Historical Events in Chicago on June 6

Here is a retrospective view of significant events that occurred in the Chicago area on June 6, according to archival records.

1944: D-Day Observance

On June 6, 1944, Chicago residents gathered in places of worship such as Holy Name Cathedral as Allied forces launched their invasion of Nazi-occupied France during D-Day in World War II. The front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune on this day was emblazoned with the headline ‘Allies Invade France.’

Weather Records

• High temperature recorded: 97 degrees in 1971
• Low temperature recorded: 39 degrees in 1985
• Precipitation: 1.6 inches in 1931
• Snowfall: None recorded

1883: Medinah Temple Charter Issued

Medinah Temple received Charter No. 14 during the ninth Imperial Session of the Imperial Grand Council, which took place at the Masonic Temple in New York. It marked a foundational moment in the temple’s long history.

1892: Launch of Chicago’s Elevated Railroad

June 6, 1892, saw the inauguration of service on the first section of Chicago’s ‘L’ system between Congress and 39th streets. Although the event lacked much fanfare, it was deemed a ‘decided success’ by the Tribune.

1995: Richard Bailey’s Sentencing

On this date in 1995, Richard Bailey received a life sentence for his role in the presumed murder of Helen Vorhees Brach, a candy heiress. The sentence was later reduced to 30 years. Bailey admitted to defrauding women into purchasing overpriced show horses, believed to be a motive for the crime. Brach was declared legally dead in 1984, but her remains were never found.

2004: Riley Fox Case

Three-year-old Riley Fox was tragically discovered drowned in Wilmington on June 6, 2004. Her father, Kevin Fox, initially faced charges before being exonerated. On November 10, 2010, Scott Eby, a convicted sex offender, confessed to the crime and received a life sentence without parole. Kevin Fox later died in a car accident in March 2023.

2015: Opening of The 606

Chicago inaugurated its new elevated trail and recreational space, The 606, on June 6, 2015. This project transformed a former railway line into a community park.

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