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 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1917
There will be rain throughout the day and into this evening. The high will reach an unseasonably 55° with the low near 46°. Police will begin strictly enforcing the prohibition against children stealing rides on the sides and backs of trolleys, trucks, railway cars and other vehicles. Director of Public Safety Wilson issued the order today saying it is necessary because of the numerous fatal accidents of late. The order provides that any child caught stealing rides will be arrested. Those under 16 will be sent to the House of Detention. Those over 16 will be held at the local station house jail.
Today is the final day for the Philadelphia Dog Show at Horticultural Hall. The show runs from 10:00am to 11:00pm and admission is 50¢. The true star of the show is the Irish terrier, Champion Wrose Badger, who until recently was the mascot of the Dublin Fusiliers. This pooch served not only as a mascot but also saw considerable action at the front. In fact Wrose Badger saved the life of Lt. Sir Arthur Rogers. When the Lieutenant was wounded the valiant canine dragged him out of the shelling and to the safety of an allied trench.
On the sports beat, the season for this city’s industrial basketball league concluded yesterday with J&J Dobson Textile Company taking the title by defeating J.G. Brill last night. Dobson racked up 15 wins with only 2 losses. Standard Roller Bearing finished 2nd with Brill in 3rd. Midvale Steel finished in 4th followed by Barrett Company, Fairbanks Company, Disston Saw and Hale & Kilburn. In the professional game, Jasper lost at Trenton last night 38 to 23 putting the 2 teams in a tie for 2nd place behind Greystock. In baseball, Connie Mack is signing his core players at a fine pace. Today Amos Strunk, “Bullet” Joe Bush and Wally Schang all signed contracts for the 1917 campaign.
And in the ancient game of Quoits, 62 year old “Pop” Joe Holroyd (shown below) took the championship title in the Philadelphia all-comers’ quoit heaving competition. The tournament was held at the Strawberry Quoit Club, Ridge Avenue & Huntingdon Streets. Pop won in both the 7 and 10 yard contests.
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