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 – MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1915
The city will have overcast skies today with possible thunderstorms this evening. The high will reach 83° with the low about 61°.
Philadelphia is embarking on an experiment today which, if successful, might alleviate much worry and tears when children become lost. The experiment involves taking the fingerprints of young children. Since no two people have the same fingerprints, if a little one is lost and does not know their last name, as many do not, a record of their fingerprints will reunite them with their family. Superintendent of Police Robinson noted hundreds of children wander away for their doorsteps each year, especially in the summer. The city will start the program with just a few children to work out the process but Superintendent Robinson hopes that eventually every child in the city will have their fingerprints on file.
Little 7 year old Ruth Haines, 540 North Simpson Street, is in West Philadelphia Homeopathic Hospital today. The child was attacked by a large brown bear at the gypsy camp at 70th & Haverford Avenue. The camp has been set up in the woods and has grown to encompass over 20 tents. The camp attracts curiosity seekers who travel there for entertainment. Such was the case with little Miss Haines’ family. The bear is owned by Joe George, a Rumanian gypsy. George was making the bear dance when it broke away and attacked the child. The bear was beaten off by spectators but not before it practically scalped the little girl. Mr. George is in jail awaiting a hearing. The police will now decide if the animal is vicious and must be destroyed.
Atlantic City officials proclaimed with pride that close to 350,000 people visited the resort over the last weekend. Many of the hotels put out cots in their parlors and lounges to accommodate those needing a place to sleep. And the Atlantic City Beach Patrol (shown below) ensured that those who took to the water remained safe. The newest fashion from the west coast of female bathers going into the surf bare legged has not caught on here. There were a few young women daring to wear their socks rolled down leaving their legs bare from the ankle to their knees where their bloomers were drawn tight. But they attracted little attention.
In baseball, the Athletics welcomed the Chicago White Sox to town today for a 3 game series. Manager Mack sent Jack Nabors to the mound for his first start in the big leagues. Nabors gave up 12 hits and walked 7. The White Sox won 8 to 4. The Phillies are out west in Cincinnati. They won yesterday’s game behind Pete Alexander but today went down to defeat after 12 hard fought innings, 5 to 4.
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