Today in Chicago History: Illinois recognizes MLK Day

On Jan. 15 in the Chicago area, historical events included the creation of Cook County in 1831, the purchase of the Chicago Cubs by Charles Weeghman and others in 1916, and the observation of the first Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Illinois in 1974. Additionally, the premiere of “Hill Street Blues” on NBC in 1981 and the introduction of Lovie Smith as the Chicago Bears head coach in 2004 were significant occurrences. The day also saw notable weather records, such as a high temperature of 60 degrees in 1949 and a low temperature of minus 19 degrees in 1979.

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