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 – TUESDAY JUNE 19, 1917

There will be clear and fair skies over the city today with temperatures a bit on the warm side. The high will reach 87° with the low near 63°. The campaign for funding the Red Cross continues today and here in Philadelphia $1,000,000.00 has been raised thus far. Another two million dollars is needed within the next week to meet the goal of this city. Also today, Mayor Smith formally turned over the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital to the Red Cross to be used as a naval base hospital.

This city is excitedly anticipating the arrival of the Italian commission tomorrow. The expectation is especially felt in our Italian colony in South Philadelphia where beginning last night neighborhood parties and dances were held to start the festivities. The commission will arrive at Broad Street Station tomorrow at 11:00am. A grand parade is planned on Broad Street with a reception at Independence Hall and City Hall.

There were a number of graduations from the high schools in our area this morning. Girls’ High School bestowed diplomas on 151 young ladies at a ceremony held at Central High School, Broad & Green Streets. The Dodd medal for highest average was awarded to Miss Marion Gertrude Schembs. Ridley Park High School graduated 17 boys and girls today while over in New Jersey, Gloucester City High School graduated 6 boys and 5 girls.

The White Wings, the 2500 men who clean this city’s streets were on parade today in their bright white uniforms. The men marched with their equipment from Broad & Catherine to Broad & Oxford Streets. Of course, Broad Street was sparkling clean showing the good work done by these hard working men. The men and the equipment were reviewed at Broad & Race Streets and prizes awarded for best general appearance of the men, best appearances of the equipment and finally for best appearance of the horses. The final prize was awarded by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The parade was divided into 8 divisions representing both the different contracting companies the men work for and the 8 districts of the city. It was noticed that many of the Italian men who paraded last year were absent today having returned to Italy to fight for their country.

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