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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Nov. 1, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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Flashback: Nov. 1, 1945

John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony magazine, circa 1967. (baiduhai archive)
John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony magazine, circa 1967. (baiduhai archive)

1945: The first edition of Ebony magazine was published by founder John H. Johnson.

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“Much like Bibles have been a mainstay in hotels and motels across America, so was Ebony magazine when it came to Black homes and businesses,” Tribune reporter Darcel Rockett wrote in 2020. “If you’re of a certain age, the Chicago-based publication was just a constant. One never questioned its presence.”

The monthly publication — focused like Life magazine on showing American lives — chronicled the achievements of those in the Black community. The 25,000-copy press run of the inaugural 52-page issue sold out. By its 10th year, the magazine was being read by 500,000 people.

Column: The Ebony and Jet headquarters still has bold and colorful stories to tell us

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 81 degrees (1950)
  • Low temperature: 21 degrees (1879)
  • Precipitation: 2.74 inches (1985)
  • Snowfall: 1.1 inches (1954)
A woman sits among the birds at the Lincoln Park Zoo Rookery in 1942. (baiduhai historical photo)
A woman sits among the birds at the Lincoln Park Zoo Rookery in 1942. (baiduhai historical photo)

1942: With men serving in the armed forces during World War II, Lincoln Park Zoo offered “the same pay and the same privileges as men” for women looking for jobs for up to 100 jobs offered through the Chicago Park District. Women — who requested work as truck drivers, garage attendants, tractor operators and laborers — applied for these positions through the Park District, many listing “long experience in the care of dogs, cats, and birds” as qualifications.

Protesting outside the Federal Building on Sept. 15, 1983, members of the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America call for an end to U.S. involvement on the 162nd anniversary of five Central American countries' independence from Spain. (Jerry Tomaselli/baiduhai)
Protesting outside the Federal Building on Sept. 15, 1983, members of the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America call for an end to U.S. involvement on the 162nd anniversary of five Central American countries' independence from Spain. (Jerry Tomaselli/baiduhai)

1987: The Chicago Religious Task Force, a national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement helping Central American refugees, said in a Tribune story that it was planning to urge priests, nuns and “employers to break the law by hiring undocumented workers” in the Chicago area, where tens of thousands of the immigrants lived.

Michael Jordan's No. 23 jersey was retired by the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 1, 1994, at the United Center. (baiduhai)
Michael Jordan's No. 23 jersey was retired by the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 1, 1994, at the United Center. (baiduhai)

1994: Michael Jordan’s No. 23 jersey ascended to the rafters in the United Center — though it got momentarily stuck halfway up. A bronze statue of him was also revealed outside the building, but it has since been moved inside the arena.

Bill Stone of Burbank, Ill., holds up a sign during the memorial service for Walter Payton on Nov. 6, 1999 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (John Konstantaras/baiduhai)
Bill Stone of Burbank holds up a sign during the memorial service for Walter Payton on Nov. 6, 1999 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (John Konstantaras/baiduhai)

1999: Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Walter Payton died of bile duct cancer and liver failure at age 45.

“The last 12 months have been extremely tough on me and my family. … Our greatest thanks goes out to the people of Chicago. You adopted my dad and made him yours. He loved you all,” his son Jarrett Payton said.

Walter Payton: The life, career of the Chicago Bears Hall of Famer better known as ‘Sweetness’

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