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 – MONDAY APRIL 30, 1917
The circus arrived in Philadelphia today with a grand parade on Broad Street. The Barnum & Bailey Circus made a spectacular entrance into Philadelphia with a huge parade up Broad Street this morning. There were dozens of elephants, prancing horses, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, monkeys and of course human performers marching to the music of a large brass band. The clowns, acrobats, animals and side show attractions will be performing in 7 arenas at 19th & Hunting Park Avenue all this week. Admission is only 50¢.
In business news it has been estimated that a large portion of the $200,000,000.00 loan made last week by the United States to Great Britain will go to Philadelphia area businesses. Almost $100,000,000.00 is expected to be used to buy war supplies produced by Philadelphia factories, textile mills and other concerns. Britain has already placed orders with Baldwin Locomotive, Eddystone Ammunition Corporation, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Midvale Steel and J.G. Brill Company to name a few.
In sports, in baseball the Braves are visiting the Phillies at National League Park to open a 3 game series. Today Pete Alexander took the mound against Dick Rudolph. The Braves started the scoring with a run in both the 1st & 2nd inning but then Alex settled down. The Phillies scored 3 in the 3rd and that was all they needed. The A’s are up in Boston and even though the Mackmen smacked 10 hits, Red Sox pitcher Babe Ruth held them to just 3 runs and got a 6 to 3 win. This is Ruth’s 5th win of the season with no losses.
In golf news, many of the courses in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties are turning their greens into grazing grounds for sheep. It is believed that doing so will not impact the play of golfers and also help with sheep fattening thereby benefiting wool production.
War News
France has named General Petain, who commanded the French army at Verdun, as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of War. The position of Chief of Staff is considered supreme commander of the French army during war. On the western front, the fighting on the Arras to St. Quentin front appears to have become deadlocked. Massive German reinforcements in both men and artillery have stopped the Allied advance.
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