Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Dec. 6, 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: 65 degrees (1980)
  • Low temperature: Zero degrees (2007)
  • Precipitation: 1.12 inches (1998)
  • Snowfall: 5.6 inches (1950)

In response to White Chicagoans mocking the first Black fire crew in 1872, they wanted to prove themselves as good, if not better

1872: The Tribune reported a Black fire company — Engine 21 — would be stationed on May Street. Just six years later the station’s “sliding pole” was invented and would later be adopted worldwide.

A birds eye view of the Illinois penitentiary at Stateville shows the circular roundhouses on Oct. 1, 1934. (Max Kolin/for the Chicago Tribune)A birds eye view of the Illinois penitentiary at Stateville shows the circular roundhouses on Oct. 1, 1934. (Max Kolin/for the Chicago Tribune)

1924: Stateville prison in Joliet was dedicated. More than 2,000 people traveled to see what was then known as the world’s most modern prison.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: 10 infamous people condemned to Stateville prison

The facility was closed in 2024.

Though the Pottsville Maroons beat the Chicago Cardinals in the title game on Dec. 6, 1925, the Cardinals were later awarded the championship due to a technicality that disqualified the Maroons. (Chicago Tribune)Though the Pottsville Maroons beat the Chicago Cardinals in the title game on Dec. 6, 1925, the Cardinals were later awarded the championship due to a technicality that disqualified the Maroons. (Chicago Tribune)

1925: The Pottsville (Pa.) Maroons beat the Chicago Cardinals 21-7 at a snowy Comiskey Park in what was considered the league title game. Pottsville, however, was suspended by the league for then playing an exhibition game against a team of Notre Dame all-stars.

Incensed that Pottsville infringed on another NFL team’s territory (the Frankford Yellow Jackets), then-NFL President Joe Carr fined Pottsville $500 and awarded the Cardinals the title in the process. Yet, the Cardinals also played a hastily organized game — against a team that included four players from Englewood High School. The Cardinals were awarded the 1925 championship, but its club head refused to accept the title. NFL officials and owners reviewed the decision in 2003, but concluded that Pottsville be awarded the league’s “Pioneer Award” while the Cardinals keep the title.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws during the first inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 28, 2016, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox starter Chris Sale (49) on the mound in the first inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 28, 2016. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune)

2016: The Chicago White Sox traded five-time All-Star pitcher Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox for prospects, infielder Yoan Moncada, right-hander Michael Kopech, outfielder Luis Basabe and right-hander Victor Diaz.

Sale was acquired by the Atlanta Braves in 2023.

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