1. On June 8, 1905, the first public library in Elgin, Illinois, opened its doors. The building, located at 200 North Grove Avenue, served as the city's main library until 1965 when a new facility was constructed.

2. In 1953, the Chicago and North Western Railway inaugurated its Coach Yard, located near the intersection of Laramie and Cortland avenues in Chicago. The facility served as a storage and maintenance yard for passenger trains until its closure in 1969.

3. On June 8, 1974, the very first Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made its appearance in Illinois during the opening of a new grocery store in Naperville. The iconic vehicle, which has become a symbol of American culture, was created in 1936 by Oscar Mayer's nephew Carl and has since made appearances at events and parades throughout the country.

4. In 2016, Governor Bruce Rauner declared June 8 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Illinois. The day is intended to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and encourage people to wear orange in support of the cause.

5. On June 8, 2019, the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, celebrated its 200th anniversary with a variety of community events, including a parade, live music, and a fireworks display. Founded in 1819, Edwardsville is the county seat of Madison County and has a rich history as one of the oldest towns in the state.