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]
