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.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1916
There will be cloudy skies and slightly warmer temperatures today. The high will reach 44°and the overnight low about 24°. There is a strong possibility of rain this evening.
The young men of this city are ready to prove their patriotism and are flocking to the central Army recruiting office at 1229 Arch Street. Hundreds of young men have responded to the placards posted throughout the city saying “Men Wanted For Mexico” (shown below).
Some men brought with them recommendations from family, friends and even employers attesting to their character. Captain A.A. King, a recruiting officer here, was very impressed with the number of applicants and their quality. He is certain Philadelphia’s men will give a good account of themselves in answering the country’s call.
Our city has a hero and he is only 13 years. His name is Theodore Kuhn of 4352 Cresson Street. On August 22 in 1914 Master Kuhn saved the life of a 5 year old boy who had fallen in front of an oncoming train. Today young Theodore came to the rescue of 2 sisters, Rose and Helen Janasek, ages 7 and 11 respectively. The girls, who live at 163 East Street in Manayunk, were heading home from St. Mary’s Parochial School which Theodore also attends. As the girls crossed Grape Street our hero noticed a large truck turn off of Main Street and barrel toward them. Theodore shouted to them but as they turned they fell down in the street. Theodore then rushed into the street grabbed each girl by the arm and pulled them to safety. The driver of the truck later admitted that due to the speed he was traveling the truck would not have been able to stop in time before running over the girls. After brushing themselves off the girls smiled at Theodore and skipped away. And that was thanks enough for our hero.
On the sports beat, in boxing tonight at the Lincoln A.C., 49th &Woodland Avenue, Joe Heffernan meets Jack Toland in the featured match with Eddie Hart taking on Charley Daly in the semi-windup. At the Quaker City A.C., 26th & Dauphin, tonight 5 bouts are on the card including Fighting Bob against Johnny Miller.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, French artillery is bombarding German positions south of the Malancourt Woods. Artillery exchanges are also ongoing on the west bank of the Meuse around Douaumont and Damloup and in the Woevre region near Moulainville and Eparges. In Eastern Europe the Russians are assaulting the Germans 80 miles southeast of Riga, Latvia. Reports are the Russians are using liquid fire and gas bombs.
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