April 2008 Archives

The Spring Grove Public School, left, was dedicated in 1898 and enlarged in 1921, right, as seen in this photo from "The Spring Grove Years." Its successor building, the Spring Grove Area High School along old Hanover Road, is in its final days as secondary school. Background posts: Spring Grove museum displays horse gas mask and more, 'Persons should not be too modest' and Glatfelter family history is as clear as ... paper .

The Spring Grove Area High School building, vintage 1953, that will give way to a brand new school next year is actually the second, secondary building.

The first building, vintage 1898, stands in Spring Grove and made the news on V-J Day, after news of Japan's surrender marked the end of World War II... .

Ginny Lehr will raffle off a quilt to raise money to refurbish the Center Square School in Roundtown. The century-old Manchester Township schoolhouse is in need of repairs, estimated at $50,000. Background posts: Interesting Web site dedicated to American country schools, Roundtown. Where did that come from? and Pottery put the other Foustown - the one in Manchester Township, Pa. - on the map.

Many York County public schools began in church or Sunday school buildings before they moved to the one-room schools that thousands of county residents remember today.

Some schools were built for religious and public education. For example, the "Spring Grove Years, 1882-1982" states that the log Spring Grove school, built before 1850, was constructed "for the only use as a school house and for school purposes, of holding religious worship in the building by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... ."

And, of course, some churches met in schools before building their own houses of worship. That
is happening today... .

Arcadia Publishing has produced an interesting book, largely filled with pictures, about York College of Pennsylvania. Carol McCleary Innerst authored the 128-page book, available at www.arcadiapublishing.com. The cover shows the York Collegiate Institute building, demolished in the 1960s. Background posts: Striking architecture lined York's South Duke Street, York USO column attracts WW II-era memories, and The things you learn from reading York County (Pa.) history.

Arcadia's "York College of Pennsylvania" promises to be a well-referenced history of the college since its founding in 1787.

It has the important information on founding and expansion date, photos of presidents, and names of some of the community leaders who had been educated in its halls.

And it has interesting tidbits: ... .

Red Lion's Butch Wynegar, seen here with Brooks Robinson, played for the American League in the All-Star Game on July 13, 1976. At 20 years, 121 days, Wynegar earned was the youngest player to play in an All-Star Game. Wynegar's home county's York Revolution play in their home opener at Sovereign Bank Stadium in York, Pa., today. Robinson began his professional career with the York White Roses, predecessor of the Revs. Background posts: Butch Wynegar ranks bright among York's sports stars, Season 2 of York's campaign to come back - Iconic photos 21-23 and Batter up, pass the hot dog: York relishes the Revolution

The York Revolution opens its second season at Sovereign Bank Stadium today with its home opener against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

A special section, "Second helping," setting up the season appeared in the York Daily Record today.

It contains a thorough timeline of baseball in York since 1884, put together by baseball writer Jim Seip. Study this lineup, and you'll be better versed on what baseball has meant to York County over the years:

Democrat Hillary Clinton won Pennsylvania and York County by about the same 55-45 percent margin in last week's primary. Her York, Pa., headquarters, seen here, were bustling prior to the primary. How she or Barack Obama would fare against John McCain in York County will be a matter of much discussion in upcoming months. Background posts:People still remember Hillary Clinton's visit to York County, Historians, journalists draw on work of forebears and York County historical community to miss Carl Hatch.

A critic of my York Sunday News column "York County: A model of moderation" wrote, "Dig a little deeper, and enough of the Rah, Rah York crap already!" ... .

The York Daily Record/Sunday News book, 'All in One Room,' is in production and will be available in June. The hardcover book will explore the memorable one-room schools spread throughout York County until mid-20th century. The book will contain class photos, photos of the schools themselves and memories of those who attended these small schools during a simpler time. The book can be ordered at a pre-sale price of $24.95 plus tax until May 9. For details, call 767-6397 or visit http://ydr.inyork.com/ydr/schoolhouses. The cover photo shows the Myers School in Monaghan Township, Northern York County. Background posts: Little school house in Hanover, Pa., Horse, buggy, one-room school make York County, Pa., comeback and One-room schools evoke multiple memories.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News staff's work on one-room schools has put us into contact with the Country School Association of America.

That group's goal: "Dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country school experience. For those who are involved in one-room school preservation, history or re-enactment." ...

Remember these days at Gettysburg? They'll return with the opening of the restored Cyclorama at the new Gettysburg (Pa.) Visitors Center. As for the old center where this photo was taken, it's currently the subject of a lawsuit. Background posts: Old Gettysburg visitors center closes today; new site opens Monday, Who is Bob Kinsley, builder of the new Gettysburg Visitors Center? and Gettysburg Cyclorama, with new shape, set for Sept. display.

