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.
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TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1915
The forecast calls for another warm, sunny day with the high reaching 83° and the low tonight about 65°. In business news, Baldwin Locomotive Works has contracted with the Allied powers to provide $80,000,000.00 worth of shrapnel. Because there are provisions in the charter of Baldwin which prevent it from accepting war orders, a new company will be organized. But that company will be under Baldwin’s control.
The seaside town of Wildwood, N.J. is decorated with flags and bunting today and the entire populace has turned out for Firemen’s Day and to greet Governor James Fielder who will be participating in the activities. A grand parade through the streets will be held starting at 2:00pm led by the City’s band and followed by fire departments from the surrounding areas and as far away as Haddonfield and Pitman. Tonight on the ocean pier a reception and ball will be held in the Governor’s honor.
In national news, two of America’s greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Orville Wright (shown below), have agreed to serve as civilian advisors to the military and help with the development of submarines and aeroplanes. Mr. Wright declared America must have a fleet of 2000 aeroplanes and Mr. Edison has committed to improving the operation of the submarine fleet. It is believed Mr. Edison and Mr. Wright will be joined by Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, Hudson Maxim and Simon Lake. The gathering of a group of geniuses like this is something the world has never seen before and may result in making the American military practically invincible.
On the sports beat, South Philadelphia’s Battling Levinsky won his match with Joe Rogan last night at the Douglas A.C. In racing, a 50 mile bicycle race will be held tonight at Point Breeze Motordrome starting at 8:30pm. Some of the finest international bicyclist including Didier of France, Linart of Belgium, Madonna of Italy and Carman of America will be competing. In baseball the A’s lost their 4th in a row in Chicago today, 6 to 4. While the Phillies here at home beat the Cardinals, 6 to 3.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, the German army in the Argonne under the command of the Crown Prince has been repulsed. This probably means a cessation in the attempt to break through the French lines to Verdun. However, further north the Germans continue their shelling of Soissons and Arras. In Flanders the British have checked the Germans near Pilken. In the east, in northern Poland all German attacks over the last 3 days have been repulsed. It is estimated that 15,000 Germans have been killed or wounded in the fighting.
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