Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 20, 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: 63 degrees (1906)
- Low temperature: Minus 27 degrees (1985)
- Precipitation: 1.13 inches (1898)
- Snowfall: 8 inches (1886)
1982: The Chicago Bears introduced Mike Ditka, who was hired by team owner George Halas, as head coach.
The Hall of Fame tight end became a Bears legend for guiding the team to its only Super Bowl victory. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1985 and for a second time in 1988.
Ditka’s 106 wins are the second-most in franchise history, and he led the team to seven postseason appearances in 11 seasons.
1985: The temperature hit an all-time record low in Chicago — minus 27 degrees at O’Hare International Airport.
Chicago weather: A look back at our coldest recorded temperatures
2006: The Rev. Daniel McCormack, the pastor of St. Agatha Church, 3147 W. Douglas Blvd., was charged with sexually abusing three boys in his parish. McCormack pleaded guilty in 2007 to sexually abusing five children and was sentenced to five years in prison. He was released in 2021.
Want more vintage Chicago?
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.
Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at [email protected] and [email protected]
