Today in Chicago History: Recreational marijuana sold legally for the first time in Illinois

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Jan. 1, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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

New Year’s Day in Chicago: The warmest, coldest, snowiest and wettest weather since 1872

Front page flashback: Jan. 1, 1941

With the United States on the sidelines of World War II — its entry was still about a year away — the Chicago Daily Tribune wished readers a “Happy New Year — In America” on Jan. 1, 1941. (Chicago Tribune)

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 61 degrees (1877)
Low temperature: Minus 8 degrees (2000)
Precipitation: 1.76 inches (1972)
Snowfall: 11.3 inches (1903)

The original Emancipation Proclamation is shown on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, Feb. 18, 2005. (Evan Vucci/AP)

1863: The Emancipation Proclamation took effect.

An exterior view shows an old water tank, circa 1870, that on Jan. 1, 1873, formally opened as the first home of the Chicago Public Library, which stood on a lot at the southeast corner of LaSalle and Adams Streets. (Chicago Public Library) — An exterior view shows an old water tank, circa 1870, that on Jan. 1, 1873, formally opened as the first home of the Chicago Public Library, which stood on a lot at the southeast corner of LaSalle and Adams streets. (Chicago Public Library)

1873: Chicago Public Library opened its doors at LaSalle and Adams streets in a circular water tank that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. A large donation of books was made by Queen Victoria.

Robert L. May, 67, stands outside his home at 9515 Avers in Skokie, with one of his Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on Dec. 20, 1972. (William Yates/Chicago Tribune) — Robert May, 67, outside his home at 9515 Avers Ave. in Skokie, with his Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Dec. 20, 1972. (William Yates/Chicago Tribune)

1947: The copyright for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was officially transferred from Montgomery Ward to its creator Robert May. This copyright was renewed in 1967, and the original 1939 version of the story is set to enter the public domain in 2034.

University of Illinois guard Alex Agase, who was named most valuable football player in the Western conference for 1946. He was awarded the 1946 Chicago Tribune Silver Football. (Chicago Tribune archive) — University of Illinois guard Alex Agase, who was named most valuable player in the Western Conference, now the Big Ten, for 1946. He was awarded the 1946 Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. (Chicago Tribune archive)

Also in 1947: Illinois — including All-American guard Alex Agase — shocked the unbeaten UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. The Illini won 45-14.

Art Murakowski (30), Northwestern fullback, fumbles the ball as he crosses the goal line from one yard out against California at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1, 1949. Northwestern won the New Year's Day classic, 20-14. (AP) — Northwestern fullback Art Murakowski (30), fumbles as he crosses the goal line from one yard out against California at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1, 1949. Northwestern won the New Year’s Day classic, 20-14. (AP)

1949: Bob Voigts, who played for coach Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf at Northwestern University, coached the Wildcats to a 20-14 Rose Bowl victory over Waldorf’s California Bears.

1964: Trailing at halftime, Illinois used second-half touchdowns by Jim Warren and Jim Grabowski to beat Washington 17-7 in the Rose Bowl. Illini star Dick Butkus, irked at reports suggesting the Big Ten champs were not in top physical shape, led his team on a postgame sprint around the field to show their fitness. Grabowski rushed for 125 yards and was voted the game’s MVP.

1993: Tribune Co.’s ChicagoLand Television News (CLTV) debuted as Chicago’s first all-news 24-hour cable channel. It shut down at the end of 2019.

Chicago Bears quarterback Steve Walsh celebrates during the Bears' playoff victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan 1, 1995. (Jim Prisching/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Bears quarterback Steve Walsh celebrates during the Bears’ playoff victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan 1, 1995. (Jim Prisching/Chicago Tribune)

1995: The Chicago Bears scored an improbable road victory — 35-18 — over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL wild-card game after losing twice to them during the regular season.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Bears playoff appearances — including the ‘Sneakers Game,’ the ‘Fog Bowl’ and ‘Double Doink’

It was the Bears’ first playoff victory since Jan. 6, 1990, and first road playoff triumph since Dec. 30, 1984.

1996: Northwestern made its first Rose Bowl appearance in 47 years, but lost to USC 41-32.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/chicago-bears-head-coaches-history/

2018: The Bears fired coach John Fox after 3 seasons.

Jackie Ryan becomes the first customer on the first day of recreational marijuana sales as she receives her order from employee Brea Mooney on Jan. 1, 2020 at Sunnyside Lakeview. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

2020: People in Illinois bought recreational marijuana legally for the first time.

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