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: September 2010
New York Wire’s whistlemaster about using air in lieu of steam: ‘It’s going to sound very close to it’
Whistlemaster Don Ryan tries out the New York Wire Factory Whistle using compressed air instead of steam. The test passed muster. (See photo below of where all the air comes from.) Background posts: The world’s loudest music without amplification from … Continue reading
Finder of a book in York County: ‘I just wonder if any of the class of 1930 is still alive’
This book in a Girl Scouts series was either part of studies at William Penn Senior High School, a gift upon graduation or just simply pleasure reading. It was owned by Margaret May Foose, a 1930 graduate of William Penn. … Continue reading
Remember these about the York Fair? Bungee jumping, baked potatoes and baby chick births
The printing on this photograph shows the consumption of Bury’s Famous Hamburgers at the York Fair circa 1940. Bury’s burger stands remain a staple of the York Fair. Also of interest: Teddy Roosevelt at the York Fair: ‘I know York … Continue reading
Global War on Terrorism: Linked in with neat York County, Pa., history stuff – Sept. 16, 2010
York (Pa.) City firefighter Shawn Caruso prays in front of the photos of the area fighting men who have been lost in the line of duty since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Caruso and other firefighters attend a memorial … Continue reading
Who performed at the York Fair in the year (fill in the blank)?
York County, Pa.,-born rock group Live played the York Fair in 2004 as did Lonestar, Clay Aiken and Kid Rock.The band also performed at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center earlier that year. Live’s name appears in new database of past … Continue reading
Part II: York countians tipping the scales – 2/3 of us are fat or obese
A short story with this documentary about obesity in York County, Pa., by York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Jason Plotkin states: “Darlene Lookingbill saw her husband Dave drop 165 pounds and improve his health after gastric bypass surgery. She … Continue reading
Ku Klux Klan display ugliest part of York County, Pa.’s, ‘Good, Bad and Ugly’ exhibit
Ann Elicker of York tries to explain the Ku Klux Klan robes to her three-year-old son Calvin at a York County (Pa.) Heritage Trust’s Junior Curator exhibit ‘Good, Bad and Ugly.’ The exhibit, at the Historical Society Museum, is open … Continue reading
Discovering Muddy Creek Forks: Linked in with neat York County, Pa., history stuff – Sept. 11, 2010
This video, by York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Paul Kuehnel, sets the scene in and around Southeastern York County’s Muddy Creek Forks. It’s a Ma & Pa Railroad village that time has forgot, but Paul does his best to … Continue reading