It's a classic fight between two sides interested in preserving history.

The National Park Service in Gettysburg wants to restore the area covered by the old Cyclorama building and Visitors Center to its Civil War-era appearance.

Opponents of its demolition consider the four-decade-old Cyclorama an artifact, an architecturally significant building worth preserving.

A court will decide the matter, but it seems the Cyclorama preservationists are, well, fighting uphill. Perhaps it's time for the plaintiffs to seek a truce. Maybe the park service could work in a model of the old Cyclorama building into its exhibits at the new Cyclorama building.

Here's how a York Sunday News story (4/20/08) describes the dispute:

As the military hit the beaches of Normandy in northwestern France on June 6, 1944, many York/Adams residents supported those in uniform by going to houses of worship. The services were brief to allow workers to return to their jobs, where the demands of immense war contracts awaited them. Here, worshippers enter Union Evangelical Lutheran Church on York, Pa.'s West Market Street. (This image comes from York Corporation's "Shop News.) Background posts: Nazis murdered downed airman from York County, Part IIII, Book gives positive view of forgotten Gen. Jacob Devers and York/Adams residents contributed to 'The War'.

Continuing in this series of iconic photographs from York County's past... .

Dan Kurzman wrote a historical fiction book on the Four Chaplains, which included Rabbi Alexander Goode of York, Pa., lower left. Now, a movie on their heroics is in the pipeline. Meanwhile in York, the 16th Annual Four Chaplains Prayer Breakfast is set for 7 a.m., May 14. At that breakfast, community volunteer Dr. Luther B. Sowers will be presented with the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor membership. For information, call 854-9504. Background posts: York's contribution to 'The Four Chaplains' still gains attention, Often forgotten: Achievements of people named on building facades and York County historical war deaths top 1,000.

Rabbi Alexander D. Goode and the other three chaplains who went down with their ship in World War II has been memorialized in stained glass windows, books, newspaper articles and on the side of a York, Pa., school.

Now, www.variety.com is reporting that Hollywood is considering turning a screenplay on the chaplains, who went down with the Dorchester in the North Atlantic in 1943, into a feature film, "Lifeboat 13." ...

A marker designates home plate as York's new Sovereign Bank Stadium was constructed around it. York officials - and many residents in York County - are hoping the return of baseball helps drive a stake through the heart of the economic struggle that sometimes confronts the city. Background posts: 400 years ago, John Smith explored Chesapeake Bay - 1 of 31 iconic images, New baseball diamond serves as York cornerstone - 20/31iconic photos and First pitch could break link with York race riots.

For this year's special publication, our spread will show 20 images that help define York County.

Now, we've added four more sets of iconic photos to the mix.

These photos connect with a major plank in York city officials' platform for the city's renaissance - baseball... .

Historic York is offering a tour of Springettsbury Township's Johannes and Cristina Schultz House and surrounding buildings. The event is set for 5 p.m. (reception) and 6 p.m. (program), Thursday, May 15. Local author and blogger Scott Butcher will present on "Historic Properties: The Ultimate Green Buildings." To register, contact cjones@historicyork.org. (For five additional photos of this historic structure, see below.) Background posts: Old Schultz House might be younger than its datestone, Old house boasts all kinds of historic hooks and Virtual York provides colorful portrait of York, Pa.'s past.

At a recent event of the Schultz House, some astute folks started looking for the long-reported gun holes in the walls of the old house. The notion that has been out there for years is that settlers would use the holes in case American Indians attacked the mid-1700s vintage house... .

Barry Goldwater, right, and his veep candidate William Miller took extreme positions that did not set well with York County voters in 1964. York countians backed Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson by a 57,366 to 32,846 vote. Goldwater's politics didn't set well with Gazette and Daily owner J.W. Gitt either. He refused the Republican's advertising. The image above comes the York County Goldwater campaign's letterhead. Background posts: A Newspaper afraid ...; Newspaper's founding date hard to pin down and McCarthy probe could not corral J.W. Gitt.

Republicans blasted J.W. Gitt, maverick owner of The Gazette and Daily, for his decision to ban advertising for Barry Goldwater in 1964.

He caught it from the same local ACLU branch that had honored him in 1956.

Some of his staff was critical.

And Mary Hamilton, author of the recently published Gitt biography "Rising from the Wilderness," writes that the longtime newspaperman's family thought he should accept the advertising... .

