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 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1916
The sunny, clear skies did not stay long. Today the clouds are back with possible showers overnight. It will also be much cooler today with the high only reaching 70° and the low about 42°. The boys of the South Philadelphia High School down at Broad & Jackson Streets are being offered a course in surveying (shown below). The students are instructed in the classroom and taken into the field for practical training by a registered surveyor. Once the young men complete their training they will be ready to take their place in the exciting world of industry.
Five year old Raymond Gold of 1833 Sharswood Street received a penny from his mother to buy an ice cream cone. Overcome with excitement he rushed out into the street and failed to see the trolley car bearing down upon him at 19th & Oxford Streets. The car could not stop in time and the boy went underneath. For over half an hour the trolley crew and passengers worked to free him, finally jacking up the big car. Once they got him he was rushed to Women’s College Hospital where doctors frantically examined him. Finally Raymond yelled out “Why are you poking me?” It was then the doctors realized the boy didn’t have a scratch on him. After they recovered from the shock they sent the boy home, with his lucky penny.
A petition has been presented to the Board of Education by concerned persons of the 27th Ward against the Newton Annex School. Newton Annex is a special school for crippled, subnormal, delinquent and truant children located at 36th & Ludlow Streets. The petition asks the board to investigate the school claiming it is insanitary and unhealthy and a menace to the health of the crippled and delicate children who attend.
On the sports beat, it was announced today that the Point Breeze Motordrome will open its season on Decoration Day with bicycle and motor car races. After the opening day events races will be held on Thursday and Saturday evenings. In baseball today both our teams went down in defeat. Here at Shibe Park the Detroit Tigers once again battered the A’s, 9 to 3. Ty Cobb had 2 hits, stole a base, scored twice and drove in 1 run. Amos Strunk did what he could for the Mackmen going 3 for 4 with a single, a double and a triple and driving in 2 runs. But the A’s pitching was no match for the Tigers. Out in St. Louis the Phillies were beaten by the Cardinals 9 to 4. This is the Phillies 4th loss in a row and some are beginning to wonder what ails Moran’s boys.
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