February 2008 Archives

Ella J. Robinson was one of the pioneering teachers at Smallwood School, a black elementary school in York. Background posts: Autobiographies contain valuable golden nuggets, Black history on display throughout York County and Black playwright earning place in history.

Who was Aunt Jo, of York's Aunt Jo Lane fame?

And who was the Wrightville native to become secretary of the New York YMCA?

That is some of the information imparted in the our black history quiz, part II... .

Wrightsville's Veterans Memorial Bridge landing may be improved in a tourism initiative spearheaded by Rivertownes, www.rivertownes.org. When it was built in 1930, the bridge carried Lincoln Highway traffic across the mile-wide Susquehanna River. After construction of the Wright's Ferry Bridge in the early 1970s, the bridge, also called the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, has carried mostly local traffic. Background posts: Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge celebrates quiet birthday and Susquehanna bridge makeover flowing along.

Last we heard, plans were under way to rehab the lighting and other historic parts of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Now, Rivertownes PA, a tourism agency, has proposed working on the landing on the York County side of the bridge and other landscaping projects across the river in Columbia and Marietta... .

The state House of Representatives gave kudos this week to Senior District Justice Paul M. Diehl Jr. for his 50-plus years of service. Background posts: For years, York County part of major court cases and Witman's murder among county's most notorious cases.

"Senior District Justice Paul M. Diehl Jr. predates 911, municipal cooperation between police departments and even the title of district justice," York Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Rick Lee wrote in September 2007.

That story told about Diehl's 50th year on the bench.

It also gave an indication about how criminal justice has changed in York County... .

Loganville's landmark Brown's Orchards & Farm Market started as a roadside stand, seen here in 1956, and has since expanded into a 29,000-square-foot market. Background posts: Glatfelter, Farquhar, Shipley: Insights from local greats and Horn Farm: 'A very special living history memorial to those hardy ancestors'.

Many Susquehanna Trail motorists traveling through Loganville see Brown's Orchards & Farm Market atop the hill and can't wait to turn into its lot.

They might not know that the market started like so many other tiny roadside markets that dot York County's countryside... .

Sal Ferrante, collector and seller of vintage Italian furniture, and son, Disma, are seen in the storage area of his Springettsbury Township business in this York Daily Record/Sunday News photo. Ferrante said the chandeliers (background) and other lighting fixtures are in particular demand. Background posts: Flag expert: 'I was interested in my nation's heritage' and Upcoming events should attract York/Adams history buffs .

York countians are proud of their antiques.

In fact, close a big building in any town around the county nowadays, and an antique mall will move in. Look, for example, at what happened after Leader's Furniture closed in Jacobus and Geiple's in Glen Rock.

Those antique malls are good things, kind of unsung tourist promotion sites drawing bargain-hunters from all directions.

But 'Antiques Roadshow' recently bypassed these ubiquitous sites and set up tent in Springettsbury Township. There, they explored the vintage Italian collections of Salvatore Ferrante... .

York native Dominick Argento won a Pulitzer Prize for his musical compositions. He also has written a book of his memoirs.Dominick Argento at top of York A & E hall of fame and John Luther Long: Miss Saigon’s York County connection.

And that's saying something for a composer who has won the Pulitzer Prize.

The world-renowned composer's most recent work will be performed for the first time at 4 p.m. Sunday.

A York Daily Record story said the choral work, “Evensong: Of Love and Angels,” was inspired by the memory of his wife, Carolyn Bailey Argento, who died two years ago. They met at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore... .

This advertisement, found in Ruth L. Kammer's "Inside West Side," ran in conjunction with the formal opening of Memorial Hospital, then Memorial Osteopathic Hospital, in August 1962. It shows Memorial's predecessor, West Side Osteopathic Hospital (and before that West Side Sanitarium), and Memorial's new complex on York's East Side. Background posts: East side Memorial Hospital formerly on west side and Elmwood Mansion book more than history of a house.

Memorial Hospital's flirtation with West Manchester Township's former Hawk Lake golf course as a new site means that the hospital and its predecessors are covering most points on the compass.

The exception is anything south, where York Hospital and its affiliated Apple Hill reign... .

Countless horse-drawn and motor-propelled conveyances have passd this 156-year-old New Oxford home since it reached its two-story height. But soon, the house will be demolished. Background posts: Striking architecture lined York's South Duke Street and 'It's so sad to see such a great piece of architecture fall down'.

