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 – SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1917
It will be another clear day for the city with moderate temperatures. Today’s high will reach 44° with the low tonight 38°. The Bureau of Health released the mortality report for last week which recorded 624 deaths from all causes. That is 140 less than the previous week. The decrease seems to be due to the subsiding of the pneumonia outbreak. Only 142 new cases were reported last week.
From out west comes an interesting story. The Acting Secretary of the Treasury, Byron Newton has denied permission to hang Edward Mayberry on the roof of the Treasury building in downtown Spokane, Washington. Mr. Mayberry, an Indian, was convicted in federal court of murdering his common-law wife and sentenced to hang. But Washington has outlawed the death penalty. Therefore, the United States marshal suggested hanging Mr. Mayberry from the roof of the Treasury building which is not technically a part of Washington State. Secretary Newton apparently thought hanging a man on the roof of the federal building in the center of Spokane would present an unappealing sight. The marshal is looking for another location.
In sports, the 8th annual indoor track and field meet of the Meadowbrook Club will be held tonight at the Commercial museum, 34th & Spruce Streets, beginning at 7:30pm. Over 1000 athletes representing over 100 high schools, colleges and clubs will compete in 37 events. Mayor Smith will do the honors of opening the competition by firing his pistol to start the first race.
On the entertainment scene there are quite a few delightful motion pictures playing around town. At the Locust, 52nd & Locust, Theda Bara stars in “The Tiger Woman” as a ruthless Russian villainess who will stop at nothing to acquire wealth, including murder. At the Great Northern, Broad and Erie, Douglas Fairbanks displays his comedic talents in “The Habit of Happiness”. And at the Apollo, 52nd & Thompson, William S. Hart stars as a vicious outlaw redeemed by a virtuous woman in “The Gun Fighter”.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, it was announced today that German aviator Lieutenant Baron von Richthofen, brought down his 25th enemy plane this week. In the Middle East, the British army is rumored to be within 5 miles of the gates of Bagdad. The Turks are supposedly massing for a last stand to defend the ancient city but they are said to be very low on food and munitions.
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