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 – TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1917
There will be clear and bright skies over the city today. The high will reach 52° with the low near 30°. City Councils are considering a bill to furnish insurance on every Philadelphia man who dies in the service of the country. The insurance would provide $1,000.00 to the man’s family in the event of his death. The Mayor fully endorses the idea saying “it would show that Philadelphia has the interest of her young men of the military at heart” and it would establish a wonderful patriotic precedent for other cities to follow.
The “Women’s Flying Squadron” as it is being called is doing its part to aid in the enlistment of men for the Navy. The squadron consists of 150 motorcars (like the one shown below) furnished by prominent women to travel throughout the city encouraging enlistment. The women drive their automobiles to various neighborhoods and make patriotic speeches and ask men to enlist. So far 450 men have heeded the call of these ladies.
Firemen and stablehands succeed in rescuing 50 horses belong to the First Pennsylvania Cavalry this morning when a fire swept through their stable at 55th & Vine Streets. The fire is believed to have started in the hayloft. The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and is being investigated. Haverford Township in Delaware County is organizing its own home defense guard. An ordinance has been passed authorizing the enlistment of 100 men in the guard. The men will receive special training to assist police and protect important township property and businesses.
WAR NEWS
There are rumors in Washington that the United States will not enter into a formal alliance with the Entente powers to prosecute the war. Instead a type of “Gentlemen’s Agreement” will be formed in which the United States will confer with the allies and cooperate militarily and economically to defeat Germany. On the western front, ferocious fighting is occurring today at a place called Vimy ridge in northern France. The battle, which began yesterday, is part of the British offensive to break the German lines north of Arras. The British have massed 170,000 men for the fight. Four Canadian divisions comprise the majority of the British troops.
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