Who doesn't feel a sense of loss when an old house or building faces the bulldozer?

One would like to think that such monumental buildings as the York City Market, York Collegiate Institute or York County Academy would be restored today instead of knocked down to provide vacant lots, as occurred 40 years ago... .

Gen. Jacob Loucks Devers, left, talks with Lt. Donald E. MacNutt, 85th Engineers, as light and heavy vehicles from the 10th Armored Division cross the Rhine River on April 1, 1945. The engineers installed this pontoon bridge across the Rhine at Worms, Germany, in nine hours, considered a major feat. The York County Heritage Trust plans a visit to Devers burial site in Arlington National Cemetery in April. Background posts: York native Jacob L. Devers' name still in service at Fort Knox, Ky. and U.S. Army Field Band: Live at Farquhar Park.

For example, an exhibit at the trust's Agriculture and Industrial Museum interprets life in the military in World War II. A nearby York Plan exhibit informs visitors about how York County factories got behind the military.

As part of this Defending Amerca's Freedom Project, the trust is sponsoring a motor coach trip to Washington, D.C., on April 10... .

Art restorationists work on the Gettysburg Cyclorama painting, part of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum. The cyclorama is scheduled to reopen in the fall, and the new visitors center in April. (See related photo below.) Background posts: Gettysburg Cyclorama gets fist full of funds and Gettysburg Cyclorama, with new shape, set for Sept. display.

The opening of the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center is on schedule to open April 14.

Fundraisers have garnered enough donations to cover the Baltimore Pike center's construction and cyclorama restoration costs, Gettysburg Foundation officials said this week.

The balance of the $125 million to be raised will go to endowments and battlefield restoration.

Here are some facts about the new center, according to an article in the York Daily Record (2/23/08) and Hanover Evening Sun:

Joan Concilio's Only in York County blog uncovered a site seeking - and providing - information on Red Lion's Ebert Furniture Company, longtime manufacturers in York County. In this photo from "Red Lion, the First 100 Years," (1980) the former Ebert South Franklin Street plant, left, is occupied by Zell Company. Background posts: Bank adds murals to York County's walls and Cigarmaking Red Lion on top of York County.

Blogger Joan Concilio writes about a Web site, THE EBERT FURNITURE FACTORY 1854-1959, that brings together collectors of the Red Lion made furniture.

According to the Ebert site, the furniture company moved its factory from Philadelphia to Red Lion in 1917... .

'Salute This Happy Morn,' is a book on the Glen Rock Carolers. But it's also a book on Glen Rock, a caption in this 1997 work surmises: 'Perhaps these rocks near his house, exposed by the construction of the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad, gave William Heathcote an idea for the name of the village he had so large a part in founding. These same tracks have been the site of train wrecks, excursion trains, and most recently, trains of bike riders using of the rail trail running through the borough. Background posts: 'I really like these old pictures of Glen Rock', Former CCC Camp now on the map and AMP's and AMF's alphabet soup spilled in same small town .

Fellow blogger June Lloyd tells the rivoting story of the spectacular train accident that rocked Glen Rock on Good Friday, 1920.

Glen Rock has always been a newsy town. (To provide it, search this blog for all of the posts linked to this southern York County borough.)

Here are some insights into the town, as found in George Prowell's 1907 "History of York County, Pennsylvania," with my own comments in parenthesis:

We thought we had published the perfect Bury's burger recipe after Jean Fix of York flagged its publication in the York Sunday News in 2000.

As it turns out, our reported recipe, Reader reveals Bury's secret recipe, may have been incomplete. Delicious, but not authentic. And the source is the maker of the iconic York County burger himself, Joe Bury.

Sort of... .

Bob Yost, left, seen with Bill Schintz were longtime members of the Breakfast Club at the Yorktowne Hotel grills, operating under various names. Yost died this week, and Schintz assessed his contributions this way: "Bob Yost put more people in homes than anyone in York County history. He has been the king of real estate in York County for at least the last 30 years... ." (To see Yost's office earlier in his career, see photograph below.) Background posts: Who will lead York County in the future? and Glatfelter, Morgan Smith head industrial legacy list.

This leader in the real estate community leaves behind many accomplishments, including a story (see below) about his pluck earlier in life... .

