McCrory's five and dime store was a staple on the first block of West Market Street throughout much of the 20th century. The first McCrory store was opened by John G. McCrorey in Scottsdale, Pennsylvania in 1892. The small chain grew, and in February 1896 a McCrory's store opened in York, selling such merchandise as dry goods, house furnishings, and kitchenware.

Promising "Nothing over ten cents," the store flourished in York, despite competition from other five and dime stores including F.W. Woolworth's, which opened near McCrory's in 1913, and G.C. Murphy, which opened a store on Continental Square in the early 1940s. During the Great Depression, many five and dime stores actually experienced substantial growth because of their low cost products.

By 1944, the McCrory chain had grown to over 200 stores. Dramatic growth in York led to construction of a new West Market Street building in 1941, creating five times the space of the original store. The multi-level store continued to enjoy great success. Soon, McCory's would have a different connection with York. In 1963, the headquarters of the discount chain relocated to Springettsbury Township. McCrory's grew through acquisition, eventually purchasing several competitors, including G.C. Murphy.

After the "mass exodus" of department stores from downtown York, McCrory's continued to serve the local residents, surviving on West Market Street until the 1990s. The chain had grown to 1300 stores, but began to shrink in the waning years of the 20th century. McCrory Stores permanently closed in 2001.

When it opened its doors in 1912, Jacks of York was located on East Market Street, adjacent to the York Trust Company building. The new fashion store offered apparel for both men and women. In 1924, the popular retailer relocated to the former National Hotel building at the intersection of West Market and North Beaver Streets. This new location proved ideal as it was centrally located between The Bon-Ton, Wiest's, and Central Market House. The building was remodeled and modernized, and four years later Jacks discontinued men's wear to focus on women's fashions.

At the end of World War II, Jacks renovated the interior and exterior of the old hotel. They expanded again in 1955 with the addition of a bridal department and designer shop on the second floor. This shop, which was enlarged a decade later, became known as "The Gold Room."

As the downtown retail district prospered, so did Jacks. They doubled the store frontage in 1961, incorporating the building immediately to the east. A "modern fur vault" was added two years later.

A mid 20th century profile of Jacks of York describes the store as follows:

Jacks of York, Inc., is one of Southern Pennsylvania's leading fashion stores offering a large and superb selection of popular and exclusive styles in coats, dresses, blouses, skirts, sportswear, lingerie, intimate apparel, hosiery, maternity dresses and ensembles, evening gowns, bridals and bride's maid dresses - the latter being features of the store's famous, second-floor Designer Shop.

Like many of its neighbors, Jacks of York saw its business decline as residents and retailers moved to the suburbs. Though Jacks is long-gone, the building that was its home for five decades still stands, restored to its appearance of 1863. And many female long-time residents of York still fondly remember Jacks - shopping there with their mothers and grandmothers, the white gift boxes with handles, and the large electric tree sign at the holidays.

From the late 1800s through much of the 20th century, P. Wiest's Sons Department Store was a fixture on West Market Street, not far from Continental Square. The store began in Dover in 1843, but soon relocated to the 200 block of West Market Street to reach a larger customer base. In the early days, Peter Wiest sold everything from rakes to butter to whisky. He traded molasses and nails with farmers and extended credit to many Yorkers.

In 1884, the Codorus flooded its banks, and Wiest's relocated. The founder died a few years later, and three of his sons reorganized the business as P. Wiest's Sons. In 1889 a "large and commodious store building" was erected near the Square. It was renovated and expanded several times, and a 1940s profile of the department store notes, "Remodeled and refixtured again in 1942, Wiest's is now a modern department store of the newest type, and has buying connections that enable it to bring to York the best of the world's up-to-date merchandise to meet the needs of the whole family."

By this time the store was known for its millinery, ready-to-wear clothing, and shoes, among other items. The store continued to prosper, but by the early 1970s the downtown retail district was a shadow of its former self, and Wiest's was forced to close. Their building still stands and is today known as the Wolf Building, named for The Wolf Organization that occupies much of the former department store. The Wolf Organization includes Wolf Distributing Company, The Lumber Yard, and Baublitz Advertising. The York County Community Foundation and Cultural Alliance of York County are also located on the ground floor of the building.

Now that the vibrant Autumn colors are fading to burnt orange and we awake many mornings to find frost on our lawns, thoughts are turning to the rapidly approaching holiday season. A few radio stations are already previewing holiday music, even though Thanksgiving is still two weeks away. But soon it will be here - crowded mall parking lots, irritated shoppers waiting in long lines, trips across town and back in search of bargains.

During the early and mid 20th century, downtown York was the retail capital of the county. Generations of Yorkers fondly recall downtown trips to The Bon-Ton, Bear's, Jack's, and Wiest's, as well as the dozens of smaller stores located near Continental Square. West Market Street was a hub of retail activity and stores went all out in decorating for the holidays. The Bon-Ton, J.C. Penney, and Sears may all be neighbors now in the York Galleria, but once upon a time they were all neighbors on the 100 block of West Market Street.

Over the next month, Windows Into York will feature many of the popular downtown stores that thrived in York prior to the construction of suburban shopping centers and malls.

The postcard image above captures the vibrant scene of York's retail district in its heyday. Did you used to shop downtown? Do you have any fond holiday memories of The Bon-Ton Santa or Bear's Cafeteria or trips to one of the five city markets to prepare for a holiday dinner? If so, post a comment or send an e-mail to sbutcher@yorklinks.net.

