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: December 2008
York-commissioned Baron von Steuben credited with shaping up Continental Army
This painting of Baron Steuben is one of 16 commissioned as part of the 1927 observance of the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in York. That placed him in the pantheon of luminaries honored in York, site of the … Continue reading
York Moravian’s Putz is an unsung, well-sung annual attraction
The lights of the Christmas Putz at York’s First Moravian Church are lit one by one as church members narrate the annual show. The entire Putz is illuminated here in 2004. Background posts: How come few in York know about … Continue reading
New York Wire factory whistle concert: ‘We’d stand out on our driveway to hear it’
Young Don Ryan practices on the New York Wire Cloth factory steam whistle with his father, Marlin Ryan, in the 1950s. Don inherited the title of whistlemaster from his father and now his own sons are apprenticing to play the … Continue reading
10 years ago, York’s exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part III
Lewis Miller captures York County forming a funeral procession in 1834 to commemorate the death of the Marquis de Lafayette, who died in France the month before. The marquis fought for America’s independence from Britain’s tyranny. In an ironic twist … Continue reading
Harry Haines represented York County when congressional races were, in fact, races
Red Lion cigarmaker Harry L. Haines represented York County in U.S. Congress for most of the 1930s. Background posts: 34 years ago, Congressman Goodling replaced Congressman Goodling, Who were these congressional visitors to York Town, anyway? and Sixty years ago, … Continue reading
Old Ma & Pa Railroad trestle may again carry passengers – on bicycles – some day
For years, the Ma & Pa’s Taylor’s Trestle has been forgotten between Red Lion and Yoe. Now a budding Eagle Scout wants to help restore it. Background posts: Ma & Pa rabbit trains: ‘I hope they thoroughly hosed out the … Continue reading
Hello, York, Stewartstown, Pa., no longer calling
Grace Tarbet, Ruth Miller, Thelma Nerlinger are on duty transferring calls at York Telephone and Telegraph’s Stewartstown exchange in this photograph from The Gazette and Daily. On June 18, 1961, their long tenures ended when an automatic exchange was installed. … Continue reading
Story answers much about great athlete Hinkey Haines, including origin of his nickname
Henry ‘Hinkey’ Haines, left, and Babe Ruth were teammates on the 1923 World Series champion New York Yankees. Background posts: Southpaw could be next York/Adams major leaguer, York County sports a miniature Cooperstown and Red Lion’s Butch Wynegar ranks bright … Continue reading
Great Depression struck four corners of triangle-shaped York County
This photograph shows the Codorus Creek near Richland Avenue before Depression-era flood-control efforts changed its appearance. (Courtesy of York County Heritage Trust.) Background posts: Destructive flood of 1933 struck York County 75 years ago, It couldn’t happen in York County? … Continue reading
