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 – THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1916
There will be clear and fair skies over the city today. The cold temperatures remain with the high reaching about 39° and the low around 24°. The Bureau of Public Safety announced today that starting April 1st police will be stationed at the public squares and parks of this city. The police will be detailed to protect women and children from objectionable characters and also to prevent the destruction of flowers, plants, trees and other city property.
The President of the United States visited our city today. The President, accompanied by Mrs. Wilson, was here to visit Dr. G.E. de Schweinitz, his oculist whose office is at 1705 Walnut Street. After the appointment the President had lunch with his sister, Mrs. Anne Wilson Howe, who lives at the Maidstone Apartments, 1327 Spruce Street. Along with the secret service agents, the President was protected by 20 policemen and detectives. Also 20 mounted horse police surrounded his motorcar for the trip from the train station to the doctor’s office and back. The President left the city around 2:30pm to return to Washington, D.C.
Some Main Line communities have decided to organize their own military training programs in accord with the national preparedness movement sweeping the country. Last night Bryn Mawr organized its company and made it part of the Drexel-Biddle Volunteer Military Corps. The company also selected a woman, Miss Natalie Sellers Barnes, as honorary captain. Miss Barnes will wear a tailor-made uniform at company drills.
On the social scene many society women are organizing Lenten sewing classes to produce clothing and bandages for the French Relief Fund. One of the largest of these classes meets every Thursday morning at the home of Mrs. Joseph N. DuBarry, 3rd, of 2101 Spruce Street. Mrs. DuBarry (shown below) will be remembered as Miss Ella Brock prior to her marriage.
Mrs. DuBarry, 3rd
Another class meets at the home of Mrs. G.G. Meade Large, 2308 DeLancey Place, and also sews for the French Fund. That class includes 20 ladies. And tonight the 6th annual ball for the Jewish Consumptive Institute will be held at Mercantile Hall, Broad & Master Streets. Organizers promise this event will surpass all previous occasions.
In sports, the representatives of Princeton and Penn have decided on a 1 game playoff to crown the champion of the Intercollegiate Basketball League. The game will be held at the 2nd Regiment Armory, Broad & Susquehanna Avenue next Wednesday evening. Tonight billiard fans will get to see Charlie Ellis, world champion three-cushion player, in a match against Frank Jones. The match will be played at Regent Parlors, 1200 Market Street.
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