Today in Chicago History: First Bud Billiken Parade rewards Chicago Defender newspaper hawkers

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Aug. 11, according to the Tribune’s archives.

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

Former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski dead at 82

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 98 degrees (1941)
Low temperature: 47 degrees (1982)
Precipitation: 3.7 inches (1923)
Snowfall: Trace (1989)

Aviator Lincoln Beachey at an air show in Grant Park in 1911. The Tribune wrote this about Beachey in 1911: “The flight of the Curtiss flier, who is recognized as the biggest star of the nine days, was declared one of the most beautiful seen in the Grant Park aerodrome. He announced before going up that he would attempt to break the altitude record and that he would climb until his gasoline was exhausted and then volplane to the earth.” (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

1911: The International Aviation Meet opened in Grant Park. It was considered a great success — only two pilots died. Flyers competed for generous cash prizes — as well as fame and glory.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: The city’s aviation obsession as the Chicago Air and Water Show takes flight

In the early 20th century, flying in Chicago was run by a private club — the Aero Club of Illinois.

Chicago Mayor Martin J. Kennelly, left, and John H. Sengstacke, publisher of the Chicago Defender, ride in the Bud Billiken parade on Michigan Avenue on Aug. 7, 1948. (Max Arthur/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Mayor Martin Kennelly, left, and John H. Sengstacke, publisher of the Chicago Defender, ride in the Bud Billiken Parade on Michigan Avenue on Aug. 7, 1948. (Max Arthur/Chicago Tribune)

1929: The first Bud Billiken Parade was hosted by Chicago Defender founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott as a way to thank the children who hawked his newspaper. He could think of no better way than to give them the things they loved: ice cream, hot dogs and a day outdoors.

Cubs catcher Randy Hundley in 1972. (Chicago Tribune archive)

1966: Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley hit for the cycle. The 24-year-old rookie was “the big show” in a 9-8 victory in the first game of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field against the Houston Astros.

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Chicago Cubs who have hit for the cycle

After whiffing in his first at bat, Hundley hit a triple in the fourth inning, a double off the left field wall in the sixth, a homer (his 16th of the season) in the eighth and a single in the 11th.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Wilson Alvarez throws a no-hitter in his pitching debut for the team on Aug. 11, 1991. — Chicago Tribune Archives

White Sox pitcher Wilson Alvarez throws a no-hitter in his Chicago debut on Aug. 11, 1991.

1991: Left-hander Wilson Alvarez pitched a no-hitter at Baltimore in his second career start and his first game for the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago White Sox pitchers have thrown 20 no-hitters since 1902 — including 3 perfect games. Relive them all here.

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