Photograph depicting Marshal Joseph Joffre and Mayor Thomas B. Smith standing before Benjamin Franklin's grave at Christ Church during the French High Commission visit to Philadelphia on May 9, 1917. Shows Joffre, attired in uniform, gesturing with his right hand as he speaks to Mayor Smith. Several other men from the party stand around them. Partial view of other tombs in the cemetery and the crowd watching behind the fence. Joseph Joffre was a French general who served as Commander-in-Chief of French forces from the start of World War I until the end of 1916. He accompanied the French High Commission's trip to the United States in 1917 and visited Washington D.C., Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Illinois, and Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, they went to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin's grave, and the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas B. Smith was the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1916 until 1920., Title from manuscript note written on verso., Date inferred from event date., See related: photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.2-9; 7066.11-16].
Date
1917
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.10]
Photograph depicting General John J. Pershing greeting women dressed as Allied nations at Independence Hall during the General's visit to Philadelphia on September 12, 1919. Shows Pershing, attired in uniform, smiling with his left hand out as he greets the women representing the Allied nations standing in the left. The women each hold large national flags on flagpoles. A women, dressed as Britannia in a helmet and Union Jack dress, smiles at the General. In the left, partially obscured by a flag, is a woman attired in a floral print kimono representing Japan, who holds a Japanese flag. Mayor Thomas Smith walks behind the General holding his top hat in his right hand. Police officers stand in front of a crowd of spectators. General John Joseph Pershing (1860-1948) served as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War One from 1917 to 1920. His visit to Philadelphia on September 12, 1919, included a parade, receiving a medal, planting a memorial tree, presenting colors to cadets at Wanamaker's store, visiting Independence Hall, and a speech at the Union League. Thomas B. Smith was the Mayor of Philadelphia from 1916 until 1920., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note written on verso., See related: photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.52-61].
Date
September 12, 1919
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department photo - unidentified - events - World War I [7066.Q.53]