Hundreds crowded the intersection of Beaver and West Market streets to see Hillary Clinton the Saturday before the primary. Background posts: Why did JFK lose to Richard Nixon, Historians, journalists benefit from work of their forebears and People still remember Hillary Clinton's first York visit.

What does Democrat Hillary Clinton's win in York County primary voting say about county voters?

If you believe the conclusions of York County researchers, one could contend that Clinton did a better job of seizing the middle in the minds of local voters... .

Ron Busser, commander of Korean War Veterans Post 178, unveils York, Pa.'s, Korean War Memorial in 2005. The war wore on President Harry S. Truman and his ratings, and he opted not to seek a second full term in 1952. That election, York County shifted its allegiance to a Republican presidential candidate, Dwight D. Eisenhower, after backing the Dems during Roosevelt's terms and Truman's first full term. York College researchers G.A. Mellander and Carl E. Hatch believed the federal intervention of the New Deal had run its course with York County voters, who were looking for less government under Eisenhower. Background posts: Why did JFK lose to Nixon in York County?, York County's historical war deaths topped 1,000 and Harry S. Truman's first York visit: 'A statesman is only a dead politician'.

Spring Garden Township's C. Earl Witmer remembers a sitting president's visit not listed in a sampling of stops in my recent York Sunday News column: Many visits by U.S. presidents.

Here's how Earl recounted it: ... .

York County's David Hibbs, aboard the destroyer escort USS Bunch in World War II, still has the ship's logbooks, including a few exciting entries about suicide aircraft and boats during his time in the Pacific. This entry was posted a few days before Harry S. Truman was sworn in as U.S. president after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. A year earlier, Truman had visited York. Background posts: Neglect, racism undid all-black 24th in Korean War, Former York County CCC camp now on map and Criticism of Geno's leads to 'commie' claim.

Senator Harry S. Truman came to York in early 1944, criticizing defense industry "chiselers" who were using the war to their advantage.

His indictment of defense industry abuse was his main claim to fame in those days.

He commended the York County for its support of the war... .

Retired Gettysburg residents President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, were patrons of Thomas Bros. Country Store and Museum in Biglerville, Pa. Photos of the Eisenhowers are placed around the store. Background posts: Gettysburg's Ike and Manchester's Henry, Book gives positive view of forgotten Gen. Jacob Devers and Little-known facts about Hex murder trial emerge.

As a Gettysburg resident, Dwight D. Eisenhower was often seen in and around York and Adams counties during post-presidential years.

He played local golf courses and was known to use the York Airport.

He and his wife, Mamie, regularly visited Marion Harbaugh's Thomas Bros. Country Store in Biglerville in northern Adams County... .

This poster helped draw people to the York Fair to hear Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy speak in 1960. But Republican Richard Nixon drew more votes from York countians than Kennedy. Background posts: Ted Kennedy's visit to York comes almost 50 years after JFK's, Richard Nixon's visit to his namesake park sparks memories and Richard Nixon's visits seared into York countians' minds.

York County solidly backed Republican Richard M. Nixon over John F. Kennedy in 1960, with the tally coming in at 55,109 to 38,710.

That came after Kennedy made a hit with his York Fair visit just before the election. JFK won the nationally televised debate, the debate some say was decided by Nixon's 5 o'clock shadow and choice of a gray suit on black and white TV.

So why the Nixon win in York County? ...

Walter S. Langhine of Weigelstown, Pa., spent four months carving this wooden statue of John F. Kennedy in 1964. Jacqueline Kennedy's staff supplied him with JFK's dimensions. Background posts: JFK's visit to York a long-remembered event, Bob Yost: 'King of real estate in York County' and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part II

York countian Walter S. Langhine sought to memoralize slain U.S. president John F. Kennedy.

He planned to do this in the way he knew best.

The employee of Red Lion's Bethlehem Furniture Co. was a professional woodcarver. His off-work specialties included cigar store Indians and and full-size horses.

Now, in the year after the chief executive's death in 1963, Langhine would make an image of the late president out of wood... .

Robert F. Kennedy, signing autographs at an unspecified location on the campaign trail in 1964, was following in his assassinated brother's footsteps. Lyndon Johnson received received his party's nod that year and eventually served a full term as president. Bobby Kennedy, assassinated while campaigning in 1968, gave a speech in York in 1959. Background posts: Lady Bird Johnson visits York, LBJ: In small towns, girls are fonder; dinner pails fuller and 'Poor Phil Livingston ... so Honest a Man'.

Robert Kennedy told a large gathering of the Foreman's Club in September 1959 that new legislation in Congress would slow down alleged racketeering by Teamsters head Jimmy Hoffa.

Kennedy was speaking from the vantage point as counsel for the Senate Labor Rackets Committee... .