I'll be speaking about local historic architecture this weekend as part of the York County Heritage Trust Second Saturday program. Here's the press release:

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK... York County Heritage Trust to Host Second Saturdays

Local author and historian Scott Butcher will lend a voice to York's historic buildings on Sat., Nov. 8, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum on 217 W. Princess St. during the York County Heritage Trust's Second Saturday program as he discusses the architectural and historic relevance of these buildings. Second Saturday programming is free of charge.

"Within the context of York's history, architecture is sometimes the unsung hero," said Butcher. "We hear so much about the American Revolution, Civil War, and Industrial Revolution, but the architectural stock in York County is historic and diverse. Visitors to the community frequently comment on the array of architectural styles, and I'm excited at the opportunity to showcase our local architectural heritage."

Butcher will discuss his recently released book, York's Historic Architecture: A History and Guide, during the November program, and will be available for a book signing following the program. Interested listeners can purchase their own copy of York's Historic Architecture: A History and Guide at any of the York County Heritage Trust's Museum Shops located at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum and the Historical Society Museum.

Second Saturdays is a free program offered by the York County Heritage Trust, providing an entertaining yet educational Saturday afternoon for the community. Participants will enjoy a free program at a featured York County Heritage Trust site, and are then encouraged to enjoy the day in Downtown York, taking advantage of the culture, dining and shopping opportunities along the way. Coupons to local restaurants and shops are available at the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where visitors may also enter-to-win a basket filled to the brim with York County goodies.

I recently received an e-mail from someone who had just purchased the book York's Historic Architecture. She had not yet read the book, but was intrigued by the cover, a photo of Gethsemane Hall on North Beaver Street. Her husband thought the building was perhaps the Lancaster County Prison, because he didn't think there was a building like that in York.

Gethsemane Hall was built by the local Freemasons after they purchased the former post office building at the intersection of West Philadelphia and North Beaver Streets. But Gethsemane Hall was not York's first castle.

Where today stands a vacant 100-year old jail on Chestnut Street once stood another castle, which was built as the York County Jail in 1854. It was designed by local architect Edward Haviland, who was the son of noted Philadelphia architect John Haviland. John Haviland is perhaps best known as architect of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, and Edward became a noted prison architect in the mid 19th century, also designing jails in Cambria, Carbon, Lycoming, Cumberland, Northampton, and Blair counties, among others.

This sandstone and blue limestone building was constructed by Jacob Gotwalt and opened in 1855. The Norman-influenced design was successfully employed by both Edward Haviland and his father. Unfortunately, it was not large enough to keep up with York's expanding population, resulting in its demolition in the early 20th century. The building that stands today was the replacement prison, and it was designed by architect B.F. Willis and constructed in 1906.

Of note, the Lancaster Prison "castle" was also designed by John Haviland. A picture of it can be viewed here.

It's time again for Historic York, Inc.'s annual house tour. Here's a news release from the organization:

York, PA - Thirteen popular bed & breakfast inns will be open to the public for tours on Sunday, October 11 as part of a special event. Preservation: The Inn Thing is an event of Historic York, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting architectural preservation in York County, PA and beyond. The event serves as the organization's annual house tour and provides a unique way to promote the benefits of architectural preservation.

In previous years, the annual event has focused on walkability, providing tours of historic neighborhoods or clusters of historic homes. This year's event has a "green" twist: the tours are being spread to all corners of York County, meaning that participants don't have far to drive to visit a participating inn. Visitors can tour as many inns as they like, or just a few in their area.

The event will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11. The cost of admission is $10 in advance / $15 day of, and the price is good for admission to all 13 participating bed & breakfast inns. Proceeds from ticket sales and event sponsorships will be used to further the mission of Historic York, which is to identify, preserve, and protect buildings, structures, and sites of historical and architectural significance in York County, Pennsylvania.

Preservation: The Inn Thing is also a great opportunity for the residents of surrounding communities to take a day trip touring charming, quaint and historic buildings as they plan their next weekend getaway. Featured buildings include both a former mill and a former barn converted into inns, houses that witnessed the Battle of Hanover - the first major Civil War battle on Pennsylvania soil, spacious retreats, and a newly restored "Painted Lady."

Participating inns include:

American Vintage Bed & Breakfast, 5740 Thompson Road, Stewartstown, PA

Altland House Inn & Restaurant, Route 30, Center Square, Abbottstown, PA

Blair Mountain Bed & Breakfast, 231 Ridge Road, Dillsburg

Friendship Inn Bed & Breakfast, 728 East Philadelphia Street, York

Garden House Bed & Breakfast, 350 Maple Street, Manchester

Glen Rock Mill Inn, 50 Water Street, Glen Rock

Red Lion Bed & Breakfast, 101 South Franklin Street, Red Lion

Beechmont Inn, 315 Broadway, Hanover

Emig Mansion, 3342 North George Street, Emigsville

Stone Crest Bed & Breakfast, 321 Imperial Drive, York

Shining Dawn Bed & Breakfast, 224 Broadway, Hanover

Canna Country Inn, 393 Valley Road, Etters

Lady Linden Bed & Breakfast, 505 Linden Avenue, York

For additional information or to purchase advance tickets, contact Historic York at 717-843-0320.