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, NOVEMBER 15, 1917

There will be partly cloudy skies over the city today with warmer temperatures. Today’s high will reach 61° with the low tonight about 44°. Today is the deadline for mailing your Christmas packages to soldiers overseas. Every package must be addressed with the soldier’s name, his company and regiment followed by the words “American Expeditionary Forces”. The soldier’s actual location must not be included.

Recently the residents of Bridesburg complained to their local improvement association about unpleasant odors wafting through the neighborhood. The neighbors said that the smell was so bad at times that some residents were falling ill. Upon investigation by the Bridesburg Improvement Association it was discovered that the odors were coming from factories engaged in the production of war supplies. Upon learning this, the good people of Bridesburg withdrew their complaints.

Director Datesman of the Department of Public Works announced today that the company belonging to state senator Edwin Vare was awarded the street cleaning and ash collection contract for the central and southern sections of this city. The contract is estimated to be worth over $1,300,000.00. Other companies were awarded the contracts for the 7th and 9th districts while contracts for five other city districts have yet been decided.

On the sports scene, in Eastern League Basketball, the Jasper Jewels open their home season tonight at Nonpareil Hall, Kensington Avenue & Ontario Street against the Reading Bears. The team is hoping for a good turnout to dispel fears that the war will adversely affect the sport.

Camden opened their home season last night against visiting DeNeri of South Philadelphia. The evening began with a speech by Camden’s Mayor Charles Ellis and a short band concert ending with the Star Spangled Banner. Camden also revealed its new uniforms featuring a red, white and blue shield on the jersey with red, white and blue socks. Once the game began however, it was clear the South Philadelphia men would have the upper hand. DeNeri scored 15 field goals to just 10 for Camden. And they were also the better team at foul shooting, scoring 9 of 18 chances against Camden’s 10 out of 31 chances for a final score of 39 to 30.

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