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: January 2009
On Secret Service agent’s prep work for candidate George Bush I: ‘His job included peering into tubas’
George H.W. Bush visited York County in Sept. 1988 in his bid for election against Michael Dukakis. In 1992, President Bush visited northern York County for a political fundraiser in Monaghan Township. His efforts brought $800,000 to U.S. Sen. Arlen … Continue reading
President Andrew Johnson in York: ‘There was not very much enthusiasm’
This story from The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily in 1925 tells about unpopular President Andrew Johnson’s visit to York County, but focuses on the Civil War hero U.S. Grant. The general was part of President Johnson’s entourage. (For a … Continue reading
Babe Ruth, indeed, played in York in 1928
Babe Ruth’s autograph is shown on a piece of Hotel Penn stationary owned by West Manchester Township resident Jason Showvaker in 2006. Showvaker obtained the stationery from another collector. Background posts: Story answers much about great athlete Hinkey Haines, including … Continue reading
Herbert Hoover smiled, bowed, but made no speech in York
This newspaper account tells about candidate Herbert Hoover’s campaign stop at the Pennsylvania Railroad’s South Duke Street station in York, Pa. Unlike other presidents who stopped in York, Hoover did not give a speech. Background posts: U.S. Grant dines at … Continue reading
When York County rolled up its red carpet to people of color
Then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama took a tour of the Voith Siemens Hydro Power Plant, in September 2008. His inauguration meant full houses at some York County hotels. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Thomas Chatman Jr., pioneering police … Continue reading
Old Baltimore tunnel an intriguing reminder of the ‘Ma’ in Ma & Pa Railroad
George W. Hilton’s “The Ma & Pa” is the historical bible of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. Here, the cover photo shows Motor 62 on the Stirrup Run Trestle, north of Hornberger’s in northern Maryland in 1947. Ma & Pa … Continue reading
GOP candidate Warren G. Harding made whistle stop in York
The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily reports on Warren G. Harding’s visit to York in 1920. The pending visit was relatively low key, spread by word of mouth just hours before the stop. Background posts: During York visit, former President … Continue reading
Researcher leaves detailed files on more than 300 York and Adams mills
Workers are dismantling the Felton Mill after it was discovered to be unstable and concerned many in that southeastern York County borough as a fire hazard. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Glen Rock Mill Inn: ‘They are happy to … Continue reading
Visit with former president James Buchanan: Talk did not touch on matters of state
This drawing captures the scene of a Buchanan stop at York’s Railroad Station. That station is the predecessor of the current rail station, known for years as the home of Blattner’s photo studio. (To see a list of other visits … Continue reading
