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 – THURSDAY AUGUST 1, 1918
There will be fair skies over the city today with slightly warmer temperatures than yesterday. Today’s high will reach 81° with the low near 67°. Two of the victims of this city’s rioting last week were buried today. Policeman Thomas McVay and Mr. Hugh Lavery were both killed on Sunday by negroes. Today they were put to rest after services in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church at Gray’s Ferry Road & Fitzwater Street.
The funeral procession for Policeman McVay began at his home at 2735 Oakford Street and proceeded to the church. The route was guarded by hundreds of policemen, sailors and marines. Thirty policemen who worked with McVay at the 20th & Federal Street station led the procession. At the church Father Francis Brady celebrated the funeral Mass and described McVay as a hero comparing him to those that had lost their lives fighting in France.
After the Mass for Policeman McVay finished another was held for Mr. Lavery. His friends and relatives carried his body from his home at 1234 South 26th Street to the church. Once again the church was filled to capacity with mourners. There were policemen on hand for the protection of Mrs. Lavery, the wife of the slain man. This was because she has received an anonymous letter celebrating the murder of her husband and threatening her life in retaliation for the treatment of negroes in the neighborhood. No incidents occurred at the Mass or the burial. There were also no incidents of racial violence reported in the area yesterday or today. However, according to reports, negro families are beginning to move out of the neighborhood as a result of the riots.
Those members of Philadelphia’s social set who maintain summer homes in Malvern, Paoli and Green Tree are doing their bit to make the Marines stationed at camp nearby feel right at home. Philadelphia’s society has arranged parties, dances, teas, motor trips and amateur theatricals for the “devil dogs” in training. And those like Mrs. Moncure Robinson have donated the use of their homes while they are away to the officers of the camp. Mrs. Robinson (who will be remembered as Miss Lydia Biddle) has given her spacious Revolutionary era home located just north of Paoli to Captain William B. Sullivan and other officers to enjoy. And Mr. and Mrs. George Rosengarten have offered the swimming pool at their estate, Hilldene, for use whenever the marines need to cool off.
In sports tonight at the Point Breeze Motordrome a 50 mile motor paced bicycle race will be the featured event. In the race Percy Lawrence, the present American champion, will face Frank Corri of Australia. George Wiley and Elmer Collins will also compete in the race. There will also be a 2 mile and a 5 mile motorcycle race and a 2 mile race for amateur bicyclist. In baseball today at National League Park the Phillies split a doubleheader with the Cardinals. The home town crew took the first game 7 to 0 but dropped the second game 3 to 1. Out in Cleveland the A’s finally won a game beating the Indians 4 to 0. This is the A’s first win after 5 straight losses.
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