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: March 2008
Iron-mine-turned-into-party-spot turned into York County park
Hikers explore the area around the former York Iron Co. Mine in North Codorus Township, now P. Joseph Raab County Park. Guides give occasional tours of this newest county park. One of the guides, Jeri Jones, has published a book … Continue reading
Is Civil War-era cash buried around Hanover?
Hanover’s Central Hotel, seen here in this image from the Hanover Area Historical Society, served as headquarters for Union cavalry General Judson Kilpatrick late in the battle. This hotel still stands at the corner of Center Square and Baltimore Street. … Continue reading
Stories of slavery, sacrifice & selflessness
Salvador Cabrera, portraying Jesus, is led by soldiers William Rodriguez, right, and Julio Rivera during a performance of the Stations of the Cross Friday by St. Mary’s Church in York. The annual event is one of scores of Easter celebrations … Continue reading
Before Geno’s made news in Philly, Gino’s headlined in York
Sears Roebuck and Co. opened with fanfare in the York County Shopping Center. About 35 years later, Sears moved from its outdated store to new digs in the York Galleria. A busy Giant store covers Sears former footprint in the … Continue reading
Little school house in Hanover: A story of the circus and coal room
York County’s Margaret E. Bier remembers the little school house in Hanover, even the stool and dunce hat in the corner. (See more of her memories below.) Margaret does not remember the name of the school? If you know, comment … Continue reading
People still remember Hillary Clinton’s visit to York County
Bill Clinton speaks in front of the Yorktowne Hotel, with security guards holding the ladder and Hillary Clinton and Tipper Gore in the background. Bill Clinton and Al Gore visited York as the first overnight stop on a 1,000-mile bus … Continue reading
World War II-era air raid siren discovered atop Yorktowne Hotel
The Yorktowne Hotel recently donated a circa 1942 air raid siren to the York County Heritage Trust. The trust plans to restore it and place it on exhibit. Background posts: Unusual valve gave steam whistle prominence in World War II … Continue reading
Naval Reserve officer, a York High grad, to become admiral
Scott Weikert, a William Penn High School grad, has been recommended to the rank of rear admiral. ‘The camaraderie, the esprit de corps, just the level of commitment of the people I serve with – I’ve never found that in … Continue reading
Just try to resist studying this memory-tugging photograph
A post-World War II baby boom caused families to spill from York city to form suburbs. The entry of Caterpillar and other industries in the early 1950s also attracted families to that part of Springettsbury Township. These new factories brought … Continue reading
