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: February 2007
Yorktowne Hotel offers a variety of memories
Since 1925, The Yorktowne Hotel has anchored the corner of East Market and South Duke Street. This postcard shows the hotel before 1959, when the courthouse expansion took down the building separating the two. New owners of the venerable Yorktowne … Continue reading
For York County’s Hoses, law enforcement is all in the family
York County Sheriff William Hose Bill Hose’s decision to not seek re-election as York County sheriff seemingly will end his long, distinguished tenure at or near the top of county law enforcement work. The Hose family is perhaps the most … Continue reading
Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit
Myrtle Legotte, left, and Mary Sims use the key to identify community achievers during the unveiling of the ‘Civil Rights Heroes of York’ mural in 2005. An unsung mural of York does not appear on the side of a building, … Continue reading
From Bofors to bikes, Harley plant top hog
Workers produced Bofors anti-aircraft guns at the Special Ordnance Division plant, now part of Harley-Davidson’s complex, during WWII. Decades before market leader Harley-Davidson operated out of its Springettsbury plant, another top-of-category company occupied the complex. First, it was York Safe … Continue reading
Hog label linked to Harley for 80-something years
Norman Goss, an employee at Harley-Davidson’s Springettsbury Township facility, sports two Harley tattoos: The company’s bar-and-shield logos appear on his back and on his right arm. ‘I don’t know of any other brand where people take the logo and tattoo … Continue reading
Presidential visit No. 3: Bush makes like Bono
President Bush sought – and gained – permission from Joel Toner, left, to start a Harley. Bush observed that Toner had a cool job. Toner said: “I agreed and said, ‘Yeah, I think I got one of the greatest jobs … Continue reading
Presidential visit No. 2: Clinton hugs Harley
A hug to remember: Bobby Ramsey, chief shop steward for Harley-Davidson’s York plant, embraces President Clinton after introducing him. Clinton spoke before more than 2,000 employees. President Bill Clinton enjoyed what amounted to a pep rally during his November 1999 … Continue reading
Presidential visit No. 1: Mr. Reagan goes to Harley
In 1987, Ronald Reagan visited the Harley-Davidson motorcycle plant in Springettsbury Township. Plant employee Eric Myers, right, is sitting on the motorcycle. Employees remember Reagan’s charisma during the visit. Harley-Davidson workers in York have struck the company three times since … Continue reading
Murals of York: ‘Harley’s Journey a Good Ride’
(Foreground) Arthur Davidson’s image is superimposed over a street scene depicting an early motorcycle shop on Beaver Street in downtown York. (Upper left corner) A motorcycle enthusiast participates in the Jefferson Hill Climb, held in southwestern York County. (Upper center) … Continue reading
York County’s own Civil War – Part III
Lewis Miller captured the Confederates entering York in late-June 1863. Even before the rebels stepped onto York County soil in those days before the Battle of Gettysburg, York County was divided on whether President Abraham Lincoln should prosecute the war … Continue reading
