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: October 2008
First York visiting nurse made rounds on bicycle
This is the cover of a Visiting Nurse Association history put forth by VNA Home Health, Wellspan. The booklet includes a history and numerous photos of VNA’s 100 years of operation. Background posts: York’s Wonder Women: The stories of four … Continue reading
A Civil War Black Republican: ‘He robs birds’ nests … sucks hens’ eggs’
The York Gazette used heavy score lines to observe the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This solemn and respectful treatment of Lincoln upon death contrasted with the newspapers unabating, often caustic criticism of his admininstration’s policies during the Civil War. A … Continue reading
Ex-York countian, ex-Phillie Greg Gross: ‘I’m jealous not to be sitting there in the dugout with them’
Goldsboro’s Greg Gross played for 17 seasons with the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, ending his Major League Baseball playing career in 1989. He has strong coaching links with several Phillies playing in the World Series. Background posts: … Continue reading
The Outhouse Rules – York County, circa 1935
This “his and hers” outhouse, dated 1886, associated with a Myerstown, Lebanon County, home is a cut or two above those available to thousands of York countians before the day of indoor plumbing. Still the nearby house had running water. … Continue reading
St. Mary’s Church product of 19th-century York County language wars
This stained glass window from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in York was removed in March 2008 for restoration. A historical program on this landmark church is set for Sunday, Nov. 2. (See additional York Daily Record/Sunday News photos below). Background … Continue reading
York, Pa.: ‘It’s a midsize city with an interesting history’
In 2005, Hershey Foods made limited-edition York Pink Patties – York Peppermint Patties with a pink center – in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At one time, the candy was made in York, of course. But no more. … Continue reading
In recent years, York County presidential endorsements a mixed bag
President Reagan received a Harley-Davidson jacket during his visit to York County in 1987. Three years earlier, he also received the York Daily Record’s endorsement for the presidency. Background posts: Solomon Meyer ‘forsook the publishing business and betook himself elsewhere’,McCarthy … Continue reading
Once popular Ganoga Bridge now lightly used York County landmark
This is a creekside view of Ganoga Bridge over the Conewago Creek, near Strinestown. The once-stately bridge connects Newberry and Conewago townships and carries the old Susquehanna Trail over the creek. The name Ganoga, according to local history book, comes … Continue reading
The old-time York County community bank: ‘They know me by sight and voice’
Wachovia’s Lisa Walker is dwarfed by safe-deposit boxes at the bank’s York headquarters in this 2006 York Daily Record/Sunday News file photo. Background posts: Will Sovereign Bank of York stadium name fame lose its crown?, Often forgotten: Achievements of people … Continue reading
Errant pickup driver knocked on-duty fire policeman out of his shoes
A national memorial in Washington, D.C., bears the names of thousands of police officers killed in the line of duty. In this 2004 York Daily Record/Sunday News photo, a woman traces the name of an officer. A memorial spokesman said … Continue reading
