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. So, check back often for new editions. To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com

TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1917

The city will have another day of clear, fair and bright skies with gentle winds from the south. The high will reach 69° with the overnight low near 49°. Central High School has begun military training for all students 5’3” or taller. The training is under the direction of Professor Wilbur Haines. Also in scholastic news, two professors at Columbia University have been dismissed from their positions because of their pacifist inclinations. The trustees of the school will allow one, Dr. J. McKeen Cattell to retire but Professor Henry Dana has been asked to resign.

Testimony continued today in the arraignment of Mayor Smith and his co-defendants. Today the Mayor’s attorney made it clear the defense would rest on the assertion that the entire case is a frame up of the opposing Republican Party faction led by state senator James McNichol and U.S. Senator Penrose. Testimony today included that of a policeman from the 3^rd & DeLancy Street station who said Lt. Bennett told him that the Mayor and the Director of Public Safety gave the go ahead to beat up Councilman James Carey. And James Clark continued his testimony about showing the New York gang members around the 5^th Ward and that defendant Isaac Deutsch knew they were armed. Testimony will continue tomorrow.

In football, at Franklin Field today the University of Pennsylvania took on Albright College. Even though the Red & Blue has lost many players to military service the team came out and overwhelmed the visitors, 73 to 10. Just minutes after the start of the game quarterback DeBenneville “Bert” Bell took the snap from center and ran 60 yards for the first touchdown. From that point on Penn just could not be stopped.

The baseball season for Philadelphians came to an end today. This had been a disappointing season for the Phillies finishing in 2^nd place and 10 games behind the Giants who they hosted at Phillies Ball Park today. The final games today were as disappointing as the season as the Phillies lost both games of a doubleheader to the New Yorkers, 11 to 1 and 6 to 0.  The Athletics were finishing their season up in New York against the Yankees were they fared a bit better. The A’s won the first game 3 to 1 but lost the second 3 to 2. Well, perhaps one or both of our hometown squads will reach the World Series next year. There’s always hope.

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