In the early 20th century, the Chicago River Swim was an annual event that drew thousands of spectators

On Sept. 22, some 500 participants are expected to jump in downtown waters for the Chicago River Swim, 116 years after a similar event prompted the Tribune headline: “Germs Of Chicago River Mere Bagatelle To Girl.”

“Regardless of the fact that the Chicago River is said to contain the most dangerous of germs, seventy-one swimmers of more or less fame in western aquatic circles will line up at one o’clock today on the life-saving pier at the entrance to the harbor for the first annual marathon...