108 Years of History: What Has Happened Since the Cubs’ 1908 World Series Win

Learn the history of the Cubs within the last 108 years since their last world series win in 1908108 years. Yes, 108 years!

Until 2016, it had been 108 years since the Cubbies had won the World Series…although we brought home the National League pennant in 1945. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs once again became world champions when they won the 112th World Series.

What Was the World Like in 1908?

  • There were 88.7 million in the U.S. versus almost 329 million now.
  • Theodore Roosevelt was president.
  • The Model T began production.
  • The Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Central Africa’s Wadai Empire and the Emirate of Jabal Shammar on the Arabian Peninsula existed.
  • The periodic table included only 85 elements. Now, there are 118, all created in the lab.
  • No one knew Pluto existed.
  • More people died of tuberculosis than any other disease.
  • Approximately 20% of all deaths were infants under the age of 1.
  • The average life expectancy in the U.S. for men was 49.5 years and for women, 52.8. In 2015, male life expectancy was 78.8 years, and female was 81.2.
  • A nickel then is worth $1 now.
  • The tallest building in Chicago, the Tower Building, was 19 stories.

A lot happened during the period between World Series wins. We experienced 2 world wars, the Depression, women suffrage, the advent of Social Security, civil rights, moon landings, and more.

Since the Cubs’ 1908 World Series Win

Here’s what else happened during that time:

  • SS Eastland Disaster. On July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland capsized, killing 844 people, including 21 entire families.
  • Chicago Race Riot. From July 27 to August 3, 1919, racial conflicts claimed the lives of 23 black and 15 white people and injured more than 500 people.
  • St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. On February 14, 1929, Al Capone’s bully boys pumped “Bugs” Moran and his gang full of bullets to become the city’s undisputed criminal kingpin.
  • World’s Fair. In 1933 and 1934, Chicago hosted the World’s Fair.
  • Briefs. On January 19, 1935, Coopers Inc. sold the world’s first briefs.
  • The Glass Menagerie. In 1944, Tennessee Williams’ memory play premiered in Chicago.
  • Ebony. The magazine began publication in 1945.
  • Chicago 7 Trial. In 1969, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, Lee Weiner, and Bobby Seale went to trial on charges related to protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Bobby Seale later had his trial severed from that of the other defendants.
  • Soul Train. In 1970, the innovative dance television program began broadcasting.
  • Sears Tower. In 1973, the then-tallest building in the world was completed.
  • Super Bowl XX. In 1986, the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX.
  • Chicago Flood. On April 13, 1992, repairs to the Kinzie Street Bridge crossing damaged the wall of a utility tunnel beneath the Chicago River that flooded basements and underground facilities throughout the Chicago Loop.
  • Chicago Bulls. Between 1991 and 1998, the Bulls won 6 NBA championships.
  • Chicagoland Speedway. In 2001, the 1.5-mile racetrack opened.
  • Chicago White Sox. In 2005, the Sox won their first World Series in 88 years.
  • Barack Obama. On November 4, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama made his victory speech in Grant Park.
  • Stanley Cup Again. In 2015, the Chicago Blackhawks won for the third time in 6 years.__________________________________There’s more to Chicago than sports! Try this!__________________________________

What Are Your Memories?

What are your memories of the time leading up to the Cubs’ phenomenal win in 2016? Do you believe any sports event will ever top it?

Making new memories is important to us at The Admiral at the Lake. Resident-directed programs guide the recreational, intellectual, social and spiritual life of our community.

The Admiral offers a supportive environment that fosters engagement, collaboration and liberating choices. Not for us is the typical lifestyle of a retirement community: The Admiral at the Lake encourages a lifestyle that supports an ageless spirit. Schedule a no-obligation personal tour today!