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. So, check back often for new editions. To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com

TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – MONDAY JULY 9, 1917

There will be fair skies today with increasing cloudiness tonight and the chance for some rain. The high will only reach 77° with the low at 65°. Rain is expected tomorrow. This city sends its thanks and congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. William G. Barron of 2316 East Clearfield Street who now have 5 sons serving in the military. And the women of Philadelphia are joining Herbert Hoover’s Food Army. Today policemen began going door to door to leave registration cards for the 605,000 or so housewives of this city to pledge that they will practice ridged food conservation (shown below). Many women approached today admitted they have never heard of Herbert Hoover or the United States Food Administration. But nevertheless, Philadelphia’s women are ready and willing to do their part to conserve.

The days of Petty’s Island lying neglected and abandoned are soon to be over. The island which sits in the Delaware River between Camden and Kensington shore will soon become a thriving business and commercial center. Recently William Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company purchased a large portion of the island to expand its operations. Now the Philadelphia Electric Company and the Crew-Levick Company, which produces and refines petroleum, have also purchased land.  The Pennsylvania Railroad Company is constructing a branch line from it Camden Terminal across the Jersey Channel to connect the island to the mainland.

As Philadelphians know, the island has previously had nefarious history. It is said to be where Blackbeard and other pirates docked their ships when visiting this city in the early years of the 18th century. And in the 19th century it was known as a dangerous place where criminals and outlaws gathered in gambling dens and houses of ill repute. It was also known as a place where dueling could occur without interference from the law.

WAR NEWS

It was announced today by the War Department that every American soldier going overseas will be provided with a pocket New Testament to carry with him into battle.  On the Eastern front, the Russians are pushing their offensive toward Lemberg in Galicia. The Russians report that 4 more towns have been taken and their troops have reached the River Lukva. In the Middle East, British aeroplanes have attacked the city of Constantinople and the Turkish-German fleet docked in its port.

GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW

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