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: February 2010
About pioneer W. Russell Chapman: ‘He was the swing vote … but he couldn’t be swayed’
W. Russell Chapman was appointed to the York City School Board in 1967, the first black person to fill a seat on that board. Background posts: Thackston Park area connects to York’s past and Civil rights heroes stand out at … Continue reading
York, Pa.-made Weaver Organs &; Pianos: ‘You have a wife, do not deceive her, but grace your parlor with a Weaver’
To promote York, Pa.’s, Weaver Organ and Piano Co., marketers turned to poetry, of a sort. The company went out of business in the late 1950s, but its organs and pianos have become collector’s items. The company’s big brick building … Continue reading
York County, Pa.’s, ‘Civil Rights Heroes – Barrier Breakers’ Mural – Part I
A three-panel traveling mural, on the wall at the York County Heritage Trust’s meeting room, awaits the Saturday, Feb. 27, ‘Reflections of Greatness’ Black History Month events. Stephanie Seaton of the York City Human Relations Commission will describe the people … Continue reading
York, Pa., civil rights leader took plunge against discriminatory ban at city pool
Maurice Peters, Sr., addresses York (Pa.) City Council about the use of excessive force by the police department in 1965. Council President Fred Schiding is seen at right. Peters was a leader in the civil rights movements in York County … Continue reading
All roads lead to York, Pa.: Whiskey Rebellion linked Bedford and York counties
Jean Bonnet Tavern stands along the Lincoln Highway, west of Bedford in Napier Township, Bedford County. The attractive stone landmark stood on the site since before the American Revolution. The National Register of Historic Places site was named after a … Continue reading
An evening to learn about York County, Pa.’s, ‘Civil Rights Heroes – Barrier Breakers’
The Rev. Thomas Montouth, seen here in a photograph from 1946, and Dr. George Bowles, were leaders in York, Pa.’s, black community in the first 50 years of the 20th century. The Rev. Montouth pastored the now-demolished Faith Presbyterian Church … Continue reading
Lincoln Highway Garageman returned to old York site: ‘I have to take care of my old customers’
Lynn Haines, York County, Pa.’s, Lincoln Highway Garage’s last owner, takes care of a former customer’s truck in this May 2005 York Daily Record/Sunday News file photo. Haines took part in the grand opening of the Turkey Hill on East … Continue reading
