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
Pioneering York nurse: ‘Patients admired her’
Mary E. White became the first black nurse at Memorial Hospital in the mid-1950s. Background posts: York County WWII nurse: ‘You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses’, York’s Wonder Women: The stories of four more … Continue reading
Codorus collector exhibits collection of conveyances – wheels and sleighs
Jim Miller runs The Miller Carriage and Wagon Museum at his Codorus Township home. Its collection includes long years of collecting wagons, carriages and buggies. Background posts: Is mystery railroad the old Shrewsbury narrow gauge?, Vermont promotes Podunk, but York … Continue reading
Pioneering York doctor slighted: ‘She felt … her professional status was well established’
Rachel Witmyer, member of a committees that founded the forerunner to Memorial Hospital is seen in this 2005 photo with Ruth Kammer, left, and Memorial CEO Sally Dixon. Witmyer died this week at the age of 97. Background posts: York’s … Continue reading
20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part IV
Here’s a hint to answer part of York County Smarts quiz, Part IV: This former York County legislator made history when she became the first woman elected to the General Assembly in the 1960s. (See additional photo below). York County … Continue reading
Posted in All politics is local, Archives, all posts, Black history, Books & reading, Explanations/controversy, For photo fans, Genealogy/research, Local journalism & Web, Nostalgia & memories, People, Quizzes & (fun) tests, School days, Small-town life, War, Women's history, World War II, York celebrities, York sports
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Facelift saves Noss House from its spot atop York’s most-endangered list
A local developer is turning the Noss House, which once stood atop list of the city’s most endangered historic place into apartments. (See additional photos, including one of the room that allows entry to the house’s trademark turret, below.) Background … Continue reading
Dallas Theatre showing flicks, but Stewartstown’s Ramsay Theatre: ‘It is really in bad shape’
The Dallas Theatre is equipped with antique movie memorabilia, a pipe organ and heavy lush curtain shrouding the screen. It is one of the few small-town theaters still operating in York County. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Miata, pool … Continue reading
Was Red Lion’s Scott Fitzkee the most-talented three-sport athlete ever in York and Adams?
Scott Fitzkee graduated from Red Lion High School in 1975 and went on to play football at Penn State and the NFL. He was one of a number of York County athletes to play professional sports. Background posts: York County … Continue reading
Destructive flood of 1933 struck York County 75 years ago
This scene from the 1933 flood shows the old Hotel Codorus, now vastly renovated and the York headquarters for the architectural firm of Dittenhafer & Murphy. That’s the Market Street Bridge at right. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Reader … Continue reading
Of bars, beds, bugs and backpacks in Ye Olde York, Pa.
Willie Hilker shaves a log from the Golden Plough Tavern in September 2007. He was replacing logs in the 1740s structure after an errant trucker smashed into its side. Most the logs were salvaged and reused. Background posts: Stone structures … Continue reading
The bad, and yes, the good of the Great Depression in York County
The Rosie the Riveter image could suggest to some that women worked outside the home for the first time in World War II. Actually, the Great Depression brought women into the work force in droves, paving the way for their … Continue reading
