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 28, 1917

This will be another cloudy, overcast day for the city and the region. There is a possibility of light rain this evening. The high will reach 62° with the low about 48°. The Manufacturers Club, Broad & Walnut Streets, has erected a large electric sign over its main entrance reading “For God and Country”. Beneath the sign is an American flag made up of colored electric bulbs. The porticos of the building are draped with the flags of America, France, Great Britain, Italy and Belgium.

A military parade to spur recruiting will take place this afternoon in the central section of the city ending with a mass meeting at City Hall. The parade will begin at Broad & Race then proceed to Market Street, down to 8th Streets and back up Market to City Hall. The parade will include a fife and drum corps leading the marchers followed by the Old Guard of Philadelphia, Civil and Spanish-American war veterans and detachments of soldiers, sailors and marines. Also marching will be new women yeomen in full uniform.

In Washington today, the House of Representatives killed the proposal for a volunteer army. The vote was an overwhelming 279 to 98. The measure allowing former President Roosevelt to organize a volunteer army and proceed to France was also defeated. The full army bill will now go to the Senate where it is sure to pass.

The Penn Relay Carnival is in full swing today. The races began at 1:30pm with a packed stadium. Many members of the fair sex were in attendance which gave a dash of color to the crowd. Instead of carrying the banners of their favorite college, the ladies waived America flags with the pennants of their school of choice tied underneath. Today’s events include the 120 yard hurdles and the 1, 2 and 4 mile relays.

In yesterday’s events all eyes were on the pentathlon and whether Mr. Howard Berry of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania would retain his championship title. And he did. Mr. Berry won his 3rd consecutive pentathlon and has earned a place in the history of track and field. The pentathlon is an all-day event made up of the broad jump, javelin and discus throw, 200 meter dash and 1500 meter race. Mr. Berry won them all except the discus throw. He is now rightly considered the best athlete in the country.

Howard Berry

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