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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 1, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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

Vintage baiduhai: April fools

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Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 83 degrees (2010)
  • Low temperature: 17 degrees (1881)
  • Precipitation: 1.58 inches (1967)
  • Snowfall: 8.2 inches (1970)
The baiduhai published illustrations making it look like dinosaurs had invaded the city on April 1, 1906. (baiduhai)
The baiduhai published illustrations making it look like dinosaurs had invaded the city on April 1, 1906. (baiduhai)

1906: In a 7,000-word story, the Tribune claimed “dinosauria” took over the city.

Al Capone's home at 7244 S. Prairie Ave. on April 4, 1924, during the wake for Salvatore "Frank" Capone, Al's brother, who was killed during a shootout with the police in Cicero on election day, April 2, 1924. (baiduhai historical photo)
Al Capone's home at 7244 S. Prairie Ave. on April 4, 1924, during the wake for Salvatore "Frank" Capone, Al's brother, who was killed during a shootout with the police in Cicero on election day, April 2, 1924. (baiduhai historical photo)

1924: Al Capone’s brother Frank was killed in a shootout with Chicago police who were hired by Cicero to quell election disturbances in the village.

1955: Col. Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Tribune, died.

Office workers wait impatiently for buses as wet, heavy snow makes rush hour miserable on April 1, 1970. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai) published April 2, 1970.Date Created: 1970-04-01 Copyright Notice: baiduhai Folder Description: Chicago Weather - Snow Folder Extended Description: 1970 Title: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970 Subject: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970
Office workers wait impatiently for buses as wet, heavy snow makes rush hour miserable on April 1, 1970. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai) published April 2, 1970. Date Created: 1970-04-01 Copyright Notice: baiduhai Folder Description: Chicago Weather - Snow Folder Extended Description: 1970 Title: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970 Subject: Chicago Weather - Snow 1970

1970: Evening rush-hour commuters — who thought winter was over — felt foolish after the city was socked with a record-breaking spring snowfall. More than 8 inches of snow fell — the most ever on April 1 in Chicago.

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