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100 Years Ago Today

April 6, 1917, two days after the U.S. Senate voted 82 to 6 to declare war against Germany, the U.S. House of Representatives endorsed the declaration by a vote of 373 to 50, and America formally entered World War I. 

More than 20 young men from frankford died in the war or as a result of the flu epidemic that began during that time.  It was called the War to End All Wars but it lead to World War 2 and even more carnage.

These are a few of their stories below.

Joseph Alexander Coyle

Joseph Alexander Coyle was born on January 6, 1892 and lived at 1325 sellers. He was a shipping clerk at S.W. Evans and Son on Paul Street when he was inducted into the army on May 25, 1918. He was serving with Company K of the 315th Infantry, 79th Division when he was wounded on August 28, 1918 and died of pneumonia October 28, 1918. He is buried in St. Joachim Cemetery in Frankford.

Walter Carroll Brinton was born on January 2, 1894 and lived at 4540 Adams Ave.  His father was a surveyor for the city and his mother was Elizabeth Smedley, sister of Franklin Smedley.  He worked as a clerk for the Mitter Lock Company on Tacony Street in Frankford when he registered for the draft, however he claimed exemption as a Quaker.  Even though he was a Conscientious Objector, He applied for a passport in September of 1917 to travel to France for a 2 year period to work for the American Friends Reconstruction.  He died December 8, 1918 at “Sermaize-les-Bains, Departement de la Marne, Champagne-Ardenne”, France and is buried in the Friends Ground Cemetery in Frankford.

Elmer J. Needham

Elmer J. Needham was born March 18, 1886 in Philadelphia.  His family lived at 1314 Unity Street.  He was a clerk/salesman.  On May 5, 1918 he applied for a passport to go to France in the American Red Cross, He was a 2nd lieutenant when he died on October 10, 1918.  He is buried in France.

Charles Harold Redman was born on  May 5, 1891 and baptized at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  He lived at 4629 Tackawanna Street.  He was a meat cutter, married with a wife and child. He was inducted into the Army on April 25, 1918 and served in Company E, 146th Infantry  He was killed in action on September 27, 1918. He is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

There will be more stories coming out in a book to be published next month.

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Historical Society New Season This Tuesday

The 2017 Program Season will begin on March 14, 2017 at 7:30 PM.  This is the annual business meeting at which  members have the opportunity to vote for the retention of three (3) incumbent  and  one (1) newly appointed  Director for a 3 year term and to confirm the appointment of a new Director to  fill the vacancy created by the resignation of an incumbent Director and serve the remainder  of that term which will expire in 2018.
The program portion will consist of a “State of the Society” briefing by the President summarizing the accomplishments which have been made over the past 5+ years and an outline of future
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Let’s Dig into Frankford’s Backyard Privies

Historical Society of Frankford program for this month is really interesting when you hear Michael and Tom talk about their adventures finding treasure in old privies.  How interesting can that be?  Come find out on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:30pm at 1507 Orthodox Street.

This meeting also includes the ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA
All welcome. Please bring light fare/desserts to share. Refreshments served.
Admission Free – Donations Accepted

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Historical Society Meets Next Wednesday November 9th

The HSF (Historical Society of Frankford) had a good meeting on October 12th with Fred Prescott’s presentation on cartography.  This month, the HSF has rescheduled to a Wednesday night, November 9th, due to Election Day.

– Jack McCarthey presents his new book Manufacturing in Philadelphia  “In the Cradle of Liberty and Industry: A History of Manufacturing in Philadelphia” which traces the City’s manufacturing base from the fabrication of hand crafted items of Colonial times through the Industrial Revolution from which Philadelphia emerged as an industrial giant to the present service based economy. The new book will be available for purchase and a book signing session will follow after the lecture.

The meeting starts at 7:30 PM at 1507 Orthodox Street.