William Penn High School graduate Hal Colston and his program "Neighbhorkeepers" is gaining a national profile as an effective poverty-fighting program. "People" magazine recently featured his work. Background posts: Leslie Lawson, Black History Profiles, Part III, Images capture hope of racial harmony and York Town Square's black history category.

The York riots of 1968-69 produced deep community wounds.

But for Hal Colston, they added to his understanding of poverty and its impact... .

This 1979 photo of Three Mile Island shows steam rising from the unit that was damaged two weeks later by a near meltdown. Today, the steam plumes are reversed. The damaged unit's stacks sit silent. This iconic picture was taken by veteran photographer ( but new blogger) Bil Bowden soon after he started at the York Daily Record/Sunday News. For a warmup, see Bowden photos on this blog, York Town Square: A far different view of York County, Simple photograph helps frame York County and No light at the end of this (abandoned) turnpike tunnel.

For years, York Daily Record/Sunday News readers have enjoyed Bil Bowden's photographs.

Now, his blog Bil's Eye-View, part of the yorkblog.com suite of bloggers, will feature some of his best hit photos from almost three decades of shooting in York County and beyond.. .

Ronnie Meyers presents 102-year-old Daniel Wilt with a Mount Wolf Wolves baseball cap on behalf of the team at Rock Brenner Field several years ago. The ballfield is a longtime gathering spot for Mount Wolf residents. Background posts: Ten years ago, Emigsville's mighty oak fell and York's Wolf Organization builds from deep foundation.

Here's a question that opponents to merging some of York County's 72 townships and boroughs haven't answered.

If boroughs are such a good idea, why isn't there a movement to create more?

Jacobus was the last borough in York County to form. And that was in 1929... .

Gerald "Jerry" Karl was a York countian who played on the national stage - or rather, drove on national tracks. Karl, who raced at the Indianapolis 500 six times, died recently from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Background posts: For scores of post on other celebrities with York County links, see http://www.yorktownsquare.com/york-celebrities/. To see achievers in sports, see http://www.yorktownsquare.com/york-sports/.

Pedestrian A.B. Farquhar survived an accident involving a vehicle, but injuries sustained hastened the agricultural equipment manufacturer's death.

As I've written before, it was the saddest irony that the life of a captain of industry - a man who harnessed machinery to make machinery to harness the earth - was shortened by a machine.

And David E. Small, a noted York railroad car manufacturer in the 1800s, lost an arm after it became entangled in machinery.

Gerald "Jerry" Karl was similarly a York countian of national stature - a driver at a half dozen Indy 500s... .

Newswanger's, seen in this drawing from "Greater York in Action," was a landmark shoe store on York's Continental Square and typical of the small retail shops that prospered in the downtown in the middle part of the 20th century. These shops have largely disappeared, as columnist Gordon Freireich writes below. Background posts: Buildings reveal a bit about York and Landmark Futer Bros. building in new hands.

"Greater York in Action," a 1968 publication, provides insight into the order of downtown York's decline as a retail hub.

The book, published at the time of York's race riots in 1968 but before the deadly riots of 1969, suggests that major retailers were expanding into the growing suburbs even before the unrest... .

This photo shows the aftermath of the explosion at the York Roller Mills in 1908. "For years, the explosion was the chief topic of conversation where more than two people gathered," a newspaper reported years later. Background posts: Agnes, by the tragic numbers and The night the furnace 'blew'.

Both the Confederates and Yankees sustained more than 300 casualties in the Battle of Hanover on June 30, 1863.

And about five people lost their lives in the waters of Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972.

Paul Gamboa-Taylor pleaded guilty to killing five people with a ball-peen hammer and knife in his York home in the early 1990s.

But the York Rolling Mills explosion 100 years ago in August was the worst industrial accident on record... .

The 21st century meets the 19th as rebel re-enactors march in Gettysburg in 2004. The 145th re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg is set for July 4-6 this year. Background posts:Rebel trooper: 'Broken down & in no condition to fight' and Gettysburg Cyclorama, with new shape, set for Sept. display and Gettysburg battlefield produces steady supply of news, Part I.

And these story just don't come from updates on the new visitors center construction or controversies over the current center... .