The Cottage Hill College, north of the Codorus Creek in York, Pa., served as a woman's school for about 30 years starting in 1849. The building is believed to have been leveled about 1900. But a vestige of the ornate structure remains - Cottage Hill Road. Jim Rudisill writes in "York, Since 1741" that tuition cost $25 in 1856 and five months of board cost $55. Background posts: Little Jimmy's someday might draw big crowd, Girls touched down in York, Pa., to touch up and Fairmount fit for Roger, Anita and Pongo, Perdita.

The north side of the Codorus Creek has always fascinated me.

Officials continue to peck away at improving that area, overlooking the Northwest Triangle project.

Little Jimmy's Park is being renovated. The Fairmount area of North Beaver looks a lot better. Habitat for Humanity has rehabbed houses near the Jefferson School... .

This turbine, also known as a runner, was manufactured at Voith Siemens Hydro's West Manchester Township plant in 2006. (See related photos below.) Background posts: Glatfelter, Smith top industrial legacy list, Voith turbine runner legacy of former pastor/entrepreneur, York made big, heavy things - and was immensely proud of it.

A student in my OLLI class at Penn State York wondered why S. Morgan Smith, an industrial giant in the late 1800s, isn't better known today.

The short answer is that no company with Smith connections bears the name of the Moravian-minister-turned-entrepreneur today... .

Tim Smith, middle right, narrates the Battle of Gettysburg from the vantage point of the cupola above Schmucker Hall during the Adams County Historical Society's tour of the hall. Standing in the cupola, Union Gen. John Buford surveyed troop movements before the battle began and during the early stages of fighting. Background post: 18th-century helicopter could have aided pastor, Dover's uneven history runs deep in fertile soil and Gettysburg Human Interest Stories scores sequel.

Some Gettysburg fans became familar with the cupola on Schmucker's Hall via the film "Gettysburg."

They saw John Buford, played by Sam Elliott, peering at approaching Union troops from that high point.

What isn't as well known is that the hall gained its name from York native Samuel Simon Schmucker... .

This old log house sits prominently at the Dover Area Community Park in Dover Township. Not all houses of original log construction are as obvious today. Log houses were a topic of discussion at a recent Osher Lifelong Leaning Institutute class at Penn State York. Background posts: Opportunities in York County to feed your sense of discovery, OLLI's theme song: 'Don't stop thinking about learning' and 'The riddle of two front doors'.

My York Sunday News column titled "For lifelong learners, county is a classroom" led with a OLLI classroom discussion about how many log houses stand today in York County.

I checked with Historic York on that question, and no one has ever gone through inventories of vintage houses to count those made of log.

But if anyone had the time and inclination, they could possibly come up with a rough number... .

York Fairgoers give presidential candidate John F. Kennedy a warmer reception than York County, Pa., voters in 1960. Richard M. Nixon outpolled Kennedy in the county by 16,000 votes. His younger brother, Ted, is scheduled to appears in York today on behalf of Dem presidential candidate Barack Obama. Background posts: Ted Kennedy's visit to York comes almost 50 years after JFK's, U.S. Army Field Band: Live at Farquhar Park and Hillary Clinton's rally site in York a little odd.

Confronted with an opportunity to buy a brick for the York Salvation Army's new building, John F. Kennedy reached for his wallet.

As nearby newsmen covering the presidential candidate at the York Fair looked on, the multi-millionaire Kennedy searched his wallet for a $10 bill.

But he found it empty, a common occurrence, according to his aides... .

John F. Kennedy meets fans during his 1960 presidential campaign visit to York County. His younger brother, Ted, will be in York today to stump for Barack Obama. Background posts: Doris Kearns Goodwin gives tips to analyze presidential hopefuls, York-based historian shakes hands with 8 U.S. presidents and Hillary's rally site a little odd.

When Ted Kennedy arrives in York, Pa., today, he visit will not be the first of that clan to make a campaign stop in York, Pa.

Ted Kennedy will be here stumping for Barack Obama, but his older brother John F. stopped at the York Fair campaigning for himself in 1960.

Dem presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will hold a rally at the intersection of West Market and Beaver on Saturday in York, Pa., seen at the 9 o'clock position in this drawing. (See more about this drawing below.) Background posts: Downtown thrived in post-WW II York - 9/20 iconic images, 'It's something you can't experience at a store in the mall' and President Buchanan's fall reflected his presidency.

The Hillary Clinton campaign's pick of intersection for its York rally is a little weird.

That's not a particularly distinguished city intersection, at least in 2008... .

