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.
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TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1916
It is a beautiful bright and sunny day on which to celebrate Washington’s Birthday. Some Philadelphians enjoyed the holiday with skating and picnics at Hunting Park Lake and at Woodside Park Lake and Concourse Lake in Fairmount Park. However the clear skies will give way to some cloudiness this evening and tomorrow. Today’s high will reach 45° with the low tonight about 13°.
The center piece of the today’s celebrations was most certainly the grand parade that took place starting at 2:00pm at Broad & Carpenter Streets and proceeded to Independence Square. The parade was organized by the city’s Washington’s Birthday Committee. Over 60 patriotic and church organizations with floats and bands marched along the route. They were greeted and cheered by thousands of people who watched from the sidewalks. Once at Independence Hall the assembled crowd heard speeches from honored guests followed by the singing of patriotic songs.
Many military and veterans organizations will also be celebrating with dinners, dances and concerts this afternoon and evening. The First City Troop will march in parade today beginning at 5:30pm from their armory at 22 South 23rd to 13th & Chestnut Streets and back again. The members will then enjoy the Troop’s traditional Washington’s Birthday dinner. Also, the 1st Infantry will hold their reception and ball at Broad & Callowhill Streets tonight. And the 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Cameron Dragoons, will hold their banquet at 764 South Broad Street this evening.
Several Philadelphians who are related to the great President will also participate in celebrations today. Two are George Steptoe Washington (shown below), 1318 Locust Street, who is the great-great-grand-nephew of Mr. Washington and George Lafayette Washington. Both men are direct descendants of the President’s brothers. They will spend this evening with the Sons of the Revolution at the Historical Society, 13th & Locust Streets. Others related to the President who reside here are Mrs. Anne Washington Naulty and her 3 sisters, Margaretta, Martha and Elizabeth C. Washington, 241 South 43rd Street. There is also Mrs. Louise Washington Fargo and Miss Rebecca Washington of 10th & Clinton Streets and Miss Elizabeth F. Washington who resides at the Lincoln, 1222 Locust Street.
George Steptoe Washington
In sports there are a number of events and games on this holiday. The championship of the Industrial Soccer League could go to the Electric Storage Battery Company if they can defeat the Hohlfield Manufacturing Company team. The game will be held at 5th & Bristol Streets this afternoon. In high school basketball Central High will meet Northeast High this afternoon at West Philadelphia High’s gym. Due to a scheduling mix-up, Southern High will host West Philadelphia High tomorrow afternoon. In boxing tonight at the Douglas A.C., 11th & Spring Garden Streets, Jack Kantrow meets Eddie Sullivan, George Blackburn takes on Willie Benckert, Abe Kabincoff fights Frankie White, Mickey Gallagher clashes with Joe Welsh and Willie Moore battles K.O. Jack Farrell.
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