Historic York's Karen Arnold shows the barn near the old house built by Johannes and Christina Schultz in present-day Springettsbury Township. Research shows that the house might have been built as many as 20 years before its datestone, previously commonly used to date the structure. The house stood near Camp Security, a prisoner of war camp where British soldiers were detained in the American Revolution. Background post: , Old house boasts all kinds of historic hooks and Change flattens Stony Brook's drive-in, humpback bridge.

Now that the historic Schultz House is out of private hands, researchers have a straighter shot at understanding it more.

A archaeological dig is set for later this year.

And the date of the house's actual construction is under revision... .

Ginger Parker is a different type of York County barn owner. She uses her barn, located on a high point near Glen Rock, to breed show horses. Here, her is the inside-out view of Parker in the barnyard. Background posts: Star Barn's relocation a plus, even if not in York County and 'An old bank barn with so much character'.

Hanover Shoe Farms put horse breeding on the map in York County.

Most recently, Donato Hanover, then stabled at his birthplace in Hanover, won harness racing's 2007 Horse of the Year honors.

And it was 16 years go that Pin Oak Lane Farm in Shrewsbury Township gained the national spotlight as birthplace of Lil E. Tee. That colt was the first Pennsylvania-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby... .

Powwow practitioner and murder victim Nelson Rehmeyer is seen here in this photograph from Ross McGinnis' 'Trials of Hex.' See photograph of his wife and daughters below. Background posts: 'We would 'hex' them if they ignored us' and How powwow doctors plied their craft.

Why is it that invaders of Nelson Rehmeyer's house come in threes?

At Thanksgiving time in 1928, Rehmeyer was murdered by two young men and a boy who were trying to break a spell they believe the victim, a suspected witch, had cast on them.

Now, Rick Ebaugh, descendant of the victim of the famous Hex murder, reports two men and a woman broke into the Rehmeyer house and wandered around... .

Linda and Michael Hanson restored their 200-year-old stone-and-log Springfield Township home. The age of the house attracted the family to buy the house 20 years ago. (See interior view below.) Background posts from: What was famed architect John Dempwolf's own house like? and Two ornate mansions that Hanover Shoe built.

Old farmhouses dot York County's countryside, making one wonder what it takes to restore on of those old structures.

And what does it take keep them going once they're restore?

‘Migration’ (1997) by Hellam Township artist Rob Evans is part of the 'Visions of the Susquehanna, an exhibit of 250 years of paintings by American Masters,' on display at York College through Wednesday, Feb. 20. Several works in the exhibit, for which Evans served as curator, capture the Susquehanna River as it divides York and Lancaster counties. Background posts: Susquehanna River bridge makeover flowing along, Almost ... a double deck bridge across the Susquehanna? and When did Wrightsville Ferry service end?

The "Visions of the Susquehanna River" exhibit, in its final days at York College, shows the beautiful river from a number of vantage points.

But the paintings, as the saying goes, are more than a bunch of pretty pictures... .

Steve McKee's "My Father's Heart, A Son's Story" is a multi-faceted book that is more than a memoir about heart disease. It explores the complex relationship between father and son and the painful aftermath of a loved one's death. And it's a story about growing up in the York area in the 1960s. McKee, a York Catholic graduate, will sign his book at 7 p.m., March 13, at Borders on Whiteford Road in York. Background posts: East Yorker David Levin became exemplary elder and Upcoming events should attract York/Adams history buffs.

I had the good fortune of reading part of "My Father's Heart" manuscript, specifically the sections that touch on York and its history.

Author Steve McKee and I have a lot in common. Pretty much the same age. Grew up in the same years. Both newsmen. Steve is an editor at the Wall Street Journal.

In reading the manuscript, I thought how this work mirrors a chapter in David Levin's "Exemplary Elders," a story about growing up in the 1920s and 1930s. Levin thrived as a Jewish boy in Lutheran old East York. About three decades later, McKee moved to nearby Haines Acres, a Roman Catholic outsider in a Protestant community... .

Those in the military in World War II had a penchant for meeting fellow York countians. Here, Ed Tuleya is seen with York's Earl Roser, right, at the Gloucester Cathedral in Glocester, England. Ed Tuleya survived Omaha Beach, lost his baseball career, met his Czech wife (see photo below) and the rest is a love story. Background posts: Nazis murdered downed airman from York, Part V, Old York lefty remembered young Brooks Robinson and Baseball's Methuselah played for White Roses.

