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 – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1915
The city will have overcast, grey skies today with probable showers this evening. It will be unseasonably warm with the high reaching 80° and the low tonight 44°. Today marks the 271st Birthday of William Penn. The Mayor and city officials held a small ceremony in the Mayor’s reception room where a large portrait of this city’s founder hangs. The portrait was surrounded by the flag of the Commonwealth on one side and the City’s flag on the other. Above the portrait hangs the American flag.
The senior class of the West Philadelphia High School for Girls left Broad Street station this morning at 8:35am for a trip to Washington D.C. and a day of sightseeing. The 162 young ladies will see many historical sights and enjoy an automobile tour around the city. They will also visit the Library of Congress this evening before returning home.
It cannot be said that the ladies who are working for the vote have forgotten the importance of feminine and stylish dress. The members of the Equal Franchise Society met today at their headquarters, 35 South 9th Street, to decide on the proper attire for the upcoming parade and pageant on October 22. After some discussion it was decided on dark suits and hats with a bright yellow sash and a yellow flower worn on the left side. The women will also carry bright yellow Japanese lanterns in their right hands. The Society is planning on a large number of participants and also intends to have many marching bands accompany the ladies.
The biggest celebration in the history of the Tioga section of the city begins tonight with a parade beginning at 8:00pm at Broad & Erie. The Tioga Industrial Exposition will be opening highlighting the social, industrial and commercial life of the neighborhood. Tonight’s parade will include fraternal and military groups and bands. There will also be floats by the Philadelphia Electric Company, Ivins Bakeries and the National Cash Register Company.
In sports news, the players share of the World Series receipts were announced today. Each player of the winning Red Sox will receive $3,780.25 while each member of the Phillies will receive $2,520.17. In High School football this afternoon Germantown High defeated Central 3 to 0. In boxing, it is an almost all Southwark lineup at the Broadway A. C., 15th & Washington Avenue, tonight. Joe Welsh, the rising lightweight star will be in the windup tonight against Stanley Hinckle of Gray’s Ferry. Other fights include Kid Broad vs. Chick Carsey and Terry Ketchell against Jimmy Valentine all of Southwark. And in the opener Frankie Clark of Southwark takes on Barney Oakey of Smokey Hollow.
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