Joe Louis's victory over Jim Braddock in the eighth round was not only a matter of pride for Chicago's African American community, it was also a boost for the local economy. Of some 60,000 attending the fight, about 75 percent were visitors to Chicago. Included in the audience were governors, congressmen, a cabinet member, and diplomats. United Airlines flew six extra 21-seat planes to Chicago. The largest hotels were booked six weeks in advance; the few remaining hotel rooms were going for twice their usual cost.

Source: Jim Themelis