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: March 2009
The dogs got out: New book profiles West York championship football season
A new book will soon run off the press highlighting the West York football’s district championship season in 2008. Background posts: Is West York’s Brandon Real the best local running back ever? and Red Lion’s Scott Fitzkee ranks as York/Adams … Continue reading
High school graduation, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rising after a low start
Conewago Township’s Rudy’s School, then a private residence, sustained damage in this 2006 fire. Education in these one-room schools ended before high school, contributing to low high school graduation rates years later. Background posts: One-room school days fascinate history fans … Continue reading
Historic Dauphin site’s curator: ‘If The Star Barn’s walls could talk, I wonder what they would say’
York Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Bil Bowden captured this wonderful image of the soon-to-be-relocated Star Barn in Dauphin County. That star measures 14-feet across. (See additional images below.) Background posts: Gettysburg-area National Register homestead gives snapshot of pressures facing farms … Continue reading
Author with York County ties: Learned the brain inside and out in writing ‘How We Decide’
Jonah Lehrer’s second book has been compared to Malcolm Gladwell’s bestselling “Blink.” He has York County ties. Background posts: York author’s works adapted to the big screen: ‘Legacies,’ Part Last and Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here and … Continue reading
Tobacco usage, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rooted in York County’s past
Starview United Brethren church — now a United Methodist Church — as it looked in 1914. A cigar factory, ubiquitious around turn-of-the 20th century York County, is seen at left. The church is now a United Methodist congregation. Background posts: … Continue reading
York Town Square reader: ‘I never knew about the White Rose Amusement Park’
Luther D. Summers mugs for the camera from a spot on a White Rose Amusement Park roller coaster support. He’s about 90 feet up. Background posts: Great Balls of Fire, York’s Memorial Park to spin back to 50s and Reader … Continue reading
21st-century Victory Gardens might morph into Stimulus Gardens
Propaganda posters, as they were then called, helped sell patriotic ideas during World War II. This poster promotes Victory Gardens, but the posters ranged from loose lips sink ships to recycling themes. (See additional poster below.) Background posts: 20 questions … Continue reading
West Side Sanitarium, later West Side Osteopathic and later Memorial Hospital born in The Avenues in York
This part of the York City map of 1888, from the booklet “Northwest York” gives a view of what became known as The Avenues. North Hartley Street, the address of the earliest forerunner of Memorial Hospital, can be seen at … Continue reading
Old Gettysburg Visitors Center comes down as sole visitor looks on
Workers started taking down the old Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center this week. The land eventually will be returned to its 1863 appearance. The former Cyclorama building will remain standing pending outcome of a lawsuit. Background posts: … Continue reading
Lil E. Tee: ‘Famous horse with the York County hometown’
William Solomon, owner of Pin Oak Lane Farm in Shrewsbury Township, is seen with Deposit Ticket in 2004. Deposit Ticket’s offspring earned $1.4 million during the year. Pin Oak was the birthplace of 1992 Kentucky Derby winner Lil E. Tee … Continue reading
