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, MAY 19, 1917
It will be another partly cloudy day for the city with a slight breeze. The high will be a warm 83° with the overnight low near 60°. Philadelphia continues to do its part in supporting the war effort and preparing for any emergency. Today the Philadelphia Commercial Museum, 34th & South Street, was formally turned over to the 9th Engineer Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard to be turned into an armory. And the brave men of our Fire Department are preparing for any contingency. The Department is training its men in military drill and marksmanship. Shown below are the members of Engine Company No. 13, 15th & Parrish Streets, at inspection using rifles borrowed from the neighborhood Boy’s Brigade.
Engine Company No. 13
Students, alumni, teachers and city officials gathered at Girard College, Girard & Corinthian Avenue, today to celebrate the 167th anniversary of the founder’s birth. Mr. Girard was born on May 20th but since tomorrow is a Sunday it was felt appropriate to have the commemoration today. The festivities included speeches from honored alumni, a religious service and a concert. Alumni will gather tonight for a banquet at the Hotel Adelphia.
At the seashore, Atlantic City has hired a policewoman. The “cop-ett” will patrol the boardwalk with the express purpose of keeping an eye on single, unchaperoned men. If any of these men are caught attempting to flirt with any ladies or direct winks of the eye toward them the policewoman is empowered to issue a ticket. Any rude or crude remark to a woman could result in arrest. The lady patrolman’s identity is being kept a secret. The Director of Public Safety, Mr. Sooy, wants all female visitors to the seaside resort to feel safe and comfortable while visiting.
In business news, the first war contract for rifles for the army has been awarded to the Remington Arms company of Eddystone. The order calls for 1 million rifles of the Enfield type and will provide work for 16,000 employees.
In sports, first place in the high school baseball league is shared between Central and Northeast. In today’s games, Northeast beat West Philadelphia 6 to 5 and Germantown Academy defeated Episcopal 9 to 8. On the professional circuit, the A’s continue their 4 game trip to Cleveland where they took today’s contest 5 to 3. Here at National League Park the Phillies beat the first place Cubs in the bottom of the 11th on a single by Dode Paskert scoring Bill Killifer.
GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.