On Saturday, approximately 70 photo enthusiasts met on Continental Square in downtown York to photograph the White Rose City. It was the third photowalk organized by Andy Smith, Visual Realia, who also organized similar walks in Gettysburg and Harrisburg. For many, it was the first time walking downtown York with camera in hand. For others, it was a good excuse to enjoy the June weather and take in some sights.
The equipment they brought with them ranged from camera cell phones and small point-and-shoot digital cameras to 35-mm digital SLR cameras with multiple lenses and tripods in tow.
The day began with a group photo on the steps of the former York County Court House, and then everyone proceeded to the York Water Company to photograph the stunning interior. It was the first of many treats for the photowalkers. After leaving the water company building, many proceeded to the David Small House (known by many as simply "the brownstone"), where Martin Library's Fran Keller had the building opened as part of the York Patriot Days celebration. Participants photographed the historic parlor, toured the nearby Bonham House, and photographed the architectural details and streetscapes of York.
On Philadelphia Street, everyone was treated to an appearance of freed slave turned businessman turned Underground Railroad agent William C. Goodridge, portrayed by Lee Smallwood. Lee gave an overview of Goodridge's life, and invited participants to stop by the courtyard to the rear of the Goodridge Freedom House, which was also open as part of Patriot Days.
From there, the walk continued past the Strand-Capitol, and into Central Market House for a brief stop. By this time the group of 70 had spread out on multiple blocks, all slowly making their way to the Colonial Complex of the York County Heritage Trust. Colonial-era living historians provided more shooting opportunities for the shutterbugs.
Back on Continental Square, I talked with a gentleman from Maryland who came to York specifically for the photowalk. He told me that he had driven through York many times before, but had never looked at it through the lens of a camera. "What wonderful architectural treasures, York has" he told me. Though he had to depart, he promised that he'd return, camera in hand: "There's a lot more here that I'd love to photograph," he said.
According to an e-mail from Andy Smith, photowalkers came from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
For information about the photowalk, visit Visual Realia: http://www.visualrealia.com/VR_Photowalks/Home.html.
Participants are also uploading their photos to a Flickr page. Check out their fabulous work at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/yorkphotowalk/.
