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 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 1917
The weather bureau is forecasting rain throughout the day with the high temperature reaching 40° and the low about 35°. The Walnut Street Business Association Fashion Show will be held in the ballroom of the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel beginning tonight and continuing Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings. Ninety-five of Philadelphia’s prettiest young ladies will be modeling the very latest in evening gowns, party dresses, morning kimonos, riding outfits, hunting and fishing suits, hats, parasols and even the latest in bathing attire.
Over 300 members of the St. Joseph’s College Dramatic Association are in rehearsal for their 2nd annual presentation of the “Passion Play”. The play will be staged at the Metropolitan Opera House beginning on March 26 and continuing through Passion Week. The play depicts the life of Christ including His suffering and crucifixion. It is based somewhat on the play given each year in Oberammergau, Germany with the exception that Jesus is never seen in this production. The story is told through His followers. Last year the production sold out for every performance.
In international news, reports from London confirm that a German submarine attacked, without warning, an unarmed American merchant ship sending it to the bottom. The Algonquin, was owned by American Star Lines. The passengers and crew, all American citizens, were able to abandon ship and have been rescued. It is also reported that the crew requested help from the Germans when the submarine surfaced to finish the steamship off. But their pleas were ignored and the survivors were left to drift in a lifeboat until rescued.
SS Algonquin
On the sports beat, in high school basketball the Catholic league championship game between LaSalle and St. Joseph’s will be played tonight at Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street. In the girls’ version of the cage game, Temple defeated Wilmington High 27 to 7. And the Abington High ladies defeated the Woodbury High maidens 33 to 6.
WAR NEWS
On the western front, the French are claiming victory south of St. Mihiel, where they have captured Romainville Farm and have driven the Germans back between the Meuse River and Apremont. And the British are continuing to drive the Germans back near Arras. It is believed the British will take Bapaume within a few days.
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