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, JULY 1, 1915
There are bright clear skies over the city this morning but like yesterday the afternoon may bring heavy rains. The high will reach about 81° with the low only about 70°.
The first “Jitney baby” was born yesterday and it’s a boy! The baby is the pride of Robert and Nellie Smith, 1722 South Alder Street, who called for a jitney early yesterday morning when it became clear an addition to the family was coming. First the couple was taken to Southeast Dispensary for Women and Children at 736 South 10th Street but it was closed. So they headed for St. Agnes Hospital but before arriving, at Broad & Mifflin Streets, the baby was born. After finally arriving at the hospital, doctors pronounced mother and baby perfectly healthy. This city has seen babies born on trolleys, trains and wagons but not a jitney until now.
Government and private businesses and organizations are busily finalizing their preparations for the 4th of July celebration. Decorations are being hung on all buildings, not just in center city but in every neighborhood. The patriotism of Philadelphians will be grandly on display for the many visitors arriving in the city. There will be sporting events, band concerts and fireworks displays in all sections of the city. One exception is that fireworks will not be part of the celebrations in the area bounded by Fitzwater and Reed Streets from 8th to Broad Streets. This is because in previous years there were many accidents among the foreigners in that area who were reckless when using fireworks.
On the sports scene today and tonight, in golf the men’s championship tournament of Philadelphia takes place at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. In Tennis, the championship of Philadelphia and vicinity will be held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Manheim. At the Point Breeze Park Motordrome, 26th & Penrose Avenue, a 40-mile bicycle race is scheduled. Some of the finest bicyclist in the world will participate including George Seres champion of France, Vincenzo Madonna of Italy and Clarence Carman and George Wiley of the United States. In baseball, the A’s game in Boston was called due to rain. At National League Park this afternoon, the Phillies beat the Braves 2 to 1.
WAR NEWS
The army led by German Crown Prince Wilhelm has been thrown back and suffered severe losses in its attack on French positions near Verdun. Over 40,000 Germans advanced against the French trenches but were cut down by the resistance of the poilus. Additional German attacks in the Argonne and in Alsace were also unsuccessful in breaching allied lines. In the east, the Austro-German army is now pressing towards Ivangorod (Deblin) Poland. This city is one of the defensive fortresses protecting the southern approach to Warsaw.