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 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1917
Yesterday’s snow storm has passed but the temperatures remain cold. The high today will only reach 24° with the low tonight near 11°. At a meeting last night the Socialist Party of Philadelphia passed a resolution protesting against the possible entry of the United States into war. The resolution states that breaking diplomatic relations with Germany is sufficient action.
Tensions have escalated even more between the United States and Germany when it was learned today that an America citizen serving as a sailor on the British steamship Eavestone had been killed. The Eavestone was sunk by German submarine fire. The American, Richard Wallace a Negro from Baltimore, was killed as he was fleeing the ship in a lifeboat. Firing on seamen evacuating a sinking ship is a clear violation of international law.
In other news concerning the international situation, all Americans in Germany and Austria-Hungry have been advised to leave those countries and return to the United States or make their way to another neutral nation. Locally Marines have been dispatched from League Island to take charge of the German owned wireless station at Tuckerton, N.J. Also it has been announced that the Frankford Arsenal will be equipped with anti-aircraft guns to protect it from possible air raids in the event the United States becomes involved in the war. And the Navy Department has advised New York Shipbuilding in Camden to hasten the completion of its work on the battleship Idaho.
In scholastic news, Northeast High School will hold commencement exercises this afternoon in the auditorium of William Penn High, 15th & Wallace Streets. Sixty eight students will receive diplomas. In sports news, nine of Muhlenberg College’s best athletes in football, basketball, baseball and track have been dropped from the school because they failed their midterm examinations.
On the entertainment scene, on stage at B.F. Keith’s, 12th & Chestnut, Ruth St. Denis stars in the delightful comedy “Rubeville”. While at the Lyric Theatre, Broad and Cherry Streets, the musical “Follow Me” stars Wilmer Bentley and Edith Day. For those looking for mystery and prestidigitation Howard Thurston, magician extraordinaire, is at the Walnut all week. Finally at the Cross Keys Theatre, 60th and Market Streets, the Talbot String Band of the Mummers Parade will be preforming 3 shows daily.
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