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. We will also recount the events occurring in the war on that day. So, check back each day for new editions.
To share your family or neighborhood stories, please email PhillyWWIyears@gmail.com
TODAY IN PHILADELPHIA – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1916
The forecast for today calls for rain turning to sleet this evening with strong winds from the east. The weather bureau is advising that a serious storm is making its way up the Atlantic coast. The high today will be around 44° with the low near 30°. The City Treasurer, William McCoach (shown below), released the department’s weekly statement today showing a balance in the amount of $9,000,000.00. The report listed receipts of $257,169.16 and payments of $490,994.49 as of the close of business last night.
William McCoach
In West Philadelphia today a policeman is roaming the streets with a stick of dynamite trying to find its owner. Last night the 61st & Thompson Streets station began receiving calls that a wild man was roaming the neighborhood carrying dynamite. Some claimed it was an anarchist intending to blow up the neighborhood. Police went out to search and found the man at 64th & Callowhill Streets. He was, James Dowes of 51st & Hazel Streets, and he was carrying 1 stick of dynamite wrapped in brown paper. He was asked where he got it and he said he found it but after realizing what it was became afraid to put it down. The police agreed and made the man carry it to the station house.
At the station the stick was gingerly passed from Mr. Dowes to a patrolman then to a sergeant and finally to a Lieutenant who then put it to bed. Overnight the dynamite rested comfortably at the station. It was guarded by two policemen and prisoners in the drunk tank were moved out to the yard so as not to make any loud noises inside and cause a concussion. This morning it was given to Patrolman McCready who was charged with taking it out and finding its owner.
In sports, the final official locations of where the major league baseball teams will spend their spring training are set. For the National League the New York Giants will be at Marlin Springs, Texas; Brooklyn will be at Dayton, Florida; the Cubs will be in Tampa, Florida; the Boston Braves at Miami, Florida; Cincinnati will be at Shreveport, La.; the Cardinals in San Antonio, Texas; the Pirates at Hot Springs, Ark. and also Dawson Springs, Kentucky; and the Phillies at St. Petersburg, Florida. For the American League, the Yankees will be at Macon, Georgia; the White Sox at Mineral Springs, Texas; Boston will be at Hot Springs Ark.; the St. Louis Browns at Palestine, Texas; the Tigers at Waxahachie, Texas; Washington is at Charlottesville, Virginia; Cleveland in New Orleans, La. And the Athletics will be in Jacksonville, Florida.
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