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 – TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1915
The forecast today calls for bright and fair skies with the high of around 78° and the low tonight of about 61°.
From Washington, D.C. late this afternoon comes word that William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State, has tendered his resignation to President Wilson. It was immediately accepted. The issued causing the resignation has to do with the response being drafted by the President and his cabinet to the Germans regarding their explanation for the sinking of the Lusitania. Reportedly Secretary Bryan considers the administration’s response too bellicose in its tone and was pushing the President instead to require the matter to be addressed by independent arbitration between the countries.
In local news, the Quaker City Motor Club gathered 300 automobiles today and put them to the service of 2000 orphans from institutions all over the city. The children were taken to Willow Grove Park where they had a big lunch and all the rides and amusements they could enjoy including a ride on the Toboggan as shown below. A grand dinner was also provided for the youngsters before their return to the city. This is the 7th annual outing.
Graduation ceremonies continued today at schools in the area. The Germantown Academy held its 155th commencement graduating 18 students and the Episcopal Academy held its 130th commencement with graduation exercises at 1324 Locust Street where 28 students received their diplomas.
On the sports scene, the Women’s National Lawn Tennis Tournament is being held this week at the Philadelphia Cricket Club at St. Martins. In boxing tonight at the Fairmount A.C., 11th & Spring Garden Streets, two heavyweight bouts are on the card. Sam Taylor considered the heavyweight champion of the U.S. Navy will meet Joe Rosen of West Philadelphia in the wind-up. While Gus Hunt, of the 12th Ward, will take on Jack Russell of Delaware in the semi-windup. Three other bouts featuring local boxers are also on the card. In baseball both teams claimed victories today. Out in St. Louis the Phillies nipped the Cardinals 5 to 4 for their 2nd win in a row while at Shibe Park the A’s beat the Browns 5 to 2.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, attack and counter attack are the order of the day north of Arras. The French report success in dislodging the Germans from the “Labyrinth” southeast of Neuville-St. Vaast. Italian forces have pushed across the Isonzo River and are advancing upon Trieste. The offensive has been met with fierce fighting all along the 30 mile line from Caporetto on the River to the gulf of Trieste. In the east, Austro-German forces are attempting to encircle Lemberg in Galicia while the Russians are concentrating their armies along the Dniester River and the chain of lakes which run through Grodek.