Illini 411: What’s the coldest day ever recorded on campus?

(Photo-illustration by Dana Smith)

A: Get out your toboggans, friends! And your down vests and long underwear and hand warmers and all that other cold weather razzamatazz. Or, better yet, just stay inside beside a roaring fire until spring comes. Anyway, the U of I’s record low of -25 degrees (F, not C) happened four times: Feb. 9, 1899; Feb. 13, 1905; Jan. 19, 1994; and Jan. 5, 1999. If you were on campus for those last two, write and let us know what you did to brave the cold.

Have questions about U. of I. history, traditions and legends?

Write to Illini 411 at rross2@uillinois.edu. The most delectable questions will be selected for publication.