Marley Boyd helped in a dig area in the of Coulsontown, Peach Bottom Township, Pa. The Coulsontown miners' cottages are in the background. Excavators are looking for answers about how Welsh residents lived in the mid-1800s. (See additional photo and video by Paul Kuehnel below.) Background posts: Wanted: One slate-roofed privy from Delta, Pa., Time almost forgot Welsh miner's hamlet of Coulsontown and 100 years later, Delta clock keeps on ticking.

"Sonic Pixie," a Web commenter on a York Daily Record/Sunday News story on an archaeological dig near the old Welsh miners' cottages in Coulsontown, had it right:

"It is really amazing to see individuals in the community who are passionate about preservation and gaining a greater sense of understanding of who we are and where we came from."

This slate mining village in the southeast tip of York County has to be on a top 10 list of intriguing, obscure sites around here.

The story (4/17/08) titled "Digging local history," follows:

Jean Leaman stands in the lawn of the 1887 Queen Anne house on Linden Avenue in York, Pa., that she restored. (For another Paul Kuehnel photo on the "before" view of the home, see below.) Background posts: Trolleys helped make Avenues sought-after locale, Reader searching for Boys Club Pool photo, 'Good grief, how long has that pool been here?'.

James and Jean Leaman's amazing restoration work on their 505 Linden Avenue house is having an effect on others in the Avenues.

"It's snowballing," James Leaman told York Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Angie Mason. "Everyone wants to keep up and make their house nicer." ...

Slaves escaped from the South through any number of means - draymen's carts, family carriages and funeral processions. This drawing shows a particularly ingenious way of escape. Henry "Box" Brown was nailed into a small box and shipped from Richmond, Va., to Philadelphia. A woman similarly escaped from Baltimore to York County, Pa., in 1845. (See a replica of the box below.) Background posts: Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County, Part I, 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part II and York County straddled the Mason-Dixon line in Lincoln votes.

While specifics about the Underground Railroad in York County are foggy, almost by definition, certain generalizations about its functioning in York County are clear.

York County Heritage Trust researchers have put together a myth and reality chart as part of an exhibit that will be helpful in understanding the Underground Railroad and slavery.

These will help add understanding about these often-misunderstood topics:

This Four Chaplains stamp, issued in 1948, was designed by Louis Schwimmer. The Army Chaplain Center and School, according to the Chapel of the Four Chaplains site, quoted Schwimmer's son as saying that "this may be the first stamp commemorating a Jew. It is undoubtedly, the first US postage stamp designed by a Jew that commemorates a Jew." But the stamp has significance in yet another way, according to a recent bestseller. Rabbi Alexander D. Goode of York, Pa., one of the chaplains, is pictured at right. Background posts: 'Chaplains: The Calm in the Chaos', Often forgotten: Achievements of people named on building facades and And now starring actor ... Jakie Devers?.

A York County link popped up in Newsweek editor Jon Meacham's bestselling book "American Gospel."

Indirectly, but it was there... .

A crawl space is hidden behind a pantry shelf at the Dobbins House in Gettysburg, Pa. Manequins demonstrate how fugitives might have hidden there as part of the Underground Railroad. Background posts: Amanda Berry Smith: 'God's image carved in ebony', York/Adams' interest in Underground Railroad grows, and Living historians bring spotlight to York's Civil War story.

A local historical group's e-mail recently posed a good question: What is known about the Underground Railroad in Southern York County?

I answered that not a lot is known about the Underground Railroad anywhere in York County. It's an area that begs research with academic rigor... .

Historical artist Robert Griffing painted this scene of the capture of Mary Jemison. A print can be scene in the Glatfelter Memorial Library in Spring Grove, Pa. George Glatfelter II donated the print in 1998. Glatfelter paper owns the land where the Jemison family homestead stood in Adams County. 'The White,' Deborah Larsen's historical novel based on the life of Mary Jemison, was the region's 'One Book, One Community' choice in 2005. Background posts: 400 years ago, John Smith explored Chesapeake Bay - 1 of 20 iconic images, American Indians' carvings almost forgotten treasure and Project uncovers hidden American Indian mural.

York/Adams most celebrated direct link with the American Indians that inhabited the region west of the Susquehanna and east of South Mountain happened 250 years ago. (John Smith is not believed to have made it as far as future York County in 1608).

In 1758, Indians captured 16-year-old Mary Jemison in western York County.

French and Indian War hostilities led to a raid in what is now Adams County that led to the Indians carrying away Mary's family... .