York Daily Record/York Sunday News' writer Jim Seip penned an exceptional story about a heroic World War II soldier.

But it's not really a war story... .

This is the house of J.W. Gitt, Gazette and Daily owner, as it appeared in 1962. Notice the putting green used by Gitt, a golfing enthusiast. The estate now houses the by-appointment Gitt Memorial Library. Mary Allienne Hamilton will sign copies of Rising from the Wilderness, her biography of Gitt from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the York County Heritage Trust, 250 E. Market St., York. This is one of several upcoming opportunities in Central Pennsylvania for those who love history. Background posts: York cartoonist's work helps celebrate peace activism and Why is Hanover Country Club in Abbottstown.

History aficionadoes should put these opportunities to see, hear and experience local history in the upcoming months:

Harvey Bradley, who built his York company, Bradley Lifting, from scratch has sold his company to an out-of-town outfit. Here, Bradley is seen with a giant hook in 2007. His company fabricates the block that the hook will be hung from. Background posts: Glatfelter, Farquhar, Shipley: Insights from local greats, Who will lead York in the future? and Samuel Small tops community contributor list.

Harvey Bradley is a living example of some of York County's past captains of industry.

He started with few resources, except perhaps the most important, an entrepreneurial spirit. He built big things... .

This eagle sits on a stump in the Susquehanna River along Long Level Road in Lower Windsor Township in June 2007. Photographer Bil Bowden, who captured this picture, wrote that at least three nests were within a few miles of the area, and eagles - along with the sometimes confused osprey - can be seen here. (See additional photo below.) The river makes Pennsylvania one of the nation's top water-rich states. Background posts: Susquehanna bridge makeover flowing along, Photographer tramps to far reaches of York County and American Indians' carvings almost forgotten treasure.

Pennsylvania has more stream miles than any other state, except perhaps Alaska.

And no one knows how many miles are in Alaska, because they're frozen... .

Taken from microfilm, this is the first edition of The Pennsylvania Gazette published in York Town - York County's first newspaper. The weekly newspaper published from December 1777 to June 1778 before packing up and moving back east when the British evacuated Philadelphia. After the press left York Town, nine years passed before another newspaper was printed in the county. Bartgis and Roberts began publishing The Pennsylvania Chronicle and York Weekly Advertising in 1787. Solomon Meyer began publishing Die York Gazette in 1796, the first German-language newspaper in York and the first time two newspapers were published at the same time. The Pennsylvania Gazette was circulated to information-hungry readers throughout the 13 states. Background posts: Newspaper's founding date h ard to pin down and Journalism goes back to the future.

A request from a local student for information on the York Daily Record/Sunday News and its predecessors reminds me of favorite quotes attached to newspaper patriarch Solomon Meyer.

Meyer, started Die York Gazette in 1796, a German-language newspaper that the Daily Record lists as its earliest ancester.

Meyer had a weakness that undermined many great men - a love for power and politics. His anti-Federalist views gained him a military patronage post... .

Don Warner, left, and his wife, Ruth, of 70 years are seen near his 40-year-old Conn organ. Warner stars in the weekly "Don Warner at the Organ' on WGCB in Red Lion, Pa.. Background posts: The organ: 'It is a whole orchestra in itself' and Research topic: 18th-century helicopter could have aided pastor.

There's something about keyboard players that brings recognition.

Everyone, for example, knows Sam Keeney.

And Don Warner. (See video of Don in action:)

Maybe it's because they play so many gigs in such varied places ... .

During the winter, southpaw Triple A pitcher Robert Rohrbaugh trains in Littlestown. Here, he lifts weights at the Littlestown YMCA. 'He's knocking on the door of the big leagues,' said Greg Hunter, the Mariners' director of player personnel. 'He's adjusted to every level he's been at.' Background posts: York County sports a miniature Cooperstown and Baseball's Methuselah played for White Roses.

Several years ago, Hanover-area left-hander Mark Phillips scored a big contract with the San Diego Padres. But his career so far has gone nowhere, falling far short of the majors. Last summer, Phillips labored in the Central League before landing a pitching slot in the Atlantic League.

But now comes another Hanover-area southpaw - Robert Rohrbaugh - one of the Seattle Mariners' top minor league prospects... .

