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 – THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1915
This morning was the coldest May 27th since 1839. The mercury dipped to 44° degrees at 5:00am. Today the skies will be clear with clouds moving in overnight. The high today will reach 71° with the low tonight about 44°
From Washington, D.C. today came word that President Wilson has declined the City’s invitation that he attend this year’s 4th of July celebration and activities. The city has plans to have the festivities last for 3 days from Saturday July 3rd through Monday July 5th. In business news, Baldwin Locomotive has received a large order from the British War Office for the production of artillery shells. The order may be in conjunction with or as a subcontract of the order recently placed with Bethlehem Steel Company. Lord Kitchener has said his army needs 50,000 shells a day for his cannons.
In health news from the surrounding area an outbreak of measles is reported in Jenkintown and mumps is reportedly spreading among children in Abington. As of yet, no serious results have occurred. Also in medical news, 8 students were graduated today from the School of Nursing of the American Stomach Hospital, 1809 Wallace Street. Commencement exercises were held at Columbia Hall, Broad & Oxford Streets.
On the social and sporting scene the Devon Horse Show opened today. The show is the premier outdoor event of its kind in the country. The chill in the air this morning was no deterrent to large crowds filling the Polo Field. Almost 1800 entries are scheduled to compete in various events through Monday. The show is the first grand event of Philadelphia Society’s summer schedule.
In entertainment around the city tonight, the Municipal Band will be giving a concert at Penn Treaty Park, Delaware River and Columbia Avenue at 8:00pm. The pupils of the National School of Elocution and Oratory will give a recital tonight at the Parkway Building, Broad & Cherry Streets beginning at 8:00pm. And the play “The Mikado” will be performed by the West Philadelphia Young Men’s Republican Club at 41st & Chestnut Streets beginning at 8:15pm. All events are free.
WAR NEWS
Germany has called all its untrained Landsturm over the age of 35 into active service. This action was taken because of Italy’s entry into the war. On the Italian-Austrian front, King Victor Emmanuel III (shown below) has taken command of the Italian army which is advancing toward Trieste. Reportedly, an estimated 900,000 Austrian and German troops are positioned along the Italian frontier. In the east, 12 Russian generals have been removed from their positions as a result of the recent successes of the Austro-German armies in Galicia. Emperor Nicholas is at the front and reportedly dismissed the generals personally. Also, at Przemsyl, the city is virtually surrounded by an Austro-German army.
