Historical Events in Chicago on May 26

Flashback: May 26, 1855

On this date, Cyrus Bradley was appointed as the chief of police in Chicago. He held this position until his death in 1865. Bradley introduced the department’s motto: “At danger’s call, we’ll promptly fly; and bravely do or bravely die.”

Weather Records for May 26

The National Weather Service in Chicago recorded various weather extremes on May 26 over the years:

• High temperature: 94 degrees Fahrenheit in 1911
• Low temperature: 34 degrees Fahrenheit in 1983
• Precipitation: 1.78 inches in 1913
• Snowfall: Trace amounts in 1907

Buckingham Fountain: A Landmark’s History

In 1927, the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, one of the largest fountains globally, was opened. The dedication took place three months later. Architect Edward Bennet, also known for Wacker Drive and DuSable Bridge, designed this iconic structure. Marcel Loyau, a French artist, crafted its four seahorses that symbolize the states bordering Lake Michigan.

Kate Buckingham donated the fountain to Chicago in memory of her brother, Clarence. She created a $300,000 trust through the Art Institute of Chicago to cover maintenance costs. This fund was essential during the $2.8 million restoration in 1994.

The fountain’s basin features pink marble from Georgia, inspired by the gardens of Versailles in France. It houses 134 jets powered by three pumps, expelling over 14,000 gallons of water per minute. The pumps’ control system was relocated from Atlanta to a nearby pump house during the 1994 renovation.

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