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 – SATURDAY MAY 4, 1918
There will be partly cloudy skies over the city today with a chance of showers this evening. The high may reach 75° with a low tonight near 53°. The Third Liberty Loan Campaign ends tonight and Philadelphia is $14,000,000.00 short of its quota. Liberty Loan workers arrived at their offices bright and early this morning to begin the final push.
To date Philadelphia has raised $122,273,500.00. A huge celebration is planned tonight at South Penn Square as soon as the quota is reached. Liberty Loan workers will march in parade to City Hall at 11:30pm and once the announcement is made that the final tally is in and the quota has been reached a giant flag will be raised and the celebration will begin at midnight. Have you done your bit to put Philadelphia “Over the Top”?
The bells of Holy Trinity Church at Rittenhouse Square will ring out the national anthem at noon as a call for all within hearing to bow their heads and pray for our boys in France. The bells will sound today and every day at noon. Holy Trinity joins St. James’s Episcopal Church, 22nd & Walnut and Holy Cross German Lutheran Church which are also ringing their bells at noon each day sounding the anthem.
The federal government has commandeered the S.B. & B.W. Fleisher, Inc. plant at 26th & Dickinson Streets. The government will use the plant for the production of uniforms. The Fleisher firm is the largest yarn company in the world and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Emergency Fleet Corporation also commandeered the top 9 floors of the Gomery-Schwartz Car Company at Broad & Cherry Streets.
In entertainment this weekend, Woodside Park is open and along with wonderful amusements and novelties there will be concerts every afternoon and evening by the Rodia Concert Band with Giuseppe Rodia conducting. The Barnum & Bailey Circus finishes its visit here tonight. The final show will be at 8:00pm at the grounds at 19th & Hunting Park.
WAR NEWS
The War Department will henceforth provide the hometowns of American casualties for publication. On the western front in Flanders the Germans have opened an intense bombardment all along the battle line. It is most vicious between Ypres and Locre. British and French High Commands both expect von Hindenburg to soon launch another massive infantry assault.
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