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
September 25 to September 30, 1916
100 years ago autumn had arrived. And the stores were enticing the ladies with the newest fashions for winter. Wanamaker’s, Gimbels, Snellenburg’s, Strawbridge & Clothier and Lit Brothers were all having sales. Some of the smaller boutiques were also trying to attract customers. At Mawson & DeMany, 1115 Chestnut Street, French Seal Coats were on sale for $48.00. Also available were Black Fox for $26.00 and natural mink for just $380.00. The new “Smart” boots were available at Harper Shoe Co., 1022 Chestnut Street for between $4.00 and $12.00. At Bonwit Teller & Co., on the corner of 13th & Chestnut, Misses Simple Tailleur Suits were starting at $29.75, Frocks at $18.50 and for the “hard-to-fit” girl of 12 to 16 years, “Flapper” Frocks started at $12.75. And of course every woman, from dainty and petite to extra-large, needed the new Nemo corsets priced from $3.00 to $5.00. Read about the city then in Philadelphia: The World War I Years.
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