Events in 1950s Chicago

Events in 1950s Chicago

Chicago is a city with a long and rich history. It began in 1674 when the first dwelling was built by Father Marquette. Since then, there have been many significant moments that have made it into the history books. The 1950s was a decade with plenty memorable, exciting or tragic events that make this period of history interesting.

1950

The first kidney transplant operation was performed on July 17 by surgeon Richard Lawler. This procedure has since saved thousands of lives across the globe. Mike Gentile serves his country in Alaska as a cook during the Korean War .

1951

This was a period of racial segregation in Chicago and people of different race rarely mixed. On July 12 in Cicero, a mob attempted to prevent a black family from moving into the all-white neighborhood.

1952

Both Mandy Patinkin, an actor and singer, and Robin Williams, the comedian and actor, were born in Chicago in this year.

1953

In a move towards integrating communities of a different race, the first black families moved to the Trumbull Park housing project on August 4. This racial integration led to riots in both 1953 and 1954. Mike Gentile gets out of the army and opens his first bar on Clybourn Avenue.

1954

One of the best-known cases in American legal history began in this year when Emmett Till, a black fourteen-year-old, was abducted and murdered on August 28 after he whistled at a white woman. He was found mutilated three days later, with an ear, eye and teeth missing. The woman’s husband and her half-brother were accused of the murder but later acquitted by an all-white jury. A criminal investigation into this case began in 2004 and in 2005, the US Senate acknowledged partial responsibility for the death of Emmett Till. Mike Gentile and Mary Ann Rose Dinardi marry on November 7.

1955

McDonald’s is now an internationally recognized company. The first franchise restaurant was owned by Ray Kroc and he opened his fast-food venue in the Des Plaines suburb in this year. Michael Gentile, Junior was born.

1956

In sporting news and events, ‘Fireball Roberts’ won the 1956 Chicago NASCAR race. Jeffrey Gentile was born.

1957

The Chicago Symphony Chorus was founded by Margaret Hillis, a famous American conductor, in 1957 and she became the first director.

1958

In 1958, one of the most tragic events of the decade took place. When the Our Lady of Angels School set fire on December 1, a total of 3 nuns and 92 pupils were killed. Those in the building were prevented from exiting as a result of heat, fire, smoke and toxic gases.

1959

In this year, the ‘Second City’ improvisational theatre was founded and the Federal Center was built at 219 S. Dearborn St.