Today in Chicago History: ‘We’re going to Canton.’ Steve McMichael selected for Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Feb. 9, 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: 56 degrees (2024)
• Low temperature: Minus 21 degrees (1899)
• Precipitation: 1.56 inches (1876)
• Snowfall: 12.6 inches (2010)

1911: The Infant Welfare Society of Chicago was established.

1972: Sixteen-year-old Anne Henning of Northbrook won gold and set an Olympic record of 43.73 in 500-meter speed skating at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: 4 Illinois athletes who won GOLD at the Winter Olympics

Dianne Holum, also of Northbrook, captured the first Olympic gold medal for the United States at that Games. The speed skater shattered the record in the 1,500-meter race.

Both were treated to a hero’s welcome when they returned to Illinois.

1973: The on-site hotel opened at O’Hare International Airport in a project that cost $25 million.

O’Hare International Airport: From farm to global terminal

With 10 stories and 979 rooms, the O’Hare International Tower Hotel (now Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel) was built to suppress jet noise due to its design of thick floor-to-ceiling windows and thick walls containing acoustical batting and heavy draperies.

2024: Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who is fighting against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was feted by bagpipes and drums outside his Homer Glen home after his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 18, Steve McMichael

McMichael, who did not make the trip to Canton, Ohio, and fellow Bears great Devin Hester were inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 3, 2024.

From Halas to Hester: The 32 Chicago Bears inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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