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 often for new updates.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – MONDAY, JUNE 14, 1915
Sunday’s late afternoon rain cooled off the city somewhat. But the heat returned today under cloudy skies. Today’s high will be about 87° with the low tonight approaching 67°. Many feel it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity making this first day of the work week uncomfortable and that just may be the case since this morning at 8:00am the humidity was measured at 87%.
It is Flag Day and as part of Philadelphia’s commemoration precisely at Noon 200,000 public school children rose and sang the “Star Spangled Banner”. After which in every school a brief talk was given on the significance of the day. This afternoon and evening other events in celebration of Old Glory are planned in every section of the city.
Over 4000 sons and daughters of Italy gathered at the Vine Street wharf this morning to bid farewell to 100 of their fellow Italian residents. The young men are citizens of Italy and are sailing on the “Ancona” to join the armies of their King, Victor Emmanuel.
The Bureau of Health released its mortality report for last week showing 461 deaths in the city, 49 more than the previous week. Also 895 new cases of measles were reported last week which is 73 more than the week before.
In Delaware additional guards have been added to watch the grounds surrounding the DuPont powder plants on the Brandywine. It seems suspicious characters have been seen lurking in the nearby woods. As a result all underbrush and trees around the mills have been cut down to provide better sightlines for the guards. Also, in Philadelphia the United States government has advised Baldwin Locomotive Works to increase its security force to protect against possible attacks by German agents. The Secret Service has received reports that German agents are familiarizing themselves with munition factories throughout the country.
In national news, on the Mexican border, General Funston (shown below) has requested that 3 regiments, the 9th and 15th cavalry and the 27th infantry, scheduled for transfer to the Philippines be postponed. The General believes that the severe scarcity of food in northern Mexico could result in raids by Mexican bandits into the United States. General Funston said he needs the troops to guard the border.
Also, in Washington, D.C. today the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of F. Drew Caminetta who is the son of Anthony Caminetti, Commissioner General of Immigration for the United States. The younger Mr. Caminetti was convicted of violating the White Slave Act when he transported 2 girls from California to Nevada in 1913. The women were reportedly mistresses of Mr. Caminetta and a friend of his. The men’s wives found out about the affairs and reported their husbands to the police.