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 – THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1917
The forecast calls for clear skies over the city today with continued cool temperatures. The high will reach 60° and the low 44°. The needs of war have driven the cost of bread to unusual highs. This is particularly true with regard to wheat. William Freihofer, owner of Freihofer’s Bread has stated that he will do all in his power to find a substitute which will keep the price of a loaf of bread affordable for all. Mr. Freihofer said he will experiment with corn, rye and cottonseed meal as a start. This promise was made in light of the announcement by a number of local bakeries that the price of a loaf will be raised to 7¢.
William Freihofer
In medical news, Mrs. Mary Konnegan of 31st & Passyunk Avenue had been experiencing stomach aches over the last month. She tried every home remedy she knew to alleviate the pain. Finally she consulted a doctor who had an x-ray of her stomach taken. It was then that the cause of the problem was discovered, lizards. Three lizards measuring an inch to an inch and a half were found living and feeding in her stomach. An operation removed the creatures and Mrs. Konnegan is recovering. The doctors believe the lizards were ingested by drinking dirty water.
In baseball today the St. Louis Cardinals are here for a 3 game series against the Phillies. Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched a masterful game holding the Cards to just 4 hits and getting the shutout as the Phillies won 1 to 0. The A’s are out west against St. Louis’ other team for a 4 game series. In the opener the Browns had the best of the Mackmen winning 2 to 1. Jing Johnson took the loss. Amos Strunk had a fine day at the plate with 2 doubles and a home run but it just wasn’t enough.
WAR NEWS
Thousands of Jews are being driven from their homes in the Holy Land by the Turks. As General Murray drives his British forces through Gaza toward Jerusalem, the Turks are herding the Jews north. According to reports the Turkish overlords do not want the Jews to see Palestine liberated from the Sultan. Djemal Pasha, military governor of Palestine has declared he would make the Jews suffer the same fate as the Armenians. Reportedly Turkish soldiers are going house to house in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and Jaffa ordering the Jews out and then looting their homes and businesses.
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