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: November 2008
The things you see on their way through York County
This strange site greeted motorists and other observers recently in southeastern York County. Background posts: Black soldiers from York County served in ‘Glory’ unit , Pentagram, 666 markings desecrate church and Stewartstown’s historic rail station: ‘Hopefully, we get things going … Continue reading
Former York countian has hand on Lincoln dollar, too
U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Don Everhart created this design for the new Lincoln dollar. Background posts: Engraver’s work keeps his name in circulation, Is Civil War-era cash buried around Hanover? and Engraver’s image: Going to market a longtime York County pastime … Continue reading
Truck driver delivered broadside to Golden Plough, but left scarcely a scratch
In 2007, a truck crashed into a wall behind where the York County Heritage Trust’s Linda Neylon is standing, forcing the landmark to close for repairs. The repaired historical site opened a couple of weeks later. Background posts: York’s housing … Continue reading
Fawn Township’s magnificent Centre Presbyterian Church worthy of a looksee
Jim Marsteller took this photo of Centre Presbyterian Church in New Park. Fawn Township residents believe that the church is an accurate gauge of life in the town. ‘Things are going on all the time, every night of the week,’ … Continue reading
Isabel Small led procession of women who made wreath for Abe Lincoln’s coffin
The woman in this photo, courtesy York County Heritage Trust, is believed to be Isabel Cassat Small. She was the wife of businessman Samuel Small and a philanthropist in her own right. Background posts: Reader doesn’t understand some things about … Continue reading
Vilma Garcia-Jones remembered as prime spokesman for Latinos in York County
Vilma Garcia- Jones, working with U.S. Census in 2000, tosses goodies to school children outside the York Post Office as part of activities to raise public awareness about the census. Background posts: Delma Rivera, ‘Legacies,’ Part II, York Spanish Council … Continue reading
Der Belsnickel of the Pennsylvania Dutch: ‘He looked scary and carried a sack of presents’
Butch Reigart of Columbia, Lancaster County, portrays der Belsnickel. The character was prototype of Santa Claus, albeit with a paradoxical well-intentioned mean streak. Background posts: York County group preserving Pennsylvania Dutch language, heritage, PS Harrisburg grad school: ‘Set my feet … Continue reading
York’s Reservoir Hill: ‘My ‘reward’ was to sit in the gazebo at the top of the hill’
This gazebo on Reservoir Hill overlooking York has been the scene of many events, including wedding parties and folks with jacknifes who deface this historic structure by carving in initials. Background posts: This Smoketown now rests on York County lake … Continue reading
