08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: ‘Boy orator' William Jennings Bryan delivers ‘Cross of Gold' speech
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 8, according to the Tribune's archives.
Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.
Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)
1896: William Jennings Bryan stepped onto the podium at the Democratic National Convention inside the Chicago Coliseum at 63rd Street and Stony Island Avenue, and demonstrated that reformers could profit from working within the system rather than fighting it.
Stretching his arms wide, he mimed Jesus' crucifixion.
Chicago's history with hosting Democratic and Republican conventions dates back to 1860'You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns!' he thundered. 'You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!'
Bryan played third-party politics to his advantage. He won the nomination but lost to William McKinley.
1978: The Rolling Stones headlined at Soldier Field for the first time. The stadium was filled on a steamy summer day with 80,000 fans, with opening acts Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Peter Tosh and Journey, featuring new vocalist Steve Perry.
The Rolling Stones in Chicago: A timeline of the band's 55-year fascination with the city's bluesThe Stones' set list included most of the songs on the quintet's latest release, 'Some Girls.' Later that night Jagger dropped in on a Lefty Dizz set at Kingston Mines.
1989: Nirvana played Club Dreamerz on Milwaukee Avenue. A 1973 Fender Maverick guitar that lead singer Kurt Cobain played during the show sold for almost $500,000 during a 2022 auction.
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