'Soon here in this country a three hundred year old building will be as scarce as a dinosaur,' 'The Codorus Valley Chronicles.' Most pioneer mills are gone and Swiss-style bank barns are giving way to pole barns. The newsletter pointed to three old structures that should be standing today: York Collegiate Institute on South Duke Street and College Avenue, the neighboring York City Market and the old York Valley Inn, seen above, near where Springettsbury Township's Wal-Mart stands today. Actually, part of the York Valley Inn stands today as the cemetery office for Susuquehanna Memorial Gardens in York Township. Background posts: Who was that slain Yankee messenger at Green Ridge? and Forgotten York Valley Inn may be rediscovered.

First came glass milk bottles. Then came cardboard milk cartons that paralleled their glass counterparts for years before replacing them.

Plastic bottles and jugs replaced the cardboard carton.

But somewhere in this lineage, the Brown family of Railroad, in southern York County, invented and produced a paper milk carton, the Mono milk container... .

This undated postcard view, from a recent Codorus Valley Area Historical Society newsletter, shows a busy block of York's South Duke Street. The City Market's tower is central in this photograph and York Collegiate Institute's is at right, background. Background post: York Market House No. 2 - The architecturally striking City Market and Samuel Small tops community contributor list.

The postcard view above shows a bustling block where South Duke Street met College Avenue.

That block played host to the City Market house, the largest and most ornate of York's five market houses, and York Collegiate Institute, forerunner along with the York County Academy, of York College.

Imagine today how that neighborhood could be different if those two buildings, gone for decades, remained.

E-mailer Steve Cashman has asked about the origin of "the picketts," the area around the intersection of Bermudian and Conewago creeks in northeastern York County.

He understands that the name came from a Confederate encampment there in the Civil War... .

Nowadays, libraries contain videos, audio books, music and, yes, books. And artwork. This piece by Dee Brua was on display recently at the Paul Smith Library of Southern York County. Commissions from the sale of artwork will benefit the library.Paul Smith's name has just been added to the official moniker of the library. Background posts: 'I really like these old pictures of Glen Rock' and Martin Library leaves microfilm behind.

Paul Smith's name has been added to the Shrewsbury-area library, formerly known as the Southern York County Library.

Smith donated six acres for construction of the wonderful new library south of Shrewsbury.

Many buildings in York County and elsewhere have names of prominent donors and community contributors on their side... .

This is an artist's rendition of how the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education will look when developed. The center will put a spotlight on "the past, present and future of York County agricultural," according to center's mission statement. Background posts: 'It's so sad to see such a great piece of architecture fall down', York County agrarianism vs. industrialization, Part I and Part II & III.

Once upon a time, a York feed manufacturer and retailer loved land he owned in the country.

As a history published in 2000 goes, he made products that aided the agricultural community but was not a farmer himself.

But he enjoyed his Hellam Township property with its barns, fields of grain and livestock. And he loved showing it off.

He died in 1964, and 17 years later, his wife and daughters gave the farm to York County.

A sign gives his name: ...

This is the text of the message carried by a union soldier who killed by a farmer near Green Ridge in Codorus Township around midnight on June 29, 1863. This comes from the book "War of the Rebellion" and appeared recently in a Codorus Valley Area Historical Society newsletter. The society is seeking to identify the messenger. Background posts: Archivist's finding sheds light on famous note among the roses and Unsung farmhouse shaping moment for York.

The east-bound courier came to a fork in the road near Green Ridge, in a remote area of Codorus Township in southern York County. He headed toward a farmhouse to gain directions and perhaps some grain for his horse.

George Bair became frightened when the mounted courier called on him.

Bair, a German who did not understand English, thought the horseman was one of the Confederates, raiding the county in these days before the Battle of Gettysburg.

One confusing thing led to another, and George Bair loaded his gun, aimed it at the stranger and squeezed the trigger... .

This photo shows the York County-based country-and-western group the 101 Ranch Boys in 1956 or 1957. The boys are identified: upper left, Harold Dunn; upper center, Bob Weston; upper right, Andy Reynolds; lower left, George Rowe; lower center, Steve Goba; and lower right, Willy Landis. Goba provided this photo. Background posts: Don't forget Del McCoury on list of York celebs, 101 Ranch Boys hooked musician and Shorty Fincher, Elvis, Three Stooges shared stage.