This drawing gives an idea of the size and scope of Camp Stewartstown, the World War II German prisoner of war camp in southeastern York County, Pa. Now, the former camp is a park and baseball field next to the Presbyterian Church in Stewartstown. Background posts: 'Yesteryears' chock-full of southern York County, Pa., sites, York County has done its share of playing host to POWs and German prisoners from two wars came to York County.

The late Eugene Blevins, of Blevins Orchards, once recalled picking apples on his family's farm with a dozen German POWs from Stewartstown.

"They were ordinary guys," he said. "I liked them. But some of them cut swastikas in the apples. We just threw them away. No point in making a big deal about it."

That one story shows the ambivalence of those living in the area the POW camp filled with German prisoners in the summer of 1944-45.

Mike Argento told this story and others in capturing the Stewartstown scene those summers, in a well-written piece running in the York Sunday News April 14:

The two presidential candidates meet at Messiah College, only a few hundred feet from York County. At least two bridges connect York and Cumberland counties on the Messiah campus, a relocated covered bridge (the last of its kind in York County) and a pedestrian bridge, successor to a swinging bridge. Background posts: Picturesque steel bridges going way of covered predecessors and When the bridge over the Codorus moved.

When Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama spoke at Messiah College Sunday night, I wondered if they would unwittingly bring their campaigns to York County.

All it would have taken was for either candidate to walk across the covered bridge connecting the Cumberland County part of the campus to the York County part... .

The Cyclorama Center at the Gettysburg (Pa.) National Military Park is pictured in 2000. The Cyclorama painting has since been moved to the new visitors center, where restorationists are working on it. The National Park Service has the go-ahead to raze this old Cyclorama building, pending resolution of a lawsuit, and accompanying visitors center. Today is the last day the old visitors center, with its Electric Map, will be open to the public. (See photo of painting under restoration below.) Who is Bob Kinsley, builder of the new Gettysburg Visitor Center?, Gettysburg's vaunted Electric Map to soon stop blinking and Restored Gettysburg Cyclorama arriving in new home.

Those looking for a Sunday afternoon drive - today, April 13 - can head for one last look at the old Gettysburg Visitors Center, with its accompanying Electric Map.

And then head over to do a windshield tour of the new center... .

'Bridge Burner' volunteer Chuck Storm uses a torch to light a basket of firewood on top of one of the old bridge supports in the Susquehanna River in a past commemoration of the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge to stop the Confederate advance eastward in the Civil War. That bridge was the second built in that location. (See view from Highpoint below). Background posts: A 7th bridge? Pedestrian walkway may span Susquehanna River some day, Susquehanna bridge makeover flowing along and Almost ... a double deck bridge across the Susquehanna?.

Trying to sort through the six bridges that have crossed the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville makes you feel like you're drowning. (If you can wrap your brain around the fates of the six bridges, it's also a good test to stump visitors to York.)

Rivertownes PA USA has thrown us a life preserver... .

Bob Kinsley takes a weekly outing in this photograph from 1998. Even then, Kinsley was in the middle of plans to build a new visitor's center at Gettysburg (Pa.) National Park. Q&A on new Gettysburg visitor center, old Electric Map, Thousands discover formerly unheralded Howard Tunnel and Glatfelter, Farquhar, Shipley: Insights from local greats.

Several years ago, prominent York businessman John Schmidt told me at least one reason for builder Bob Kinsley's success.

"He just gets up a little earlier than the rest of us," Schmidt said.

That goes a bit in providing insight to the man behind the question:

Who is Bob Kinsley, the "private" side of the private-public venture that has constructed the new Gettysburg Visitors Center and Museum? ... .

Gov. Sir Edmund Andros adorns the cover of the book "Walter Wharton's Land Survey Register, 1675-1679." Andros was an official of New York province at a time that Pennsylvania and Delaware fell under his jurisdiction. The documents that served as a basis for this book were saved by an alert worker at the Spring Grove, Pa., Glatfelter paper plant. Background posts: Vandals strike house where Thomas Paine reportedly labored, Fourth-generation member of Glatfelter paper family dies, Glatfelter family history is as clear as ... paper.

On the ongoing quest to post York County, Pa., references from across the world:

An obscure book crossed my desk the other day, "William Wharton's Land Survey Register."

It contains a reference to Spring Grove's Glatfelter Paper Company... .

This J.David Allen & Son photograph shows the differences a century makes in school construction. It pits a one-room school, complete with outhouse, against the BASCO Associates' designed Susquehannock Junior/Senior High School, background. This photo of the southern York County, Pa., schools appeared in Buchart-Horn, Inc./BASCO Associates' 50th-anniversary book: "Breaking Ground." Background posts: Little school house in Hanover: A story of the circus and coal room, Horse, buggy, one-room school make county comeback and York County's, Wellsville's one-room schools, by the numbers.

