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 – TUESDAY APRIL 23, 1918
Today’s weather will bring fair and clear skies with a high of 72° and a low near 50°. In news of the 3rd Liberty Loan campaign, one Civil War veteran, Mr. George Good, is doing his bit to help sell bonds at the Penn Square Post Office. Mr. Good is shown below holding his trusty rifle on a stuffed dachshund representing the Kaiser which is hung up on a gallows built for the occasion. In other campaign news, the inmates at Eastern State Penitentiary have raised $1,500.00 so far. Warden Robert “Fighting Bob” McKenty is very proud of his men and predicts they will donate even more.
Mr. George Good, Civil War Veteran
The Emergency Fleet Corporation, which operates the Hog Island Shipyard, has commandeered houses in West Philadelphia for use by its workers. The present occupants have 30 days to move. The reason for the confiscation is the severe need of housing to accommodate the Hog Island employees. The Government intends to seize at least 500 houses. Today homes on Rodman Street between 58th and 59th Streets were claimed. The residents of these homes are mostly tenants of landlords who live elsewhere. The renters include families with small children who say they have nowhere else to go.
On the sports scene, the girls will be playing baseball at Germantown High. Mr. Phil Lewis, physical education director at the school, has instituted an interclass baseball league for the young ladies. This is the first program of its kind in our area. Thirty-four teams have been organized at the school and from these 2 teams of the best nine players will be selected to play women’s college teams. Mr. Lewis said that the majority of the girls already understand the game. But over the coming weeks they will be taught how to catch, bat and throw properly. The league will begin playing on May 1 and all games will be played at the Waterview Recreation Center, 5826 McMahon Street.
WAR NEWS
There was an increase of German artillery activity along the Somme and Ancre Rivers as well as at points along the Lys River today. This could signal that a two pronged battle is about to break out on the Picardy and Flanders fronts. The Republic of Guatemala has declared war on the German Empire. The declaration was made on April 21. The Guatemalan ambassador to the United States, Joaquin Mendez, declared that his country wished to pledge its full support to the United States in the fight for liberty and the rights of mankind.
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