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 – SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1915
There will be cloudy and overcast skies over the city today with showers tonight. The heat has returned with the high today reaching 87° and the low tonight about 68°.
In a sad story of the war reaching our shores, Mr. Joseph Tasesky, 63 years old of 521 North 2nd Street, attempted to commit suicide today by jumping from the 3rd story window of his home. Mr. Tasesky was despondent upon learning that 3 of his sons have been killed fighting for Russia. He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital with a broken leg and severe internal injuries. Doctors do not believe he will survive.
On the society scene, private children parties were given this morning at the Stanley Theatre, 16th & Market Streets, with motion pictures especially for the young ones. The parties were arranged by Mrs. William Donner, Mrs. Frederick Jordan and Mrs. Frederic Strawbridge. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Roussel and family have left their home in the city at 2108 Pine Street to spend the summer at their cottage in Cape May. Mr. and Mrs. V.A. Austin of 1927 Chestnut Street have also left the city to spend the summer in Beach Haven, N.J.
For your Saturday evening on the entertainment scene, Philadelphia’s own Elaine Hammerstein (shown below) is staring in the motion picture “The Moonstone” at the Globe, Juniper & Market Streets. Tickets start at .10¢. At B.F. Keith’s, 12th & Chestnut Streets, the comedy and dance team of Elizabeth Brice & Charles King are headlining along with 8 other acts. Tickets start at .25¢. At the Trocadero tonight the Big Burlesque Review and The Oriental Glide perform. And Woodside Park in Fairmount Park is open and admission is free for all patrons of the Park Trolley.
In concert band entertainment, the Fairmount Park Band will be performing at Belmont Mansion. The Philadelphia Band will be playing at City Hall Plaza and the Municipal Band will be at Tacony Avenue & Tucker Streets in Frankford. All concerts are free of charge.
In sports, several thousand people lined the shore along East and West River drive today to watch the 62d Annual Schuylkill Navy Regatta. In the junior 8 oared race, Vesper won for the 2nd straight year with Malta finishing 2nd , Crescents 3rd and Pennsylvania Barge last. The Senior Centipedes were won by the Philadelphia Barge Club, Malta finished 2nd. The Junior Centipedes were won by Vesper with Malta taking 2nd. And the Junior 4-oared gigs were won by Undine Barge Club with Malta 2nd and Vesper 3rd.
In baseball today, Grover Alexander held the Reds to just 1 run out at Redland Park as the Phillis beat Cincinnati 4 to 1. Here at Shibe the White Sox beat the A’s 8 to 2.