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 often for new updates.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1915
The forecast calls for beautiful fair skies today with the high around 78° and the low tonight about 62°. The lovely weather has many Philadelphians heading for the Jersey beaches. Shown below are some of those as they make their way along Delaware Avenue to the ferries to cross the river and catch the trains to the shore. Those traveling to Atlantic City will find a new clothing regulation. The law requires that all bathers walking from the hotels and cottages along the streets to the beaches must wear an outer garment which covers them to at least below the knees. Police will be stationed along the beach to stop those improperly attired. City representatives acknowledge the regulation will be difficult to enforce due to the huge crowds this summer.
Also at the Riverfront a very different type of trip was taking place. 1000 men of the Italian colony here left from the Vine Street wharf aboard the steamship Anacona for Italy. These men are reservists in the Italian army and have been called home to fight. Young wives and little children embraced their husbands and fathers and kissed them goodbye as tears streamed down their cheeks. Mothers prayed in Italian clutching their rosary beads as they hugged their sons for perhaps the last time. The men boarded the ship with determined looks on their faces to do their duty and defend their country.
It has been learned today that agents of the United States government are conducting secret investigations into numerous men and women in Philadelphia and other cities who are suspected of being German spies. It has also been learned that certain companies have stopped hiring men of German birth for important positions. Firms like Du Pont Powder Company, Remington Arms and Baldwin Locomotive have already instituted this policy. One member of the Department of Justice has said it is beyond doubt that Germany has a system of spies throughout the country.
On the sports scene, boxing is on the schedule tonight at the Ludlow A.C., 59th & Market Streets and at the Allegheny A.C., B Street & Allegheny Avenue. All fights at both arenas will be in the open-air. At National League Park the Phillies tied their game with the Reds at 2 in the bottom of the 9th only to lose it in the 10th. The Reds scored in the top of the 10th but the Phillies had men on 1st and 3rd in the bottom of the inning with 1 out when poor base running cost them the game. The Reds won 3 to 2. Out in Cleveland the Indians beat the A’s 11 to 3. The A’s are now 25 games out of 1st place.
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