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 – MONDAY, MAY 8, 1916
The forecast calls for cloudy skies over the city again today with rain moving in tomorrow. The temperatures will be slightly warmer with moderate winds from the west. Today’s high will reach 82° with the low tonight near 50°. Yesterday in every church in this city regardless of denomination, creed or sect heads were bowed in prayer for the repose of those souls lost one year ago on the Lusitania.
Edward Reichelbach (shown below) of 1141 Oakdale Street is walking the beat around his neighborhood. He is fully arrayed in his policeman’s uniform and carries a whistle and nightstick to enforce the laws. But Edward is not a real policeman. Being only 5 years old keeps him off the force. But one day he intends to be a regular cop. Edward has learned what the job entails from his uncle, Police Sergeant Ames of the Park & Lehigh station. If another boy steals an apple from a fruit stand or is disrespectful to adults, Edward steps in and ensures the apple is returned with a promise not to steal again or an apology to the insulted person. Edward also keeps a look out for strangers in the neighborhood and always tells other children not to accept treats or favors from men they do not know. Carry on officer Reichelbach.
In the election on May 16th the measure to approve the loan to fund the full construction of a new modern transit system for this city will be on the ballot. Mayor Smith has put aside politics and called upon former Transit Director A. Merritt Taylor to campaign for the measure. Mr. Taylor totally supports the loan and says that without it the continued construction of the Frankford “L” will be halted for an indefinite time and the Broad Street Subway line construction completely stopped.
In sports, at Shibe Park today the Senators are visiting the A’s and the “Big Train”, Walter Johnson took the ball for Washington. For the A’s, Elmer Myers was on the mound. Today Myers had the better stuff holding the Senators to just 2 runs on 4 hits. Johnson on the other hand was off his game giving up 13 hits and 4 runs as the A’s won 4 to 2. Up in Brooklyn, Grover Alexander had a shaky start giving up 2 runs to the Trolley Dodgers in the 2nd inning. But the Phillies bats just could not get going and 2 runs were all Brooklyn needed as the Phillies fell 2 to 0. This is Alexander’s second loss on the season.
At the Olympia A.A., Broad & Bainbridge, tonight starting at 8:30 sharp a 5 fight card is in store for boxing fans. The featured bout will see featherweight champion Johnny Kilbane take on Willie Jackson of New York. Tomorrow night at the Ryan A.C., 1026 Spring Garden Street, Jack Brazzo meets Tommy Carey in the main event.
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