A recent query on the York Town Square blog asked about the location of York's first town hall, which is perhaps a mystery (though many early town meetings were held in the first Court House in Centre Square).

Most of us are familiar with the current York City Hall, which stands along West King Street and was constructed in 1941 in celebration of York's 200th anniversary.

Only the long-time Yorkers, however, can identify where the prior city hall was located. The building in this postcard no longer stands. However, it was at one time a carriage house along South Duke Street. After being converted into a city hall, it was later expanded. Below is a brief description from my book, Postcard History Series: York:

The Guardian Trust Company was incorporated in 1903 and purchased property at the southeast corner of Market and Duke Streets for use as a bank. To the rear of the property stood a large stable, which was enlarged for use as City Hall. Subsequently, Guardian Trust purchased an adjacent property and expanded City Hall.

Posted in 20th Century City architecture Government Buildings

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When the Second Continental Congress arrived in York in September 1777, they found a sleepy frontier town in which most residents spoke German. Philadelphia it was not. Lodging became an immediate issue, as there were but 22 taverns and about 300 houses in York Town. Members of Congress did not travel alone, of course – they brought with them staff members to assist with the governing of the young nation. Many delegates began their time in York in overcrowded taverns, until such time that they could arrange for living quarters, frequently in private homes.

In some cases, delegates were able to rent a home, and perhaps share it with other delegates. Few patriots actually stayed in York all nine months that Congress met here. Many came and went and came and went, with the president of Continental Congress serving as the “glue” that held the body together.

When they arrived here, John Hancock was president; however, he resigned from Congress on October 31 and returned to his home in Massachusetts. Cousins John and Samuel Adams stayed in York for the first five weeks, then departed for Massachusetts – John would later travel to France while Samuel eventually returned to York in the final weeks that Congress met here.

(For a larger image, click here: http://scottbutcher.smugmug.com/photos/239128351-XL.jpg )

Throughout York’s tenure as colonial capital, the Square was abuzz with activity. Congress met in the County Court House, which by now had stood in Centre Square for over 20 years. A home on the northeastern quadrant of the Square served as the U.S. Treasury. Archibald McClean, owner of the building, was a surveyor and ardent patriot. On the southeastern quadrant stood Gottleib Ziegle’s tavern, which most likely hosted several delegates. Next door stood a building that served as an armory. Across George Street on the southwestern quadrant stood a building leased by delegate Daniel Roberdeau. According to early local histories, Roberdeau hosted John Adams and Samuel Adams, among other delegates. The Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which Thomas Paine served as Secretary, also met in this building.

Posted in 18th Century City architecture Continental Square Government Buildings

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The 1898 York County Court House is making news again, but not for any notorious trial. A contingent representing York County recently returned from San Antonio, TX and the American Public Works Association national conference. They were there to accept an award for the renovation of the courthouse and conversion into the York County Administrative Center. The project was recognized as a “Public Works Project of the Year” in the Historic Renovation category for projects in the $10 million to $100 million range. The award application was prepared by project architect NuTec Design Associates, Inc. on behalf of the County, contractor Wohlson Construction, and local chapter of the American Public Works Association.

This award focuses a national spotlight on York and the efforts of many to combine York’s historic architecture with the needs of a modern society and vibrant community.

Posted in 19th Century Beaux Arts City architecture Government Buildings

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Recent news reports have noted that the United States Postal Service will be vacating their facility on South George Street. York City government has expressed an interest to acquire the building and renovate it for use as a new City Hall. But the building on South George Street is not the only one downtown to have housed the Post Office. At the intersection of West Philadelphia and North Beaver streets a prominent red-brick Romanesque building stands on the northeast corner. Today, many people know it as the Lighthouse Youth Center. Others remember when it was a Masonic Temple. The reality, however, is that it was actually constructed by the federal government for use as a Post Office and government office building.

From “Postcard History Series: York”:

Constructed in 1895 on the northeast corner of Philadelphia and Beaver Streets, the “Federal Building” was built for a cost of $80,000. In addition to housing the Post Office, the United States Revenue Department was located on the second floor. Prior to the erection of this building, the York Post Office had been located at nine different sites.

Posted in 19th Century City architecture Government Buildings

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