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, AUGUST 10, 1917
There will be clear fair skies over the city today. That bit of rain overnight seems to have cooled the temperatures somewhat. Today’s high will only reach 80° with the low tonight of 68°.
In news from the society set, John Wanamaker, Jr., grandson of one of this city’s great businessmen, will be married next Saturday to Miss Pauline Disston. Miss Disston is the daughter of the late William Disston, president of Henry Disston & Sons, saw manufactures. Mr. Wanamaker also announced, to the surprise of family and friends that he had joined the army and that after the honeymoon will be leaving for training as a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps.
Miss Pauline Disston and John Wanamaker Jr.
In sports, rumor has it that two of Connie Mack’s players may be leaving the team at the end of the month to do their duty. Pitcher Winn Noyes and 3rd baseman Ray Bates have had their draft numbers drawn and may be ordered to report at any time. Since neither man is married they have not claimed any exemption.
And it was Noyes and Bates who led the A’s to victory today over the Browns at Shibe Park. Noyes went all 9 innings for his 10th win of the season giving up 4 hits and no runs. And a triple by Bates drove in 3 of the 6 runs scored by the A’s in the 7th to seal the 7 to 0 win. The Phillies are out in Pittsburgh were they lost a tough game 1 to 0. Eppa Rixey only gave up 4 hits but took the loss.
WAR NEWS
The War Department has announced that Negro units of the National Guard will not be sent to southern camps for training. Instead they will be used in the north to guard bridges and arsenals and to replace other troops on patrol duty or who have been sent for training.
On the Western front the British have taken the village of Westhoek in West Flanders. The fighting around that little hamlet has been going on for almost a week. The French have also made gains east and north of Bixschoote. In the east, the Russians are putting up a fierce resistance in Galicia. And in Moldavia the combined Russian- Rumanian army has taken the offensive against the Germans under General Mackensen.
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