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: August 2008
Windows into York blog offers Springettsbury’s Schultz House datestone update
This Schultz House datestone has drawn much scrutiny in recent years, as the construction date of this Springettsbury Township German farmhouse has been questioned. The disputed date is across the top. Background posts: A virtual photo tour – and an … Continue reading
Smoketown a popular York County name a century ago
The area around the former Highland Park in West Manchester Township also has been called Smoketown, one of several such locales in York County. Highland Park was an electric park, designed to attract trolley riders on weekends. Background posts: Carrie … Continue reading
With hot controversy cooled, Highpoint offers Susquehanna River view for the ages
The Mason-Dixon Trail passes over Highpoint, in this view to the south. It extends to Havre de Grace, Md., and Chadds Ford, Pa. Background posts: Private, public interests built Lake Marburg for manufacturing, recreation, York Safe & Lock faltered after … Continue reading
Reader doesn’t understand some things about York County
This view, courtesy York County Heritage Trust, shows York looking south toward Webb’s or Shenk’s Hill in 1852. The Harrisburg road, now North George Street crosses the Codorus Creek Bridge on its way into Centre Square. Small Field lays to … Continue reading
Rationing at York’s old city hall: Typical of life with a war on
This is a typical ration book ubiquitous in York County and America during World War II. The books were a common sight at York’s former South Duke Street city hall, put in use for defense purposes. Background posts: The bomb: … Continue reading
TV show box set ‘Terry & the Pirates’ to be part of a museum exhibit someday?
This box set features star and former York countian John Baer, top right. Background posts: East Yorker David Levin became exemplary elder, Actor John Baer among achievers in York High’s Class of 1941 and Pearl survivor: ‘We need to prevent … Continue reading
For years, York countians have eyed amazing, destructive Susquehanna River ice jams
York countian L.O. Buckner took a 35mm slide of a January 1959 ice breakup along the Susquehanna in the Wrightsville area. (More photos below.) Background posts: Readers tell about those blizzards of 1993, 1996, Temporary river art collection may find … Continue reading
Where was York’s first town hall?
Local American Revolution war vet Henry Miller became York’s first chief burgess in 1787. York would not have a mayor until Daniel Noell was elected to the position when the borough became a city in 1887. As a leader in … Continue reading
Birthday borough Dillsburg: ‘Seems to be York County’s wild child’
A large crowd listens to big band music over the weekend at Dills Tavern, part of Dillsburg’s175th anniversary festivities. The tavern serviced the plentiful passengers on the Harrisburg and Baltimore Turnpike, as they passed through the notch in the mountains. … Continue reading
