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Straight Dope Classic from Cecil's storehouse of human knowledgeDate missing
Dear Cecil:
I fly in and out of O'Hare Airport in Chicago frequently and I have always wondered why
the O'Hare baggage code is ORD. Can you tell me? --Carl A., Minneapolis
Dear Carl:
During World War II the Army and the Douglas Aircraft company built and operated a
military airport at "Orchard Place," an unincorporated area in the northwest
suburbs of Chicago. Known as Douglas Field, the airport was deeded to the City of Chicago
for commercial use after the war, when it was officially designated Chicago Orchard
Airport. Hence ORD. Later the name was changed to Chicago O'Hare International Airport,
after "Butch" O'Hare, a war hero and son of a Chicagoan who had apparently been
murdered by the mob. That's the Toddlin' Town for you.
--CECIL ADAMS
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