There's something about the 101 Ranch Boys band that spawns memories.

Steve Goba was one of the boys for a short time in the 1950s.

He saw the York Town Square post Story on famed 101 Ranch Boys spawns memories and contributed information via a comment on the story.

He caught readers up on group members from the 1950s: ... .

This photo shows two quad (that's eight guns) 40 mm anti-aircraft Bofors made at Blaw-Knox Special Ordnance Division plant during World War II. Those guns were America's best defense against Japanese suicide attacks late in the war. Today, the York Safe and Lock-made Blaw-Knox plant is incorporated into Harley-Davidson's sprawling complex. Background posts: AMF-Harley in York, by the numbers and York Safe & Lock worker recalls chat with Hedy Lamarr.

The York Safe & Lock / Blaw-Knox Special Ordnance Division / Naval Ordnance Division / AMF / Harley-Davidson plant near the Narrows north of York has always been associated with robust output.

That's why it has been visited by admirals and U.S. presidents.

But how robust is robust?...

This flag at York Corporation's West York plant shows that 24 Gold-Star employees lost their lives in World War II through V-E Day, May 1945. At that point, 1,148 had served in the military. Robert W. Zercher, branded a terrorist by his Nazi executioners, was one of those 24. Background posts: Zercher, I, Zercher, II, Zercher, III and Zercher, IIII.

Swiss resident John Meurs has picked up on York Town Square posts about York County resident and downed World War II airman Robert W. Zercher.

Meurs provided additional details about the capture of Zercher and another airman by the SS in Apeldoorn, Holland, and their subsequent execution along with members of the Dutch resistance. Their bodies were displayed around the Dutch city with signs saying "Terrorist."

Meurs wrote: ...

In this 2004 photo, George Leader hands an ornamental chicken to Paul Masenheimer, who painted his nursing home - Providence Place - in York County's Dover Township. Leader bought the chicken to place outside the nursing home and to serve as a reminder of the link between chickens and the Leader family. His father was a renowned chicken breeder, and Leader began his career running a chicken hatchery. Background posts: Author muscles way into York's weightlifting, bodybuilding world and Gov. George Leader cleared dam plan.

York County Register of Wills Bradley C. Jacobs, a Dover-area native, pointed to several achievers to add to those that I pointed out in my column, Dover home to many achievers.

He particularly pointed to George Leader, the only Pennsylvania governor to come from York County. Leader grew up in York Township - Leader Heights. But after serving in World War II, Leader operated a chicken hatchery in Dover Township. That was his day job as he launched a political career... .

Don Miller, St. Jacob's Church historian, walks through the cemetery where members of the union church, Lutheran and Reformed (United Church of Christ), are buried. The cemetery, a beautiful church building, a nearby picnic grove and bandstand and scenic setting encourage a Sunday afternoon stroll, a longtime York County custom. St Jacob's, also known as Stone Church, is one of two remaining union churches in York County. Background posts: York County's own Civil War - Part IV and The things you learn from reading local history.

The union church arrangement in York County was not a case of congregations banding together for collective bargaining with God or anyone else.

But the movement gave a nod to York County and Central Pennsylvania congregations developing a practical solution to a thorny problem.

The movement, stemming back to the 1700s, saw German churches - usually Lutherans and German Reformed congregations - sharing buildings and maintenance of those structures... .

It would have been interesting to see this batter slide in his business suit in this photograph taken at a Blaw-Knox Special Ordnance Division picnic on July 29, 1945, at White Oak Park, north of York. Blaw-Knox succeeded York Safe & Lock near the Codorus narrows, east of the park site. AMF and Harley-Davidson followed Blaw-Knox at the plant. The park also accommodated dances with live bands in the 1960s. Background posts: Memories about 'The Oaks' pile up, Wanted: Old photos of teen hangout White Oaks Park and The Dell: 'It was like family'.

The promoters of a compilation CD of bands that played at White Oak Park Dances in the 1960s has a release date.

Oct. 18, 2008.

In an e-mail, Phil Schwartz wrote:

"The release of the CD is being timed to coincide with an even bigger event: a White Oak reunion... ."

Red Lion resident Barbara Krout is seen with her cousin Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, the 35th chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Peter and his Army surgeon general brother, Eric, have spent many days in York County. Background posts: York has produced its share of high-ranking naval officers and York/Adams residents contributed to 'The War'.

