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 JULY 19, 1918
There will be increasingly cloudy skies over the city today with rain in the afternoon and this evening. The high temperature will reach 85° with the low tonight near 69°.
Tomorrow this city will unite in a gigantic celebration in honor of our troops who are securing victory in the counter-attack against the German offensive. At noon the bell on the State House will toll for 15 minutes in accordance with the Civil War custom of celebrating Union victories. Then at 2:45 the festivities will begin at Independence Hall when the bell in the tower will begin ringing a message of victory. At the same time every bell, horn and whistle in the city will sound in unison. Bells in churches, horns on the vessels of every craft in port and the whistles of every factory, mill, yard and other business will join in the glorious fanfare.
Mayor Smith has asked every Philadelphian to join in the celebration by decorating their homes in red, white and blue bunting and flying the American flag. And all are invited to Independence Square for a grand party which will include speeches and music. Of course this being Philadelphia a parade is planned with marines and sailors from the Navy Yard, members of the home defense guards and civic and fraternal organizations. So tomorrow may all Philadelphians celebrate the great accomplishments of our boys over there with patriotism, pride and joy.
WAR NEWS
French and American troops are driving the Germans back along all points of the Marne front. Almost every inch of the gains made by the Huns in the first days of their offensive have been taken back by the Allies. Since yesterday American and French forces began advancing between Soissons and Chateau-Thierry. Our men have taken several towns through the course of the evening. Last night the German brought reinforcements from the north to bolster their lines and check the Allied advance. But are men fight on.
The casualty list from General Pershing’s headquarters contains the names of 10 Philadelphia area men. Listed as killed in action is Private Rocco Di Sciascio, U.S.A., of 1012 Cross Street. Private Di Sciascio enlisted in July 1917 and shipped out to France in April. He was killed on June 18. Also listed as killed in action are Private Joseph F. Dowling, U.S.M.C. of 2417 Nicholas Street and Houston Woodward, aviator, of Chestnut Hill.
Listed as dying from wounds received in battle is Private W. Upton, U.S.A., of 3350 North Lee Street. Private Upton enlisted in November 1917 and went to France in April. Private Upton was 23 years old and before enlisting was employed by the United Gas Improvement Company. Also listed as dying from wounds is Private Archibald D. Benners, U.S.M.C., of Ambler.
Listed as severely wounded are Corporal William Clark, U.S.A., of 1709 Mt. Vernon Street, Corporal Herbert Held, U.S.A., of 1011 South 13th Street, Corporal Steve Bajewicz, U.S.A., of 4718 Stiles Street in Frankford, Wagoner Richard Fennessy Jr., U.S.A., of 100 Fernon Street and Harry Reckitt, U.S.A., of 2447 North 27th Street.
GET YOUR COPY BY CLICKING HERE: PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS