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
October 9 Through October 14, 1916
100 years ago this week Philadelphians by the thousands lined Broad Street to welcome home their boys who had been serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard and defending the border against Mexican attacks. Philadelphia’s First Regiment returned on Monday. The troops marched from the train station at Broad & Washington to Convention Hall at Broad & Allegheny . Men, women and children waved flags and shouted their appreciation and welcome home to the boys (shown below). The 1st Regiment was supported and accompanied by the Marine Corps Band and sailors from the Navy Yard. At Convention Hall the soldiers were greeted by city and state officials, Spanish-American War veterans and of course their families and friends. Fully 10,000 people crowded into the Hall. After speeches from dignitaries, all enjoyed a wonderful feast.
But the welcome home parades weren’t over as the Third Regiment returned on Tuesday. The “Baby Regiment”, so nicknamed because of the youth of its members, arrived to shouts of joy from family and friends. The 3rd Regiment’s parade was as well attended and enthusiastic as the 1st’ Regiment’s welcome as they marched up Broad Street to Convention Hall where the boys were praised and thanked by a grateful city. Read about Philadelphia 100 years ago in Philadelphia: The World War I Years.
GET YOUR COPY OF PHILADELPHIA: THE WORLD WAR I YEARS BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW.