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 3, 1916
The skies remain cloudy today with rain possible tonight. The high will reach 83° with the low tonight 53°. Philadelphia recorded its first death from the heat this afternoon. George Heazen, 60 years old of 6030 DeLancey Street, died after being overcome by the heat. Mr. Heazen was sitting on the steps at 258 South 60th Street talking with friends when he fell over and fractured his skull. Although he was subject to epileptic fits, his friends say the warm weather of the last few days fagged him out.
Three years ago, late in the evening on a trolley traveling in this city a group of intoxicated rowdies were causing trouble. They were using vulgar language and fighting. Miss Irene Chadley was the only woman on that trolley. At one point the men bumped into her and threatened her. It was then that Frank Canning rushed to her aid. He stood up to the men and protected the woman. Eventually the conductor came to help but by then Miss Chadley was frightened and asked to leave the trolley. Mr. Canning saw her home. The two became friends and when the lady married her husband, Mr. J.T. Elkins of Detroit, also befriended the young man.
Mr. Elkins died a wealthy man and left his fortune to his wife. But now she has also died. And in her will she has left $200,000.00 to the man who came to her rescue 3 years ago. Unfortunately no one knows the whereabouts of Mr. Canning. It is known he was an orphan and never married. Police will be conducting an extensive search for the man but if any of our readers know of this lost hero please contact the police immediately.
In Ireland the executions have begun. Today Patrick Pearse (shown below), president of the Irish Republic, James Connolly, commander of the army of the Irish Republic and a third man whose name was not given were tried, found guilty of treason and executed in Dublin. Prime Minister Asquith announced the executions in the House of Commons this afternoon. More than 600 additional prisoners are under guard. Some are being transported to Belfast for trial. Those considered important will be taken to London and court martialled under the defense of the realm act.
Patrick Pearse
In sports, the Phillies are up in Boston and Grover Cleveland Alexander was superb. Old Pete gave up just 6 hits and held the Braves scoreless as the Phillies won 3 to 0. But Alex didn’t just pitch a great game he also drove in 2 runs with a triple in the 2nd inning. Here at Shibe Park the A’s tied up their series with the Yankees at 2 all with a 3 to 2 win this afternoon. Nap Lajoie smacked a 2 run home run in the 8th to give the A’s the win.
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