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 each day for new editions.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 1915
There will be mostly clear skies over the city today with a high of 85° and a low 68°.
Workers in West Philadelphia and business owners are happy today because of the contract entered into between the French government and the Bull’s Head Horse Bazaar, 38th & Market Streets. The contract calls for the sale of 41,000 horses and means employment for over 1000 men to clip and shoe the animals which in turn will mean business for the shopkeepers in the area.
Samuel Davidoss, barber, was hauled into court today at the 10th & Buttonwood station on charges brought by his wife Mary Magalia, for desertion. Mrs. Davidoss claims the couple has been married for 3 years and has 3 children. But the matter had to be continued when it was asserted that there was more than one Mrs. Davidoss. That claim was made by Joseph Miller, an agent for the Society for Organizing Charity. Mr. Miller stated that Davidoss has at least 8 wives. One is still in Russia with his 3 children where he left them 10 years ago. Another is in New York City with 1 child and a third wife is in Scranton. Four others are believed to be here in Philadelphia along with 6 more children. Mr. Davidoss will be held over to face bigamy charges.
In Germantown today two little sisters, Gertrude Constable age 9 and Ellen Constable age 5 will be buried together. The girls were the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Constable of 106 Pastorius Street and died from cholera caught from eating unripe peaches. The little girls’ brother, Charles age 3 also was made ill but has recovered. The burial will be at Chelten Hills Cemetery. Twelve little boys, playmates of the girls, will act as pallbearers.
In baseball, after splitting 2 games in Cleveland over the weekend the A’s have a day off and are traveling to St. Louis for a series with the Browns. The Phillies are home at National League Park (shown below) and split a doubleheader with the Cubs. The Phillies dropped the first game 4 to 3 but exploded in the second game giving the Cubs a 13 to 5 drubbing.
WAR NEWS
In Eastern Europe the Germans continue to advance. Today they captured Ossowietz and are intent on next taking Brest Litovsk which is being defended by 150,000 Russian soldiers. Fighting is taking place along a 100 mile front. In the Gulf of Riga, a 3 day naval battle has come to an end with a British-Russian fleet decimating the Germans. The Germans lost the huge dreadnought Moltke, 2 cruisers and 8 torpedoboats.
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