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
Author Archives: scott butcher
Did Henry Ford Intend to Purchase the Schultz House?
The Johannes & Cristina Schultz House in Springettsbury Township is a building that hides its secrets. For well over a century, the historic German Colonial house was believed to be the oldest home in York County. The house is traditionally … Continue reading
Holiday Cheer in Downtown York
Here’s a video of Christmas, holiday, and winter photographs from downtown York, PA. Most were shot in the 21st century, but there are a handful of older photos. Look for the image of the former York County Court House on … Continue reading
Posted in City architecture, Continental Square, Events
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The York – Pulitzer Connection
File this under the category of things you probably didn’t know… Architect Frederick Dempwolf’s daughter, Helen, grew up in the family home on South George Street. After leaving York, she attended college and then married a man by the name … Continue reading
The Dempwolf Apprentices
In the history of York County, the Dempwolf name has been associated with great architecture more than any other firm or individual. John Augustus Dempwolf established a practice on Centre Square and quickly became York’s most prominent architect, designing landmark … Continue reading
Posted in City architecture, Events, Historic Preservation
Tagged Billmeyer, Dempwolf, Hamme, Leber, Stair, Yessler
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Dempwolf in Boston
I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference in Boston. While there, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the hotel in which I was staying was located near two important buildings with a connection to John August Dempwolf, … Continue reading
Posted in 19th Century, 20th Century, City architecture
Tagged Architect, Boston, Dempwolf, Holy Cross, Richardson, Romanesque, Trinity, york
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Lions and Gargoyles and Bears, Oh My!
My last blog post, Ode to Oriels, included a photo of a decorative corbel featuring the head of a woman. While this is one of the most distinctive examples of architectural ornamentation in York City, it certainly isn’t the only … Continue reading
Posted in Architectural Terms, City architecture
Tagged architectural, architecture, chimera, gargoyle, oriel, ornamentation, relief, statue, terms
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Ode to Oriels
When I’ve given presentations about local architecture, or led walking tours of the downtown, I’ve often been asked two questions. First, is there a particular architectural style that “defines” York? Second, what is the most common architectural feature on local … Continue reading
Posted in Architectural Terms, City architecture
Tagged architectural, city, feature, oriel, victorian, york
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York in the Round
York is a town known for its historic architecture. The downtown alone has examples of several dozen distinctive architectural styles from the mid-18th century through the mid-20th century. Beyond the downtown, however, there are many buildings constructed during the Modern … Continue reading
Posted in 20th Century
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Tough Times for Historic Preservation
The past few months have not been kind to historic preservation. When the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania finally adopted the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget, much was made of the impact that funding cuts would have on the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum … Continue reading
Posted in Historic Preservation
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Branding York?
Welcome to York, Pennsylvania, Creativity Unleashed in the Factory Tour Capital of the World, Pennsylvania’s Industrial Art & Design Capital, and the Hub of the Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Hershey-Harrisburg Region! Now that is a lot to put on a business … Continue reading
Posted in Tourism
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