Chicago in the 1960’s: as explored through Mayor Daley

Chicago in the 1960’s: as explored through Mayor Daley

Richard J. Daley was elected Mayor of Chicago in 1959 and maintained his title until his death in 1979. Throughout his years in governance, he lived through many historical events such as: the introduction of skyscrapers into the Windy City’s skyline, rallies lead by Martin Luther King, and the construction of The Sears Tower and O’Hare International Airport. Due to these changes, Daley is often considered one of the most influential politicians of Chicago’s history.

Daley was quick to become of the most powerful Democratic politicians in America. However, he had complete disregard for historical preservation in his city. Daley became infamous for tearing down the old buildings and building new ones, including making Chicago one of the first cities to include a skyline with skyscrapers. This was a decision which aided big businesses in the heart of the city as they paid less for more space as the buildings were made narrow and high instead of short and wide. An example of this is The One Prudential Tower.

In 1966 Martin Luther King arrived in the West side of Chicago, but Daley would not admit to Chicago’s race issue. Mike Royko – author of Boss, a novel which explores Daley’s life and Chicago as it would have been in Daley’s era - reports how a black audience jeered Daley from a bandstand in Grant Park due to his racist nature, which Royko suggests was ingrained in him (143); furthermore, onlookers from this incident report Daley being “swollen with anger”. 1966 saw the beginning of race equality rallies in Chicago which took place in Grant Park and Solider Field. King would march through neighbourhoods and famously lead a group of protestors to the doors of City Hall where he posted a list of demands to Mayor Daley.

Many people claim Daley’s greatest achievement as mayor was the planning and main construction of O’Hare International Airport. With its own Chicago address, despite it being actually located outside of the city, it is the largest airport in Illinois. Previous to O’Hare’s construction, air traffic in the Midwest was all directed through Midway airport, which now only flies domestic flights. When Midway’s runways proved to be too short for the safe take-off of the new, larger planes Daley introduced the notion of O’Hare: an airport which would filter all international flights into the city. Chicago thus became easily accessible for a new market: the international market, the tourist market.

Remnants of Daley’s world can still be found in Chicago today. For example, the Kennedy Express Lane which was constructed to connect the city of Chicago with O’Hare airport. Named after the youngest candidate to ever run for president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the express way was a connection between the busy airport and the city. Daley was a fan of Kennedy; he helped his election campaign and was known to be friendly with the late president. It is important to note that Daley did not instigate the express lane, but it was completed in his era as mayor.