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 – SATURDAY JUNE 23, 1917

A blistering sun has sent a steady stream of Philadelphians to the Jersey shore today. The temperature was 85° by Noon and is expected to reach 88°. The low tonight will only fall to 71°. Three regiments of the Boys’ Brigade of America will hold a ceremony this afternoon at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. The over 500 boys represent 25 churches in Philadelphia and Camden. The demonstration will include a flag raising, military regimental drills and a baseball game. The festivities will conclude tonight with a parade by the boys and fireworks.

The people of Kensington will erect a memorial to their own Charles Allen Smith, one of two Philadelphia men killed at Vera Cruz. The members of the memorial committee declared they will erect the statue regardless of the decision of the city Art Jury. The Art Jury announced that it did not like the statue. But Kensington has declared the memorial will go up. The Committee stated that the statue was paid for with pennies, nickels and dimes donated by the people of the neighborhood and not one cent came from the Art Jury. So its decision carries little weight in Kensington.

In sports, at the Point Breeze Park Motordrome tonight a 40 mile motor paced race will be held including riders George Cameron, Menus Bedell and Michael De Baetes of Belgium. In baseball today the Phillies,  behind some great hitting beat the Giants 8 to 2. Gravvy Cravath, Possum Whitted, Bert Niehoff, Jimmy Lavender all doubled and Dode Paskert tripled. The A’s were at the Polo Grounds against the Yankees for a double header and lost both games 10 to 4 and 2 to 1.

Up in Boston, Red Sox pitcher George “Babe” Ruth was thrown out of the first game of a double header against the Senators today. In the 1^st inning after facing only one batter Ruth became upset with umpire “Brick” Owens for calling 4 consecutive balls and awarding Ray Morgan 1^st base.

The big fellow left the pitcher’s box yelling and gesturing at Owens. He then ran toward the umpire and when he got close enough punched him in the jaw. It took players from both teams along with Boston police officers to restrain Ruth from doing any further damage. Ruth was tossed out of the game and has been indefinitely suspended. Ernie Shore was sent in to pitch for Boston and proceed to throw a perfect game.

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