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 – FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 1915
Today’s forecast calls for clear skies with the high around 72° and the low tonight about 62°. The Census Bureau in Washington reported today that Philadelphia ranks as the 2nd wealthiest city in the nation. The calculation is based on property subject to assessment for the ad valorem tax and equals $1,533,791,867.00. New York City holds the 1st place position.
Police are asking the public’s help in finding the family of Rosie (shown below). Rosie, as she insists is her name, is about 3 years old and a chubby little thing. She has fat little legs and arms, grey eyes flecked with brown and the merriest disposition. Rosie was found Monday morning wandering around 2nd & Arch. It was thought that such an adorable little plump treasure would have been quickly claimed but as of today no one has come forward. Police now think she may have been abandoned. Rosie is being cared for at Philadelphia General Hospital. She is in perfect physical condition and the state of her hair and clothing suggests she was well-cared for. Anyone with information concerning Little Rosie is asked to contact the police immediately.
In somber news, two funerals were held today for the brave fireman who lost their lives on Tuesday. Battalion Chief William F. James and Ladderman John F. Hillman, Jr. were laid to eternal rest. Both funerals began at the men’s homes. The first service occurred at 8:30am at 2465 Amber Street, the home of Chief James. Later the 2nd service began at 1141 North Orianna Street, Ladderman Hillman’s home. Each service was scheduled to allow mourners, fireman and city officials to attend both. Director Porter and hundreds of fireman were on hand. An honor guard accompanied both coffins and the pall bearers were fellow firemen with whom the dead men had served.
On the sports scene, the 50-mile bike race at Point Breeze Park last night was won by last year’s world champion, Clarence Carman. In baseball, the Phillies returned home and clashed with Brooklyn this afternoon at National League Park. The Dodgers took the game 4 to 2. Brooklyn right fielder Casey Stengel put the game away with a home run in the 8th. Down in Washington, D.C. the A’s opened their series with the Senators by losing 4 to 1.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, a German attack near Calonne on the Meuse Heights in Lorraine has been repulsed by the French. The Germans used liquid fire and asphyxiating gas bombs in the assault but to no avail. In the east, in southeast Galicia the Russians appear to be keeping up the fight. Reports are that the Germans have been pushed back across the Dniester River near Halicz. Apparently the Russian defeat at Lemberg has not affected their fighting spirit in southern Galicia and Bukowina.