

Carlton Fisk’s Baseball Milestone (1984)

White Sox catcher Carlton Fisk broke out of an 0-for-18 slump in 1984, hitting for the cycle in a game against the Kansas City Royals. After a challenging 25-inning marathon earlier in the month, Fisk noted the physical drain impacted his performance. Despite the team’s 7-6 loss, Fisk’s achievement marked a notable franchise record.

Michael Jordan: NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)

In 1985, Michael Jordan was elevated to NBA Rookie of the Year after a remarkable season where he averaged 28.2 points and played all 82 games. Reflecting on his first year, Jordan mentioned the immense attention and expectations surrounding his career.

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