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 – SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1917

There will be clear and fair skies over the city today with the high near 53° and the low tonight 35°. William Wilson, The Director of the Department of Public Safety, has issued an order that all aliens from Germany living in this city must, within 24 hours, surrender any firearms in their possession to police. The order is issued in furtherance of President Wilson’s Proclamation prohibiting aliens from enemy nations from having firearms, ammunition or any explosives in their possession.

The investigation into the Eddystone explosion is now in the hands of the Department of Justice. A preliminary report prepared by the Eddystone Corporation has been turned over to the Department for their review.

A bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature providing for segregation of negro students in the public schools. The bill is supported by Dr. Nathan Schaeffer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Schaeffer explained the measure is needed because of the huge influx of negroes from the south into Pennsylvania to work in industrial plants. Dr. Schaeffer also noted that negro children require a different type of training than white children and their segregation will allow them to learn at their own pace and be to their benefit.

From Europe comes the news that Socialists are meeting in Stockholm, Sweden today to confer on the possibility of arranging a peace conference. British and French socialists, however, have refused to attend. German representatives are reportedly meeting with their Russian counterparts to discuss peace between those two countries. The Russians are led by a radical newspaper editor named Lenin who has been living in exile in Switzerland.

In sports Philadelphia’s Industrial League of Baseball has announced its schedule for this season. The League will be divided into 2 divisions with 8 teams each. The North Division will be comprised of Electric Storage Battery, Keen Kutter, Hale & Kilburn, J & J Dobson, American Manganese Bronze, Midvale Steel, Standard Roller Bearing and Disston Sons. The South Division will include Ward Company, D. Lupton’s Sons, Houghton & Co., Hess-Bright, Miller Lock Company, Quaker City Rubber, Philadelphia Roll and Machine Company and Barrett Company.

GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.