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 – FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1917
The weather for the region calls for continued cloudiness and periods of rain throughout the day. The high will reach 66° with the overnight low about 49°. The City’s Division of Housing and Sanitation announced today that it will begin inspecting the over 7000 stables in Philadelphia. The purpose of the inspections is to insure proper sanitation and care of horses and other livestock which hopefully will lessen the number of insects carrying diseases. The Division is asking for volunteers to assist with the inspections.
In sports, the Phillies home opener was today at National League Park, Broad & Huntingdon Street, against the Dodgers. A patriotic spirit was in the air as 3 full companies of Marines from the Navy Yard marched in parade around the field and then raised Old Glory in military style as the Marine Corps Band played “The Star Spangled Banner”. Mayor Smith threw out the ceremonial first pitch and then “Alex the Great” took the mound. But the hero today was Gavvy Cravath who drove in 1 run in the 3rd and then with the game tied at 3 in the 8th, knocked one out of the park to give the Phillies a 4 to 3 win.
The A’s are in Washington for the Senators season opener at American League Park. A crowd of about 10,000 was on hand to watch. The A’s took the lead in the 1st with 3 runs but the Senators tied it up and took the game into extra innings. Each team drove in a run in the 12th. Then in the 13th the A’s drove 2 across the plate giving “Jing” Johnson, who pitched all 13 innings, his 2nd win of the young season.
On the entertainment scene this weekend, on screen at the Chestnut Street Opera House, the Cecil B. DeMille spectacular “Joan the Woman” staring Geraldine Farrar as Joan of Arc. At the Leader, 41st & Lancaster Avenue, Mary Pickford stars in “Poor Little Rich Girl”. At the Broadway, Broad & Snyder Avenue, “The People vs. John Doe” produced and directed by Lois Weber, the greatest living woman director. On stage tonight at the Forrest Theatre, 9th & Walnut, the musical comedy “Miss Springtime”. In vaudeville at the Globe, Juniper & Market Streets, the Josie Flynn Minstrels will be on stage featuring Mae Roberts. And at the Lyric, Broad and Cherry Streets, Philadelphia’s own, Charlotte Greenwood (shown below) leads the cast in “So Long Letty”.
Charlotte Greenwood
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