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, MARCH 6, 1917
Philadelphia and the region will enjoy clear, fair skies today. But the temperatures will remain cold. The high will only reach 30° with the low near 19°. There are signs of spring and warm weather coming. The Phillies are on their way to Florida to begin spring training. Most of the team left Broad Street station this morning for New York City where they will board a ship south. They are due to reach Jacksonville, Florida on Friday. From there they will board another train to their St. Petersburg camp and play at Coffee Pot Park.
On the crime beat, members of the vice squad have served notice on gypsy fortune tellers that they must leave the city by next Wednesday. The notices were also delivered to the “kings” of the various tribes which include Hungarian, Serbian, Russian and Brazilian gypsies. Some male gypsies protested stating that their wives were in jail here on various charges and can’t leave until they are released. Additionally the police department has announced that it will begin enforcing the federal law against defaming or making public threats against the President. Last year Congress passed the law which provides a fine of $1,000.00 and 5 years in jail.
In religious news, the cornerstone of the new Church of the Epiphany, 47th & Baltimore Avenue, was laid today. The ceremony was led by Bishop Philip Rhinelander of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. When completed, the Church will cost about $100,000.00.
In scholastic news, Lafayette College has announced it will institute a military training program which will be headed by an army officer appointed by the War Department. The campaign for the course was started by the petition of 350 students in response to the national preparedness movement. The program has also received the unanimous support of the faculty.
In international affairs, Austria has responded to the demand from the United States to state its position on the matter of unrestricted submarine warfare. The Austrians state they will adhere to the assurances given after the “Anacona” incident. By that they mean their submarines will not fire upon neutral vessels without first giving proper warning and they will do everything possible to avoid harming the citizens of neutral nations.
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