Tony Trowbridge

Sparring for advantage, World Champion wrestler Frank A. Gotch, center, advances on George "the Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt early in their title bout in White Sox Park on Sept. 4, 1911. Gotch won the match.

When Gotch beat the ‘Russian Lion’ — again

November 3, 2021 at 11:53 p.m.

It's called one of the biggest fiascoes in Chicago sports history. The "Russian Lion" vs. the Iowa farmer at White Sox Park: On Sept. 4, 1911, the pro heavyweight championship...

When Gotch beat the ‘Russian Lion’ — again

December 24, 2018 at 10:13 a.m.

It's called one of the biggest fiascoes in Chicago sports history. The "Russian Lion" vs. the Iowa farmer at White Sox Park: On Sept. 4, 1911, the pro heavyweight championship...

Captain Herman Schuenemann, center, Mr. Colberg, right, and W.L. Vanaman, left, stand among Christmas trees in 1909. (Chicago History Museum)

When the Christmas spirit foundered in Chicago

December 2, 2024 at 1:04 p.m.

They called him Captain Santa. For 25 years, he sailed fresh-cut trees from the northern tip of Lake Michigan to the southwest corner of the Clark Street bridge.

A priest gives last rites to the victims on May 25, 1950, after a Green Hornet streetcar collided with a fuel truck. It was a grim task identifying bodies as there wasn't much to go on: burned clothes, melted shoes, a ring, bits of toys, remnants of a letter from a young woman planning her wedding.

Green Hornet streetcar fire among the worst traffic accidents in city’s history

April 14, 2020 at 9:13 p.m.

It started with afternoon thunderstorms, a flooded viaduct and a streetcar turnaround near 63rd and State streets. It ended with a speeding trolley car, a massive fireball and 34 deaths...

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