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 – TUESDAY AUGUST 6, 1918

Doctors are suggesting that anyone that can leave the city for the seashore or the mountains should do so. The heatwave continues and has gotten worse. The Weather Bureau has advised that no relief is in sight over the next week. Today’s high will reach 103° with a low in the evening of only 80°. Today may well become the hottest August 6 ever recorded.

Because of the heat 2000 men at the Pusey & Jones Shipbuilding Company walked off their jobs today. The men said they just could no longer stand working in these conditions. Other businesses in this city and in Camden have sent employees home for the day. Two people are known to have died today from heatstroke and dozens have been taken to various hospitals. Dr. Wilmer Krusen, Director of the Department of Health and Charities, advised people to take cool baths or showers and wear loose fitting light weight clothing made of cotton. Dr. Krusen also advised the elderly to not take walks in the middle of the afternoon. But if they must go outdoors they should go to parks where they can find shade.

In sports tonight the boxing season comes to a close at Shibe Park with eight big time matches. Advance ticket sales have been brisk. The Park has been prepared for a sellout crowd and has made room for 8000 additional patrons in the right and left field pavilions. The first bout will feature Philadelphia’s own Battling Levinsky, current light-weight champion, against Pittsburgh’s Harry Greb. The second fight will have the “Boston Bone Crusher” Sam Langford meet Jack Thompson. The third bout has “Irish” Patsy Cline verses Willie Jackson with the windup pitting Jack Britton against Soldier Bartfield.

Battling Levinsky

In baseball today the Athletics are out in St. Louis for the start of a three games series with the Browns. In today’s game the Mackmen took the lead early and hung on against a late rally from the Browns for a 6 to 4 win. The Phillies are hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates at National League Park and were walloped this afternoon 10 to 2.

            WAR NEWS

The Germans have unleashed an artillery barrage against America positions west of Fismes. Flamethrowers and machine guns are also being used from German positions on the northern slopes of the Vesle River. Mustard, sneeze and chocolate gas (so called because of its odor) is also being used by the Germans. The Germans appear to be making a stand on the northern bank of the Vesle.

The casualty list is exceptionally long today forcing the army and the marines to issue two lists. In total both lists contain 498 names, 358 soldiers and 140 marines. Army losses are 31 killed in action, 6 dead from wounds, 313 wounded severely, 7 wounded to some degree and 1 taken prisoner. The total Marine list notes 7 killed in action, 3 dead from wounds, 18 wounded severely and 112 wounded to some degree.  Seven Philadelphians are listed as killed in action or died from wounds while three others are listed as severely wounded. Because of the length of the list we will publish a full list of all casualties from this week on Sunday.

 

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