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: May 2009
Dempwolf’s Old Man Winter in York: ‘It should last another hundred years’
The face of ‘Old Man Winter’ on the side of famed York, Pa., architect John Augustus Dempwolf’s own house was so deteriorated that it could not be saved. So, Mark Derrig, sculptor, and Ken Oatman, mason, created a replica. Background … Continue reading
‘Teapot Dome’ back in York’s Continental Square: ‘It’s the historical significance of it’
This renovated trolley kiosk gained an official unveiling on a recent rainy day, appropriate because of the shelter it has provided against the elements for years in York’s (Pa.) Continental Square. (See photo of the kiosk during its trolley-era days … Continue reading
Mattie Chapman’s barrier-breaking legacy apparent in York County 30 years later
Mattie Chapman scored a number of first during her long career in York County public service. Background posts: Thomas Chatman Jr., pioneering police chief: ‘I thank God and the citizens of York for the opportunity to serve them’ and First … Continue reading
Winner in the November election the 26th mayor of York, Pa.
Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Marshall is seen on primary day Tuesday. The 91-year-old was the first elected female mayor of York. She served one, four-year term starting in 1978. Background posts: Unfortunate incident puts leading York woman back into news and York’s … Continue reading
York Mayor E.S. Hugentugler clamped down on anti-Great War speech
Mayor E. S. Hugentugler, York’s mayor during World War I, faced a difficult job at a difficult moment. York’s new mayor next year will face staggering challenges, but perhaps miniscule when compared to those faced by Hugentugler. Background posts: York’s … Continue reading
10 lawyers have filled high-profile York County D.A.’s post since 1950
Challenger Tom Kearney, left, and Stan Rebert square off in a Rotary forum earlier this month. The forum was streamed live via the York Daily Record’s Web site, www.ync.com/ydr. (Updated: Stan Rebert conceded defeat in the primary to Tom Kearney … Continue reading
York’s first mayor Daniel K. Noell named one of his sons, well, ‘York’
Daniel K. Noell served as York’s first mayor. While gaffe-prone, he loved the city. Background posts: Once pulled down, York’s market sheds won’t go back up and York community leader: ‘We didn’t have equal opportunity to achieve’ and Pastors denounce … Continue reading
York countian part of Jay C. Smith’s death row case that inspired Joseph Wambaugh’s ‘Echoes in the Darkness’
This story from the York Daily Record on May 31, 1992, tells about a York County junkman’s find of evidence in the murder case of Susan Reinert in 1979. One of the defendants in this dramatic case, Jay C. Smith, … Continue reading
York’s Penn Street Farmers Market, nearing 150 years old, seeks to replant for new customers
Mindi’s Place at Market & Penn Street Farmers Market is the primary eatery in York, Pa.’s, west end markethouse. The market is the oldest of five covered markethouses that operated in York. Background posts: There were 5, count ‘em, 5 … Continue reading
