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: June 2009
York artist Horace Bonham’s house: ‘There are paintings of his children throughout the building’
The parlor of the Bonham House, now a York (Pa.) museum, is shown here. The 19th-century house was remodeled in 1933. The York County Heritage Trust-operated attraction was recently featured in the local magazine ‘Spaces.’ (See additional photos below.) Background … Continue reading
Tropical Storm Agnes savaged York County with more than 15 inches of rain
Elmer Ferlow recalls watching a man drown during the fury of Tropical Storm Agnes. Memories of the storm and its deadly aftermath are recorded as part of the York Daily Record/Sunday News “Remember” oral history series, where this video first … Continue reading
York County newspaper gets new wardrobe, some nips and tucks
A copy of the York (Pa.) Daily Record front page from almost 37 years ago tells about Tropical Storm Agnes’ fury. The newspapers look, or design, has changed dramatically since then. (To get a look at the new look to … Continue reading
First Appalachian Trail through hiker: ‘Mention the name Earl Shaffer, it’s awe, integrity, respect’
Earl Shaffer chats with fellow Appalachian Trail hikers north of Harpers Ferry during his last through hike in July 1998. Other hikers recognized the celebrity Shaffer during this hike, which came on the 50th anniversary of his first through hike … Continue reading
Former York countian’s Web site nearing 100 posts on old teen hangout Shady Dell
Downtown York, as it looked during the heyday of the southside Shady Dell – and counterpart White Oak Park on the northside – in the 1960s. (See photo from site below.) Also of interest: York’s Shady Dell for sale: ‘People … Continue reading
Gift to York countian Millard Gladfelter: ‘Gladdie, who wears wonderful good after 25 years’
Millard E. Gladfelter rose from teaching in York County schools to the rank of president of Temple University. Background posts: Christ Lutheran is oldest York church – but how old? and Glatfelter, Morgan Smith head industrial legacy list and Glatfelter … Continue reading
E-mailer searching for a York County address from her childhood
Nancy Bivens, a former York countian, is looking for a county locale that created many childhood memories. She e-mailed: “The place was owned by Tom and Roxanne Johnson (Johnston) not sure which spelling is correct. It was named Tow Bow … Continue reading
York countian ordained in country church: ‘Very larger-than-life character for educated Iranians’
York County native Samuel Jordan is known as the father of modern education in Iran. He was ordained into the ministry in southeastern York County, and went overseas as a missionary. He is buried in Centre Presbyterian Church’s cemetery, New … Continue reading
Civil War affected women in York County – and vice versa
Cassandra Small, who wrote about the Confederate occupation of York in 1863, will come to life at a Civil War symposium at York College. Terry Latschar will take on her character. The free public event starts at 7 p.m., Thursday, … Continue reading
Of Pennsylvania’s conscientious objectors: The ‘other side’ of the Civil War
James O. Lehman and Steven M. Nolt published “Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War.” The 2007 book explored the Mennonites and Amish response to the Civil War. Background posts: Stack of books on York County’s Civil War past getting … Continue reading
