About this blog
As a local historian, writer and photo- grapher, I look at York County’s history in visual terms. For more than 15 years I’ve been enamored with local buildings and the stories behind their facades – from prominent architecture to non-assuming buildings, their walls and roofs are filled with stories just waiting to be told. Whether giving a downtown York walking tour, exploring the history of a local building for my job at the Nutec Group, or taking photos for an upcoming coffee table book, I’m always looking for those unique “windows” into York County’s past and present. — Scott Butcher
Monthly Archives: January 2009
Toasting A Local Myth
Several years ago I extensively researched the alleged “Toast that Saved the Nation” — General Lafayette’s legendary toast to the health of General George Washington at the Gates House in York. This toast is promoted as an event that thwarted … Continue reading
Posted in 18th Century, American Revolution
Tagged Conway Cabal, Gates, Gates House, Lafayette, Revolution, Toast
1 Comment
A Tale of Three Domes
Wikipedia defines a dome as “a structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere.” If you happen to be a resident of York, Lancaster or Harrisburg, a dome is a defining feature of your skyline. … Continue reading
Posted in Architectural Terms, Beaux Arts, Government Buildings
Tagged architecture, domes, harrisburg, lancaster, styles, york
1 Comment
Lost Treasures: Dempwolf’s Masterpiece
There are few Central Pennsylvania architects that have put their mark on the built environment more than John Augustus Dempwolf. His firm, which included both his brother Reinhardt and later, his son Frederick, employed many young architects who would later … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, City architecture
Leave a comment
Publishing Industry Loses a Friend
I’ve been quite fortunate over the past few years to have become involved with Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., a mid-sized specialty publisher based in Chester County, PA on the Schiffer Book Farm. In 2008, Schiffer published two of my books, “Spooky … Continue reading
Posted in Research & Books
Leave a comment
Greenway Tech Centre – First for York
The Greenway Tech Centre has received several awards since it opened in 2007. The 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania selected it to receive a Silver Award for urban redevelopment while the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded it … Continue reading
