On December 12, historical events have marked significant moments in Chicago’s rich tapestry, as chronicled by the archives of the Tribune.
According to records from the National Weather Service in Chicago, December 12 has seen both extremes in temperature. The highest recorded temperature on this date was a balmy 61 degrees in 1877, contrasting sharply with a frigid low of minus 8 degrees reached in 2000. Over the years, precipitation has varied widely; for instance, 1.76 inches of rain fell in 1972, while a notable snowfall of 11.3 inches was recorded in 1903.
In a significant milestone for the Chicago Tribune itself, December 12, 1920, marked the first day of printing at a new facility on Michigan Avenue. The move came as production operations transitioned from the previous building at Madison and Dearborn streets. Later, in 1925, printing shifted to Tribune Tower, followed by a relocation to Freedom Center in 1982, and most recently to Schaumburg at the former Daily Herald plant.
Fast-forward to 1965, when Chicago Bears rookie Gale Sayers made history at Wrigley Field during a legendary game against the San Francisco 49ers. Sayers, known as the “Kansas Comet,” executed a stunning performance, scoring six touchdowns—a feat that tied the NFL’s single-game record—as the Bears triumphed 61-20. Coach George Halas lauded Sayers’s performance as “the greatest by one man on a football field,” highlighting the young athlete’s ability to turn just nine carries into four touchdowns.
The arts scene also saw a notable event in 1974, when “The Magic Man,” a world-premiere musical comedy starring 18-year-old David Copperfield, opened at the First Chicago Center. Despite receiving harsh critiques from Tribune theater critic Roger Dettmer, the production played a pivotal role in launching Copperfield’s illustrious career as a magician.
As the city reflects on its history, December 12 serves as a reminder of Chicago’s vibrant and diverse legacy, encompassing sports, the arts, and the evolution of one of its most prominent newspapers.