This photo of two schools could have been part of our 20 iconic photos series. It speaks loads about the progression of school types and educational models.

But another comparison - this one in text - tells about schools in 1876 and 50 years before... .

Students are silhouetted against pictures of Civil War-era residents at the York County Heritage Trust as Justine Landis, right, describes the people of York from that period. The York County Heritage Trust is a ready avenue for people to learn about the community, as are the numerous local historical groups dotting the county. Background posts: OLLI's theme song: 'Don't stop thinking about learning', Both Yanks, Rebs camped at old York Fairgrounds and Where do you go for one-stop queries about York history?.

One of the many astute students in my first class on "York's Human Contributions to the World," part of the OLLI program at Penn State York, asked a difficult question today:

How many houses of log construction remain in York County? ...

York Revolution pitcher Matt Ford, left, leads his teammates through the fence in center field for the York, Pa., team's home opener. Background posts: Revs will easily pass 1969's full-season attendance stats, 'Just try Bob, almost everybody's named Bob', and York Revs could help teach about American Revs.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

A construction worker breaks up what's left of Springettsbury Township's York (Pa.) Valley Inn this week. There's no word on what will take its place. Background posts: 1730s York Valley Inn may outlast its namesake, Forgotten York Valley Inn may be discovered and York Valley Inn confused with historic predecessor.

Remember the York Valley Inn where so many York countians had that special dinner, attended a car show or enjoyed a best friend's wedding reception?

Well, 50 years after it opened and 10 years after it closed, the wrecker's ball has found the sprawling resort that bore so many memories.

York Daily Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Tom Joyce described what remained standing early this week:

Peaceful Lauxmont, site of much controversy, overlooks the Susquehanna. This photograph came from the vantage point of the equally controversial Highpoint. Both prime patches of real estate were part of York Safe & Lock owner S. Forry Laucks' country home. Background posts: Lauxmont breeds queries of great import - or little, Forry Laucks, Lauxmont sparked debates and York Safe & Lock faltered after owner's death.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

A sparse audience gets ready for the Electric Map at the old Gettysburg (Pa.) Visitors Center in its final days of operation. The last day to see the map and the rest of the old visitor's center is Sunday, with the opening of the new museum on Monday. Background posts: Q&A on new Gettysburg visitor center, old Electric Map, Restored Gettysburg Cyclorama arriving in new home and Gettysburg's Electric Map blinking in finale season.

Some have pointed out the Electric Map, a fixture in the Gettysburg (Pa.) Visitor Center, is itself an artifact of history and should be preserved.

No doubt many of those visiting the battlefield in the past 50 years consider it an integral part of the Gettysburg experience. It has helped millions understand the pivotal Civil War battle that raged, in part, on the soil beneath the building that houses it.

But the Electric Map might be an artifact in ways not considered up to this point... .

Families of the two slain victims of the race riots in 1969 unite at a meeting at the African-American Love Feast in early 2002. This was the first public meeting of the families, who had met privately a month earlier. Background posts: Images capture hope for racial harmony, York Charrette or charade? and First pitch could break link with York race riots.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

The Brownstone building, seen here in 2004, was incorporated into the Martin Library's renovations in 2005. The York, Pa., library is part of the York County Library System, which has an ever-improving Web site, including a section for researchers and genealogists. Background posts: Genealogists find mother lode in York County, Martin Library leaves microfilm behind and Availability of microfilm and oft-asked question.

At some time in the past, those answering the phones at libraries throughout the York County Library System must have tired of answering calls with requests for research.

The system, incorporating libraries throughout York County, offers a site titled Genealogy and Local History.

The site offers one-stop shopping for sources that researchers can use... .

The York County Honors Choir performs as part of festivities in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of York County in 1999. Background posts: The Cassimatises: 'Builders and Heroes,' Part I; Research offers insights about York County's trolleys and 'We would 'hex' them if they ignored us'.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

Matt Gay, with a museum service company, positions a cannon at the Gettysburg (Pa.) National Military Park Museum and Vistor Center. The new center is scheduled to open April 14. Background posts: Shrink wrapping in Electric Map's future; Gettysburg tooth heads south and Gettysburg's Electric Map blinking in finale season.

Plans continue to call for the famous Electric Map at the old visitor's center in Gettysburg to be cut up, shrink wrapped and stored until a use can be found for it.

That was one of several questions the York Daily Record/Sunday News posed to park officials in these days before the opening of the new center.

