Today in Chicago History: Michigan Avenue Bridge opens with floats, flowers and shots fired
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 14, according to the Tribune's archives.
Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.
Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
1920: The Michigan Avenue Bridge (now known as DuSable Bridge) opened when Mayor William Hale 'Big Bill' Thompson and Chicago Plan Commission head Charles H. Wacker cut a ribbon.
The grand occasion was almost marred by an accident, the Tribune reported.
'While bands were still playing and fireworks being displayed the lumber steamer Herman H. Hetler signaled for the opening of the bridge. Bridge Tender George B. McLaughlin started to raise the south span, unaware that four autos were on it. The cars slid backward and would have dropped through the opening made by the raising to the abutment of the bridge if policemen had not attracted the attention of the bridge tender by firing their revolvers. The machinery was immediately stopped and the occupants of the autos saved from injuries.'
1975: Golden State Warriors 83, Chicago Bulls 79. After blowing Game 6 of the Western Conference finals on Mother's Day at Chicago Stadium, the Bulls coughed up an 11-point halftime lead and were outscored 24-14 in the fourth quarter to lose Game 7 on the road. The Dick Motta-coached run featuring Norm Van Lier, Jerry Sloan, Chet Walker, Bob Love and Tom Boerwinkle ended in disappointing fashion, and the Bulls wouldn't get to the NBA Finals for another 16 years.
2010: More than 41,000 people witnessed an emotional homecoming performance by 'American Idol' finalist and Mount Prospect resident Lee DeWyze at Arlington Park.
Arlington International Racecourse: History of one of the 'world's most beautiful racetracks'Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
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