About this blog
I've been editor of the York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News for 8 years and managing editor of the newspaper for 15 years before that. So, York Town Square explores the rapidly changing world of journalism. And I studied York/Adams' history in graduate school, have written six books about these fascinating southcentral Pennsylvania counties and serve on the York County (Pa.) Heritage Trust board. So, this blog deals with regional history. Often, journalism and history meet here. They're part of a continuum anyway. My hope is that this site intrigues readers on both accounts in giving a daily dose of journalism/history. Or history/journalism. Contact me at jem@ydr.com or become friends on Facebook or follower on Twitter, @JamesMcClure.
Monthly Archives: January 2007
Who’s your candidate for the next York statue?
The statue of Marquis de Lafayette is York’s newest. The city’s unveiling of the Marquis de Lafayette’s statue raises the question about what historic figure York should recognize next? The city, using the artistic talents of sculptor Lorann Jacobs, is … Continue reading
Civil War dispute lands York pastor in slammer
The Civil War threatened to divide many York churches. York’s Presbyterian Church was one of them. (For another example, see Civil war prompted strife in churches, too. In fact, one dispute ended with its minister in jail. The Rev. Thomas … Continue reading
York’s Prospect Hill Cemetery bears rich Civil War tales
When vandals toppled more than 375 tombstones at York’s Prospect Hill Cemetery in October 2005, they desecrated a community treasure. The cemetery bears countless stories from York County’s past. …
1800s German-English worship debate erupted in York churches
Zion Lutheran, now empty, will become a senior-services agency. St. Paul’s Lutheran and the former Zion Lutheran churches have been in the news recently. St. Paul’s made headlines because a daughter of one of its parishioners was believed to have … Continue reading
Civil war prompted strife in churches, too
St. Paul’s Lutheran was one of many York County churches battling their own civil wars. The same history of St. Paul’s that brought the identity of the apparent bearer of the note to rebel Gen. John B. Gordon delivers insight … Continue reading
Archivist’s finding sheds light on famous note among the roses
Confederate Gen. John B. Gordon, recipient of bouquet shrouding a note from a spy. Archivist Lila Fourhman-Shaull was researching a routine request for information about York’s St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the York County Heritage Trust’s library. She was working … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, all posts, Books & reading, Civil War, Events, People, War
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Could York bus drivers also point out historic sites?
Many people pass this ornate building not knowing it served as a post office. A caller suggests that Rabbittransit drivers could be trained to point out such features as they transport customers. Callers and e-mailers often contribute great ideas linking … Continue reading
F-14 TomCat navigator’s name, aircraft in museum
James Cunningham and his Navy F-14 Tomcat. York countians are known for earning their own piece of history seemingly everywhere. Rick and Jeanne Cunningham e-mailed that observation recently with an example involving their own son, James: The 26-year-old has manned … Continue reading
Posted in Archives, all posts, Events, Mail bag, People, War
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Dick Boyd’s memoir tells inside story of York workers’ statue
“Workers of York” welcomes visitors to York’s Agricultural and Industrial Museum. Dick Boyd’s autobiography, like other such works, is useful in supplying stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses not found elsewhere. “The Bridge tells the story of the “Workers of York” statue … Continue reading
