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 – THURSDAY AUGUST 8, 1918

The heat continues but at least it is not as bad as yesterday. Today’s high will only reach 93° with a low tonight of 79°. Yesterday’s high was officially registered at 106.2°. Seventeen more deaths have been reported due to the heat bringing the death toll over the past three days to 35. There is a possibility of a thundershower this afternoon. In cooler climes down the shore, Vineland, N.J. will celebrate its 57th anniversary today. Residents plan to meet at the Historical and Antiquarian Society and reminisce about the early days of the town.

A Philadelphia fireman was killed this morning fighting a huge blaze at the Western Ice Company. Hoseman John Anderson was killed when one wall of the building collapsed upon him. The company’s plant is located in Cardington, Delaware County just beyond 63rd & Spruce Streets. The fire started at 6:00am and soon became an inferno. The Cardington Fire Department called for assistance and departments from Millbourne, East Lansdowne and Upper Darby responded. Finally two Philadelphia companies arrived to help including Engine Company No. 54 of which Hoseman Anderson belonged. After fighting the fire for over an hour the north wall collapsed before Anderson could get clear. Hoseman John Anderson was 29 years old and lived at 897 North 66th Street. He had been a fireman for 5 years. He leaves behind a wife and 3 small children.

Fireman John Anderson

In sports, the Phillies finished their series with Pittsburgh today with a doubleheader at National League Park. And it could not have ended better with the Phillies taking both games. In the first game the hometown boys jumped out to the lead and never looked back. Cy Williams, Fred Luderus and Gavvy Cravath all contributed doubles to the 6 to 1 victory. The second game was much the same with the Phillies jumping out to an 8 to 1 lead. Emil Frederick “Irish” Meusel and Gavvy Cravath both contributed home runs to the 8 to 2 win. The A’s are travelling home today and will open a series with the Senators on Saturday.

WAR NEWS

French and American forces are striking at the Germans entrenched on the northern bank of the Vesle River. The heaviest fighting is going on west of Fismes which the Americans still hold. In Picardy the British, Australians and French are attacking along a 28 mile front from Albert to the Avre River.

The American casualty list today contains 345 names. The Army list has 237 while the Marine list contains 108. The Army list reports 131 killed in action, 16 died of wounds, 6 died of accident, 62 wounded severely and 22 wounded. The Marine Corps list reports 2 killed in action, 1 died of wounds, 20 severely wounded, 75 wounded slightly and 10 missing.

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