Significant Events in Chicago’s History: May 20

1987: Prostitution Ring in Buffalo Grove

In 1987, Doris Fischer, her two daughters, and a son-in-law admitted guilt in running a prostitution operation from their Buffalo Grove home. This was part of an FBI and IRS investigation known as ‘Operation Safebet.’

Weather Highlights

High temperature: 95 degrees (1977)

Low temperature: 33 degrees (2002)

Precipitation: 2.54 inches (1975)

Snowfall: None recorded

1883: Wreck of the Wells Burt

In 1883, debris on the North Shore indicated a disaster. The schooner Wells Burt, laden with coal, succumbed to a storm near Chicago. The 200-foot vessel went down, leaving the captain and 10 sailors lost. Now, its remains lie in 40 feet of water, 3 miles off Evanston, and are frequented by divers.

1943: B-24 Bomber Crash

A U.S. Army B-24 crashed in 1943 into a gas tank near what is now Midway Airport. All 12 people on board died. The crash caused a massive explosion, felt over a mile away.

1970: Atom Imaging Breakthrough

Physicist Albert Crewe of the University of Chicago achieved a significant feat. In 1970, he successfully captured images of single atoms using a specially built microscope. This allowed scientists to see atoms within molecules for the first time.

1988: Tragedy in Winnetka

On May 20, 1988, Laurie Dann attacked Hubbard Woods Elementary School, resulting in the death of 8-year-old Nicholas Corwin and injuries to five others. The shocking incident ended with Dann’s death.

1992: Ban on Spray Paint Sales

In 1992, Chicago banned the sale of spray paint cans to combat graffiti. Alderman Richard Mell pushed the measure through, passing with a majority vote, though Ald. Dorothy Tillman opposed it due to other civic issues.

1994: Final Game at Chicago Stadium

The Chicago Bulls played their last game at Chicago Stadium on May 20, 1994, defeating the New York Knicks 93-79. However, they lost the series in Game 7 on the road.

2006: Baseball Clash

On this day in 2006, A.J. Pierzynski of the White Sox collided with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, spurring a brawl. Barrett’s punch led to a 10-game suspension; Pierzynski paid a $2,000 fine. The Sox won 7-0.

2012: NATO Summit Protests

In 2012, Chicago hosted the NATO summit, attracting thousands of protesters. Despite location changes for the G-8 Summit, the city managed the large-scale event.

2017: Cubs Game Postponement

The Cubs delayed a game against the Brewers on May 20, 2017, citing expected bad weather. Controversy rose as no rain followed, leading to speculation of strategic motives.