Some links between York County and national achievers are strong. See the previous post on New York Giants' offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, for example.

Others are a bit more tenuous. Still, when two brothers of high military rank have strong family connections to York County, it's worth noting... .

Hanover native and Delone Catholic grad Pat Flaherty, right, is seen with his twin brother, Mike, center, before a Giants-Bears game in 2007. Pat Flaherty, offensive line coach for the New York Giants, received kudos for his line's play in Sunday's Super Bowl. Harry Hiestand, the Flahertys' brother-in-law and offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears, is at left. Background posts: Susquehannock grads make national sports news, Lineup full of stars with York County links and Wiki profiles eight with national status bearing Hanover roots.

Sunday's Super Bowl announcers were lavish in their praise of the New York Giants' offensive line.

They used the normal cliches: 'kept Eli Manning upright," "not big names," and "underrated."

At one point, they named the offensive line coach: Pat Flaherty... .

This photograph by Marion Post Wolcott shows a York County auctioneer selling a house and its contents in 1939. It's among a host of Library of Congress photographs available to the public, accessed through a developing public domain site. Background posts: Noted photo archive captures York County treasures , Bank adds murals to York County's walls, and Fed photogs captured wonderful WWII images.

The popular Web site Flickr has provided an area for vintage photographs called The Commons.

Flickr and the Library of Congress are working on a project to promote LOC photographs for public use... .

The cover of "The River and the Ridge," (Gateway Press, 2003) shows a Peach Bottom slate quarry pit that opened about 1900. The book's jacket states: 'The cable hoist was used to move blocks of good slate and waste slate out of the quarry. The logs protected the steam pump that was used to move water out of the quarry. The bell-ringer's shanty at upper left was usually occupied by a young boy. He sent signals to the cable hoist engineer because the engineer could not see over the edge of the pit.' Background posts: Coroner responds to quarry calls and
Pinchgut vs. The Gut and Black soldiers from York County served in 'Glory' unit - Part I.

Anytime someone asks about the Delta area, (see Wanted: One slate-roofed privy from Delta, Pa., I immediately refer him or her to the massive local history of that area, "The River and The Ridge."

The book is among the best histories written about a township or section of York County. (See post on another well-done history: West Manchester book contains valuable gold coins... .

A steeplejack works on the tall tower of York's Christ Lutheran Church in York during restoration in 2006. The steeple's shadow is cast to the right. (See photo of tower's interior below.) The church is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year, although one researcher dates the founding of the congregation about a decade later. Background posts: Christ Lutheran is oldest York church - but how old? and The organ: 'It is a whole orchestra in itself'.

York's Christ Church was the first Lutheran congregation on the Susquehanna's west bank.

The congregation traces its founding date to Sept. 23, 1733, the moment the first baptism was recorded in official church paperwork.

A register contains baptisms performed by the Rev. John Casper Stoever in 1733. Thus, the congregation is celebrating a key birthday.

Not necessarily so, says Charles H. Glatfelter, professor emeritus of history at Gettysburg College... .

A single, heavy beam supports roof joists inside a Welsh quarrymen's cottage in Coulsontown, near Delta. Welsh immigrants brought this construction technique to the region when they arrived to work in southeastern York County's slate quarries. If anyone is aware of an outhouse in the Delta area with a slate roof, please comment below. Background posts: Time almost forgot Welsh miner's hamlet of Coulsontown, 100 years later, Delta clock keeps on ticking and Gettysburg fighting heard about 60 miles away.

Seattle's David Williams, wingate@seanet.com, is a natural history writer working on a book about building stone.

He's writing a chapter on slate and its many uses - roofing, billiard tables, gravestones and blackboards.

And on outhouses... .

This U.S. postage stamp, issued in 1977, commemorates the Articles of Confederation, adopted in York in 1777. President George Bush referenced the Articles in his recent State of the Union address. Background post: Articles of Confederation don't get no respect, Part I, Events in 1777 helped tip Revolution toward patriots, Batter up, pass the hot dog: York relishes the Revolution and Where was Thomas Jefferson when Congress was in York?

Last time, it was an Associated Press story that disrespected the Articles of Confederation by leaving it out of a list of foundational U.S. documents.

This time, it was the President of the United States who slighted the Articles - in his State of the Union Address, no less... .