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 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1918

The skies will be generally cloudy today with the possibility of rain overnight and tomorrow. Today’s high will be about 63° with the low near 36°. The Third Liberty Loan Campaign begins on April 6 and the ladies of the John Wanamaker’s Department Store Division of the Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania are preparing to do their part. Nearly 100 girls meet on the roof of the Wanamaker Building each week to participate in military like drills (Shown below). The drills are under the direction of Army Captain J. Gobin Cranage and are meant to help the ladies prepare for the grueling physical schedule they will soon be under. This army in blue, as they are called, will be taking charge of six booths in center city. They will also be on call if help is needed at other booths around the city.

Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania

Employees of Hog Island will soon have improved transportation facilities. The Emergency Fleet Corporation which runs the Yard has entered into an agreement with the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Corporation to construct a new trolley line along Eastwick Avenue on Island Road to Hog Island. The line will be in operation by July 1. The Emergency Fleet Corporation will fund the construction and 100 new trolley cars. After the war the P.R.T. will purchase the lines and equipment from the Emergency Fleet Corporation.

“Café birds” “parlor lizards”, “poolroom sharks” and unattached “dancing men” are to be banished from Atlantic City this spring and summer. The above types have a propensity to flock to the resort and live off the free-spending vacationists each season. New Jersey’s new anti-loafing statute requires every able-bodied male within the state to either be in the military, at war production factories or on the farm. So Director of Public Safety William Sooy has decreed any man without visible means of support, no matter how “ornamental”, will be banished from the city.

In sports, tonight at Traymore Hall, Franklin Street & Columbia Avenue, basketball fans will be able to enjoy what may prove to be an excellent doubleheader. In the first game the United States Marines of League Island will take on St. Columba the champions of the American League. The second game will bring together the fine Y.M.H.A. team against the Port Richmond boys. Both teams performed in the American League this season. Out in Pasadena, California where the Cubs are doing their training, “Old Pete” Alexander donned his new uniform for the first time today. Rumors are that Alex received a $7,500.00 bonus to sign a contract and end his holdout.

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