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: November 2007
Dover’s uneven history runs deep into well-tilled German soil
The Rev. Rene Kinard gives his final prayer after an outdoor baptism ceremony in the stream at the Dover Area Community Park during a Civil War re-enactment church service in 2005. The Dover area loves its history and has made … Continue reading
Pennsylvanian Daniel Drawbaugh: ‘The Edison of the Cumberland Valley’
The Drawbaugh family is another accomplished Dover-area family . Well, its most prominent member, Daniel Drawbaugh, actually lived in Cumberland County’s Eberly’s Mills, which isn’t exactly Dover. But give me a little geographical license and look in the phone book … Continue reading
Sculpture of Jeff Koons brings record for work by living artist
Dover native Jeff Koons’ ‘Hanging Heart’ beats on display in New York. Sotheby’s sold the piece for $23.6 million. Background post: Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here, Add another celebrity link to Dover, Pa., Artist Jeff Koons came … Continue reading
Part of York County’s past goes on the auction block
Old millstones are now used as a sidewalk to the mill keeper’s house on the Biesecker Mill property in Jackson Township. Bob Sholly, auctioneer, is pictured. The mill will soon be remodeled into a condo project. Background post: Pioneering sisters … Continue reading
York County has its own Lincoln photo debate
A recent post here, 3-D image might show Lincoln at Gettysburg, tells about the finding of a coveted stereoscope showing Abe Lincoln just before he delivered his famous address. And a previous post, York County will long remember Abe’s visit … Continue reading
The world’s loudest music without amplification from a non-musical instrument – encore
Whistle Master Don Ryan practices on the steam whistle in 2006, as Austin Mohn of Manchester Township lends a hand. Background posts: 20 questions and answers to prove your York smarts and Musical factory whistle drowns out N.Y. Wire’s WWII … Continue reading
3-D image might show Lincoln at Gettysburg
Hanover’s John Richter has made the news after finding what could be an image of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg in the Library of Congress’ digital archives. The man with the top hat is presumed to be Lincoln. “It certainly looked … Continue reading
Rambo run: One small stream … so much stress
The ornate ceiling at the York Water Co. rises above cashier Susan Arnold. The water company formed in 1816, in part, because of Codorus Creek pollution. A section of an early log pipe used by the water company can be … Continue reading
Ma & Pa rabbit trains: ‘I hope they thoroughly hosed out the cars.’
In 2005, East Hopewell’s Muddy Creek Forks celebrated an original engine that ran on the Ma & Pa Railroad many years ago during its Railroad Heritage Day celebration Sept. 24. Locomotives like No. 82 pulled rabbit trains for hunters loaded … Continue reading
Trolley kiosk, called “Teapot Dome,” popular little building
This kiosk was used as a trolley dispatcher’s office in Continental Square in this 1939 photo, near the end of the trolleys’ run, which started in 1887. The kiosk, needing extensive repairs, has been in a city shop until funds … Continue reading
