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: June 2008
1967 William Penn senior class scored York firsts
Linda Woodward is feted as William Penn High School’s homecoming queen in 1967. She was the first black person crowned as homecoming queen at York High. Background posts: York’s first Latino councilman temporarily state top Dem, Last dance. Spring Grove … Continue reading
Once pulled down, York’s market sheds won’t go back up
The market sheds in York’s Centre Square were intact in this photo, as the Hartman Building, tallest in York, looms in the background. The dating of this photo is a bit elusive because no flag pole is apparent between the … Continue reading
20 questions and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts
On the evening of Aug. 14, 1945, York County residents joined a massive national V-J celebration, marking the war’s end. The largest county assembly occurred in York’s Continental Square. Here, holding a special V-J edition are, from left, L. Allen … Continue reading
World War II propaganda posters raised spirits, women’s wrath
This is one of hundreds of propaganda posters designed to raise morale and reinforce defense themes during World War II. Many were colorful and attractive, undertaken by name-brand artists. But this one caused a stir. Background posts: “Little Johnny” helped … Continue reading
Private, public interests built Lake Marburg for manufacturing, recreation
During a drought in 2004, a land bridge, probably an old farm lane, connected the marina at Codorus State Park’s Lake Marburg to Long Island, or Long Peninsula at that moment. The island contained the remains of an old farmhouse … Continue reading
When did the square in York change its name from Centre to Continental?
These two views show York’s Continental Square looking south. That’s the Hartman Building, later Futer Bros., at left and the Colonial Hotel, right. Actually, the bottom view is dated. Futer Bros. has closed, and the new owner has removed the … Continue reading
Conewago crossing near Manchester hot spot for years
A trolley car crosses the Conewago Creek bridge near Manchester in this undated photo appearing in the York Sunday News years ago. To see how the scene look sans trolley and bridge, see below. Ed Beck of York Township provided … Continue reading
19th-century mines gave Ore Valley its name
Tom Trout, worker for the contractor that demolished the Ore Valley school in June 2007, grew up a half-mile away from the school, at the corner of Springwood and Camp Betty Washington roads. ‘It’s kind of sad to see it … Continue reading
Few know it, but digital computing’s first pioneer George Stibitz was born in York, Pa.
Scott Stevens, a relative newcomer to York, e-mailed about whether a historical monument marked the birthplace of George Robert Stibitz, widely called the father of modern computing. The short answer is that no marker is in place anywhere in York … Continue reading
Loretta Claiborne’s achievements bring spotlight her way
Loretta Claiborne long jumps in Special Olympics competition in York in 2007 – the competition which launched her achievements. Also of interest: York, Pa.’s Loretta Claiborne about friend Eunice Shriver: ‘She could have gone anywhere, but she wanted to help … Continue reading
