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
It’s not striking, but blocky parking garage tells a story of York
The East Market Street parking garage opened to downtown York applause in 1969. It was built to meet a need for parking in the eastern section of the downtown. Background posts: York art museum (YOMA) touted as ‘triple gateway’, In … Continue reading
York newspaper about Gettysburg Address: ‘Mr. Lincoln made a joke or two …’
The restored cyclorama and a copy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address will be the focus of the official grand opening of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, Sept. 26-28. Background posts: Q&A on new Gettysburg visitor center, old … Continue reading
York County continuing ed classes offered for matures who love to learn
David Kline works around his Red Lion-area Family Heir-Loom Weavers. He will demonstrate the use of old looms to OLLI Brown-Bag Lunch participants on Oct. 27, one of several such sessions that are part of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes … Continue reading
Brook Leaf Love Nest tree house known as Hellam honeymoon spot
This well-known image of Hellam Township tree house has greeted many postcard hunters over the years. Background postcard posts: Striking architecture lined York’s South Duke Street, Can anyone locate this ballpark? and Postcards tell story of York County community. Fellow … Continue reading
York athlete series: ‘Arguably the best girls’ volleyball player the area has ever seen’
Jen German heads the list of all-time best Dallastown Area High School athletes. Where does she rank on list of greatest York County prep athletes? Background posts: Who is rightful owner of area boys’ basketball scoring record?, Northeastern last York/Adams … Continue reading
Former Hobbit House resident: ‘We loved that house and the Elmwood neighborhood’
This mansion and its neighborhood share the name Elmwood. This area is known for its diverse architecture. Scott Butcher writes about the mansion, the Spring Garden neighborhood and the Hobbit House in his recently published “York’s Historic Architecture.” (See interior … Continue reading
Lighthouse marks site of landmark Dover Township soft pretzel stand
The stand with the lighthouse is the new home of Smittie’s Soft Pretzels. It replaces the shack that was home of the York County delicacy for decades. The location is the same: Route 74, north of Dover. (See photo of … Continue reading
Reader inquires about Altland family, York auction rooms
Gloria Miller, Gloriamm@comcast.net, is looking for information on her great-grandfather, John O. Altland. He died at the age of 50 in 1914. But here’s a particularly clue. He worked in the city auction rooms. What were they? Gloria wondered… .
Conewago Chapel steeple worker wondered if he’d ever get up there: Now, ‘Here I am’
The 2,000-pound bell Conewago Chapel bell as contractor measures the church belfry. The steeple of the mother church for Roman Catholics in York and Adams counties is undergoing renovations. (See additional photo below). Background posts: People of varying religious groups … Continue reading
