Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 17, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 100 degrees (1942)
  • Low temperature: 51 degrees (1985)
  • Precipitation: 3.04 inches (1969)
  • Snowfall: Trace (2003)

Kenneth McAdoo, 20, a sailor from Eldorado, Kansas, still clutches his camera as he smiles at fire department Chaplain William Gorman after being rescued from the July 17, 1955 plane crash at Midway Airport. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)Kenneth McAdoo, 20, a sailor from Eldorado, Kansas, still clutches his camera as he looks at Fire Department Chaplain William Gorman after being rescued from the July 17, 1955, plane crash at Midway Airport. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

1955: A Braniff Airways twin-engine Convair 340 trying to land at Midway Airport in the fog struck a gas station sign just beyond the airport and crashed, killing 22 people and injuring 21. This was one of several accidents that prompted the city and federal government to restrict obstructions and the height of buildings near airports.

Chicago Cubs player Billy Williams doffs his cap to the Wrigley Field fans after receiving a trophy marking his 896th consecutive game, a National league record on June 29, 1969. (John Austad/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs player Billy Williams doffs his cap to the Wrigley Field fans after receiving a trophy marking his 896th consecutive game, a National league record on June 29, 1969. (John Austad/Chicago Tribune)

1966: Chicago Cubs left fielder and Hall of Famer Billy Williams hit for the cycle.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Chicago Cubs who have hit for the cycle

In the second game of a doubleheader against the Cardinals in St. Louis: “The sweet swinger from Mobile way achieved the dream of everyone who ever toted a bat to the plate,” Tribune reporter Edward Prell wrote.

Williams hit a single, double, triple and a homer — precisely in that order — in the Cubs’ 7-2 win.

Chicago police Sgt. James Severin and officer Anthony Rizzato were each struck in the back as they walked across Seward Park and killed instantly by bullets fired by snipers using high-powered rifles inside a Cabrini-Green high-rise on July 17, 1970. (Chicago Tribune)Chicago police Sgt. James Severin and Officer Anthony Rizzato were each struck in the back as they walked across Seward Park and killed instantly by bullets fired by snipers using high-powered rifles inside a Cabrini-Green high-rise on July 17, 1970. (Chicago Tribune)

1970: Two Chicago police officers walking in Seward Park — Sgt. James Severin and Patrolman Anthony Rizzato — were shot and killed by snipers firing high-powered rifles from a Cabrini-Green high-rise.

Within minutes, other officers arrived to retrieve their bodies and return gunfire. Later, Johnny Veal and George Knights were convicted in the shooting deaths. Both were serving 100- to 199-year sentences. Veal was granted parole by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board in 2021.

A coffee shop on Taylor Street owned by Al and Theresa Prisco was the first business licensed to sell Illinois Lottery tickets on July 17, 1974. (Chicago Tribune)A coffee shop on Taylor Street owned by Al and Theresa Prisco was the first business licensed to sell Illinois Lottery tickets on July 17, 1974. (Chicago Tribune)

1974: Illinois issued the first state lottery license to a Chicago coffee shop. Although other agent licenses had already been distributed, the establishment at 1419 W. Taylor St. was chosen to stage a ceremonial “grand opening” of the Illinois Lottery.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Illinois Lottery’s first drawing took place 50 years ago

Al and Theresa Prisco were interviewed as lottery officials taped posters to the coffee shop walls urging customers to use their coffee change to buy lottery tickets. A $1.5 million advertising campaign — including a supplement section published in the Tribune that taught readers how to play the games — followed.

“We’ve been here 25 years,” Al Prisco told the Tribune. “I didn’t expect to celebrate it with a bang like this.”

"We'll have a good team this season and a beautiful place for them to play," Chicago Bears owner George Halas told reporters on July 17, 1980, after he signed a lease with the Chicago Park District for his team to play at Soldier Field. "If this agreement hadn't been reached, we would have gone to Notre Dame." (Chicago Tribune)“We’ll have a good team this season and a beautiful place for them to play,” Chicago Bears owner George Halas told reporters on July 17, 1980, after he signed a lease with the Chicago Park District for his team to play at Soldier Field. “If this agreement hadn’t been reached, we would have gone to Notre Dame.” (Chicago Tribune)

1980: Chicago Bears founder and owner George Halas signed a new 20-year lease for the team to play at Soldier Field.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson waves at the beginning of his address to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco on July 17, 1984. (AP)The Rev. Jesse Jackson waves at the beginning of his address to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco on July 17, 1984. (AP)

1984: “I tell you we need a change! Come November, there will be a change because our time has come!” The Rev. Jesse Jackson ended his presidential campaign but promised to throw his support behind the Democratic Party’s candidate while speaking at the party’s convention in San Francisco.

Highlights in the life of Rev. Jesse Jackson: Minister, civil rights advocate, politician, intermediary, social justice proponent and COVID-19 survivor

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