On this page we will look back at life in the city during the war years. Here we will provide the visitor with the stories making the news, what was happening in sports and entertainment, city politics, the social scene and the prominent people at the time. We will also recount the events occurring in the war on that day. So, check back each day for new editions.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1915
It was strange day weather wise today. A freak storm struck at 5:00pm bringing ominous dark skies and sheets of rain. But it only passed through the Falls of Schuylkill, Tioga, Manayunk and Germantown. Meanwhile Tacony and West Philadelphia were sunny and dry. The downtown neighborhoods had gloomy skies but no rain fell. The high today will be about 77° with the low near 66°.
Five Philadelphia Catholic priests received the honor of being raised to the rank of Monsignor by Pope Benedict today. A cablegram was received by the Archdiocese bestowing the title on Rev. Henry Drumgoole, rector of St. Charles Seminary in Overbrook, Eugene Murphy, rector of St. John the Baptist in Manayunk, Gerald Coghlan, rector of our Lady of Mercy at Broad & Susquehanna and Hugh Henry, rector of Boys Catholic High School, Broad & Vine Streets. The men also received the additional title of “domestic prelates” which in the Catholic Church is considered an extraordinary honor.
In politics, George Porter, independent candidate for Mayor on the Franklin Party ticket, pledged today to ensure the construction of the proposed Broad Street Subway, the extension of the Frankford Elevated and the building of a Woodland Avenue elevated line from 30th & Market Street over Woodland Avenue to Darby. Mr. Porter also declared that he will demand a standard universal .05¢ fare.
On the entertainment scene, the Philadelphia Orchestra opens its season this afternoon at the Academy of Music. Lead by Maestro Leopold Stokowski the orchestra will present Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture No.3” and Symphony Number 7, Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream Music” and Wagner’s overture from “Rienzi”. In High School football today Haverford defeated Northeast 14 to 0, Haddonfield High 31 Friends Central 6 and Wenonah Military Institute defeated Catholic High 7 to 0 in a hard fought contest (shown here).
WAR NEWS
The son of the British Consul General in this city, Sir Wilfred Powell, has been killed in France. Gareth Henry Mansell Powell died at the Battle of Ypres on April 21st last. He was killed while covering the retreat of other British and Canadians soldiers who had been gassed. Young Mr. Powell’s death has just recently been confirmed.
On the western front the Battle of Loos continues in the Artois region. Artillery duels are interrupted by fierce infantry engagements. British troops attempted to advance today under clouds of smoke and gas to little avail. The front extends 25 miles from Ypres to Loos. In the east, the Russian army which was advancing in eastern Galicia has today been driven back across the Strypa River.
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