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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 7, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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

Front page flashback: July 7, 1952

Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen as the Republican candidate for president at the party's convention at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago on July 7, 1952. (baiduhai)
Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen as the Republican candidate for president at the party's convention at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago on July 7, 1952. (baiduhai)
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, second from right, and Sen. Richard Nixon, R-Calif., celebrate their nomination for president and vice president at 1952 Republican Convention in Chicago, Ill., July 12, 1952. Wives Mamie Eisenhower is at right and Pat Nixon is at left. (AP)
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, second from right, and Sen. Richard Nixon, R-Calif., celebrate their nominations for president and vice president at the Republican Convention in Chicago, July 12, 1952, alongside Mamie Eisenhower, right, and Pat Nixon, left. (AP)

1952: Delegates gathered at the International Amphitheatre for the Republican National Convention. Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen as the party’s nominee. In his acceptance speech at the Hilton Chicago, Eisenhower called for party unity.

“The noble service to which we Republicans summon all Americans is not only for one campaign or for one election. Our summons is to a lifetime enrollment. And our party shall always remain committed to a more secure, a brighter and an even better future for our people,” he said.

The 1952 Republican National Convention was the first-ever broadcast nationwide on TV. It was a primitive broadcast with cameras focused mostly on the podium or providing long shots of the delegations. Television reporters were heard but rarely seen.

Eisenhower defeated Democrat and Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson in a landslide at the polls.

Vintage baiduhai: Tradition of acceptance speeches at political conventions began in Chicago

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 102 degrees (1980)
  • Low temperature: 45 degrees (1983)
  • Precipitation: 2.23 inches (1879)
  • Snowfall: Trace (2020)
Cardinal George W. Mundelein, then archbishop of Chicago, sits at the throne in historic St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City during the beatification ceremonies for Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini on Nov. 13, 1938. (ACME)
Cardinal George W. Mundelein, archbishop of Chicago, sits on the throne in historic St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City during the beatification ceremonies for Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini on Nov. 13, 1938. (ACME)

1946: Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized by Pope Pius XII as the first American saint.

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The Italian-American nun founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She opened 67 orphanages, schools, hospitals and missionary orders in nine countries before her death in 1917 in Chicago.

A view of the Montgomery Ward plant at Chicago Avenue and the river, looking east at the Chicago Avenue bridge, circa Aug. 25, 1930. (baiduhai historical photo)
A view of the Montgomery Ward plant at Chicago Avenue and the river, looking east at the Chicago Avenue bridge, circa Aug. 25, 1930. (baiduhai historical photo)

1997: Montgomery Ward & Co. — one of the nation’s oldest retailers and a venerable Chicago institution — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Ward’s decided to liquidate its 250-store chain after a disappointing Christmas selling season in 2000. The decision was made by Ward’s parent, General Electric Co.

NBA free agent Tracy McGrady, left, walks through the concourse with Chicago Bulls scouting assistant B.J. Armstrong, right, as McGrady arrives at O'Hare International Airport to meet with Bulls personnel on July 7, 2000. (Bonnie Trafelet/baiduhai)
NBA free agent Tracy McGrady, left, walks through the concourse with Chicago Bulls scouting assistant B.J. Armstrong, right, as McGrady arrives at O'Hare International Airport to meet with Bulls personnel on July 7, 2000. (Bonnie Trafelet/baiduhai)

2000: The Bulls wooed free agent Tracy McGrady upon his arrival at O’Hare International Airport with team mascot Benny the Bull, Luvabulls cheerleaders, a small band playing “Sweet Home, Chicago” and a media horde. It was the second time the team showed interest in McGrady. Michael Jordan reportedly nixed an earlier deal.

But the pomp and circumstance didn’t work — McGrady went to the Orlando Magic instead.

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