Here is the Q & A:

The Red Lion Grange Hall, the gray building in the background, is surrounded by development in this mid-1990s photograph of the Cape Horn area. Background posts about the Red Lion area: Red Lion's towering Fairmont Park off the beaten track , York County cigars: 'They contained a vast amount of nicotine', Cigarmaking Red Lion on top of York County and Red Lion's Ebert Furniture: From bedroom suites to gunstocks.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

Re-enactors re-create the surrender of York, Pa., in 1988, the 125th anniversary of the town's occupation to the invading rebels in late June 1863. Background posts: Invaders put off by earthy Pennsylvania women, Owner seeks info on old toll house and York County Civil War, by the numbers.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

President Reagan visited Springettsbury Township's Harley-Davidson plant in 1987, the first of a series of chief executives to mug at the York County, Pa., plant. That's Harley employee Eric Myers on the bike. Presidential visit No. 1: Mr. Reagan goes to Harley, Presidential visit No. 2: Clinton hugs Harley and Presidential visit No. 3: Bush makes like Bono.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

Northern troops drilled at the York (Pa.) Fairgrounds early in the Civil War. And Confederates camped there when they occupied York in 1863. But the current fairgrounds in the West York area was just a field then. The Civil War-era York Expo Center will be the topic of a mystery talk on Saturday. Background posts: Gettysburg 'Human Interest Stories' scores sequel and Rebels, Yanks to again journey along York's West Market Street.

The whereabouts of the York Fairgrounds will be one of my topics in a talk on Saturday, April 5, at the York Emporium's A Day of Mystery.

I'll cover 10 mysteries or questions rising from York County's involvement in the Civil War in a slideshow starting at 12:30 p.m.

Jim Lewin, the owner, lists me as a pundit, writer and historian. I had to look up what a pundit is, and it sounds OK... .

Three churches of three different Protestant denominations crowd the Freysville crossroad in eastern York County, Pa. Background posts: Two York County union churches vestiges of bygone era, 'Chaplains: The Calm in the Chaos' and Abe, Gwyneth passed through Porters Sideling.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

Bil Bowden captures a placid scene at Three Mile Island, published two weeks before the near meltdown at one of the nuclear power plant's units in late-March 1979. TMI is located in the Susquehanna River, opposite Goldsboro in York County, Pa. Background posts: Publishing legend Gitt vocal about nuclear power, When the rings of trees give history lessons and Readers can view best of Bil Bowden's photos on new blog .

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

The South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society regularly schedules interesting programs. Here, J. Ross McGinnis, author of 'Trials of Hex,' talked with members of the society in November as they stand over the spot where three men murdered powwow doctor Nelson Rehmeyer. Jonathan Stayer, at right, holds a copy of a photo of the crime scene. It's now Stayer's turn to present at the April 6 meeting of the Society. Background posts: The Hessians of York County, Pa., more than mercenaries and Genealogists find mother lode in York County, Pa.

Jonathan Stayer, head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives, has developed a program about state land records with a colorful title: "Finding 'Lydia's Bottom' "

This comes in the aftermath of another Stayer presentation about the wealth of resources offered by the State Archives: "Peeking into Pa.'s attic" ... .

This photo, courtesy of J. David Allen & Son, of York, Pa., was taken in the late 1950s. It shows Springettsbury Township's York County Shopping Center in full operation. The shopping center was the first of its type in the York area, and Sears, Roebuck & Co., the large building at right, was the first major retail business to move from York's downtown. PACE Resources Inc./Buchart Horn Inc. used the photo as part of an exhibit at the York Business Expo in 2005. Background posts: Just try to resist studying this memory-tugging photograph, Bury's burger memories far from buried, From top dog and hot dogs to dogfight and dog days in York County, Pa.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

Sears offered an option to girls and women separated from their nylons during World War II: anklets. A decade later, Sears moved from this crowded West Market Street location in York, Pa., to a sparkling new store in the York County Shopping Center. Background posts: Just try to resist studying this memory-tugging photograph and York scored another first: Wal-Mart's entry into Pa.

My York Sunday News column on the old York County Shopping Center in Springettsbury Township sparked a round of nostalgic e-mails.

The messages contained a common denominator: The smell and taste of those grilled Sears hot dogs still make mouths water... .

William J. Fisher, seated, A.B. Farquhar Co. president, and his son, Edward H. Fisher, sold the York, Pa., company to Oliver Corporation in 1951. The farm equipment manufacturer started in 1856 and was one of the prime movers behind the York Plan. Background posts: Who will lead the York area in the future?, Carnegie to Farquhar: '... I am ready to go out and enjoy myself' and Pro/Con: Should York's leaders have surrendered to the rebels?

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: