Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 25, 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: 79 degrees (2007)
Low temperature: 12 degrees (1974)
Precipitation: 3.2 inches (1884)
Snowfall: 13.6 inches (1930)
A busy State and Madison streets shows both cable cars and horse-drawn streetcars in the 1890s. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)
1886: Charles T. Yerkes bought control of the North Chicago City Railway and was made its president. For the next 13 years, the Tribune campaigned against Yerkes’ attempt to gain a monopoly over the public transportation system.
Aerial view of Municipal Airport, circa April 1, 1930. (Chicago American)
1930: A surprise storm dumped 19.2 inches of snow on Chicago — the sixth-largest blizzard in the city’s recorded history.
Cassius Clay, then 17 years old, won the 175-pound Golden Gloves championship by defeating Australian Anthony Madigan in three rounds on March 25, 1959, at Chicago Stadium. (Chicago Tribune)
1959: Seventeen-year-old Cassius Clay (five years before he became Muhammad Ali) shocked Australian champion boxer Anthony Madigan in three rounds for the 175-pound title as part of the Golden Gloves tournament at Chicago Stadium.
Seven Continents restaurant opened in the Rotunda Building at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on March 25, 1963. (Chicago Tribune)
1963: The $6-million Rotunda Building at O’Hare International Airport — with circular glass walls and four dining rooms — opened with a dinner in its upscale Seven Continents restaurant attended by Mayor Richard J. Daley and more than 200 other civic leaders.
Related Articles
Today in History: Coal dust explosion kills 111 miners
Today in Chicago History: Sister Jean’s NCAA bracket busted as Loyola heads to Final Four
Today in History: Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžić convicted of genocide
Winning isn’t everything, as Chicago White Sox fans have learned in 125 years. But you can still have fun.
Today in Chicago History: Loyola wins NCAA championship
Operated by Carson Pirie Scott & Co., Seven Continents was equipped to serve more than 20,000 meals each day to airport visitors and travelers. Entrees included live Maine lobster, Russian caviar and escargot, some flown in daily. Waiters, several of whom spoke three languages, were also imported — from Switzerland.
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 krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/25/chicago-history-march-25/