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 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1916
Weather alerts are being flashed all along the Atlantic Coast to warn of a fierce gale with very strong winds. Heavy rains will be falling today pushed on by the winds. Due to the cold the rain may turn to snow overnight. Today’s high temperature will be around 43° with the low near 34°.
The Pennsylvania State Highway Commissioner will be visiting the city to discuss the purchase of Lancaster Pike from city line to Paoli. The present owners will submit a price to the Commissioner for the purchase. If the sale goes through the Commission intends to quickly remove the toll gates.
A strike has been called by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Frank Rosenbloom, a member of the executive committee, arrived in this city today from Chicago and predicted that by Monday 10,000 workers would be on strike. Placards announcing the strike were printed in English, Italian and Jewish. The members include tailors, cutters, trimmers and pants, vest and coat makers. The demands of the workers include recognition of the union, a 20% increase in pay for piece work, a $1.00 a week raise for salaried employees and a 48 hour work week.
Yesterday evening thieves stole the automobile of Dr. Milton Percival from in front of the College of Physicians. The automobile was later abandoned. However, the thieves may pay dearly for their action. It seems one of the things they removed from the vehicle before abandoning it were vials of diphtheria culture. Medical authorities warn that if the thieves inspect too closely or smell or taste the substance the consequences would be dire.
In sports, The E.G. Budd Company team is the 1916 champion of the Industrial Basketball League. Budd’s men finished one game above Standard Roller, J. & J. Dobson and Western Electric who all tied for second. The team (shown below) standing left to right are Diegler, Reynolds, White, Hazlett, Hess, Butler, Dunlevy and Hanson. Sitting left to right are Hilbert, Rumsey, Mascot Birdsall, Blair and Neuman.
WAR NEWS
On the western front near Verdun the Germans continue to advance. Over 350,000 Germans have now smashed their way along an 8 mile front and taken over 10,000 French prisoners. Both French wings and the French center have been hurled back. The Germans are now within 41/2 miles of Verdun. In Albania, the Italian army and the remnants of the Albanian forces under their President, Essad Pasha, have been defeated by the Austrians. The Austrians are now laying siege to the capitol, Durazzo.
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