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 – WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 1918

There will be mostly cloudy skies over the city today and this evening. The high will be about 71° with the low tonight near 55°. Preparations are under way for the Fourth Liberty Loan Campaign. The campaign will begin here with a grand parade starting at 2:00pm on Saturday. The parade will begin at Broad and Diamond Streets and proceed south to Broad and Mifflin. Dozens of social, fraternal, charitable and relief organizations will participate. Also marching will be veterans groups and soldiers, sailors and marines stationed throughout the area. One spectacular event planned will be a mock air battle at Mifflin Street featuring 18 airplanes fighting in the sky while being fired upon by anti-aircraft guns placed on the rooftops of buildings.

Vesper Club Oarsman “Jack” Kelly has written from France with some observations on the war. In a letter addressed to his brother Patrick, Mr. Kelly says Germany’s defeat is inevitable and the war will last only so long as the German warlords can keep the truth from the people. Mr. Kelly is serving with the University of Pennsylvania’s Base Hospital Number 20. Mr. Kelly also relayed that he has met a number of fellows from East Falls and other surrounding towns over there. And when he meets them he is sure to provide them with luxuries like cigarettes and candy.

In national news, the United States Army is doing its utmost to conquer the Spanish Influenza presently infecting soldiers in camps along the east coast. The total number of infected soldiers stands today at 22,972. One of the hardest hit encampments is Camp Devens in Massachusetts where 10,789 cases are reported thus far. Military officials and public health authorities are assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm as the soldiers are quarantined to the camps. However, they do advise that people should avoid crowds and not cough or sneeze without using a handkerchief. The citizens of Boston seems to be suffering most from the disease where 100 deaths have been reported and the public schools closed as a precaution.

WAR NEWS 

In the Balkans, the Bulgarians are being driven back along a 100 mile front in Macedonia. In Macedonia the French and Serbians are leading the assault while in Albania the Bulgars are retreating under the pressure of a new Italian offensive. Additionally, British forces have crossed into Bulgaria itself at Kosturino bringing the war directly into that country. The Bulgarians had requested German reinforcements be sent from the divisions guarding the Roumanian oil fields but that request was denied.

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