Recently in Explanations/controversy Category

York's Martin Library CEO Bill Schell dates Martin Library's old doors to 1935, the year the library first opened. Here, they rest on the floor inside Martin. Background posts: York County libraries offer serendipity - and have done so for decades and Colonial York, Pa.? No, try Victorian York, Pa and York County library site brings together links for local research.

For years, some people struggled to open those weighty mahogany doors leading into Martin Library.

Their replacement with lighter doors leads to the question of what to do with the older ones.

Library officials have put that out to community.

The best answer is: Keep them. Or at least make sure they're publicly displayed somewhere.

Those are not just any doors... .

Sandra Smallwood-Stockton recently retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel. To reach that rank, she soldiered through much adversity. Background posts: Pioneering aviator Aline Rhonie another York native who made U.S. headlines and A short test of your York black history knowledge and York County WWII nurse: 'You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses'.

In recent York Town Square posts, we've featured:

- York countians who have achieved in the military.

- York County grads who have accomplished much as civilians on the national stage.

- York's William Penn grads whose work has elevated them to that school's hall of fame.

Now comes Sandra Smallwood-Stockton - that's Lt. Col. Sandra Smallwood-Stockton - who attended William Penn but earned her high school degree in Maryland... .

This newspaper advertisement touts Gen. John B. Gordon's return to York to deliver a speech. The friendly, enthusiastic crowd welcomed the general-turned-politician. (See photo of Gordon below.) Background posts: York County Civil War hero grandmom of Gore Vidal and Civil War affected women in York County - and vice versa and Years after Civil War, (a) Longstreet steps onto York County soil .

The head of this hypothetical invading force was gentlemanly, but this did not keep his men from stealing the cars and other property from many York countians. Further, he damaged other property - catalyzing the destruction of an expensive Susquehanna River bridge and trampling valuable crops in fields. He killed at least two defenders of the county and shaped the way York viewed itself for years.

Would we welcome him back as a hero? ... .

This 2004 aerial view of the undeveloped Camp Security site shows the encroachment of development on every side. Friends of Camp Security and other groups are trying to raise support for site preservation. Background posts: Camp Security memories tucked inside memoir and Story revives memories of oft-forgotten York County POW camp in World War II and York-area developer: 'I think we have gone way above and beyond to preserve Camp Security'.

The public will get a rare opportunity to view artifacts Saturday (6/27/09) from a past archaeological dig at Camp Security, the Revolutionary War POW camp site that might be covered over with houses.

A limited dig in 1979 uncovered pottery shards, buttons and gold coins... .

York County's Jeff Koons' statue of Michael Jackson and his pet chimp Bubbles is among Koons best known. Background posts: List of luminaries with Dover links lengthens and Proposed 'Creation of a Nation' museum name glib, but lacks grounding and All York County celebrities posts from the start and Othmar Carli: 'Restoration is much better than selling shoes to make a living'.

And here's more proof that when something happens in the world, there's always a York County tie-in.

Pop icon Michael Jackson, dead at the age of 50, has never been to York County. But there's always a York link to such a captivating/controversial person as Jackson.

Jeff Koons, who grew up in Dover, brings that link.

Koons, world-renowned pop artist, created the life-size, white porcelain "Michael Jackson and Bubbles.' It's owned by the San Franciso Museum of Modern Art, and one reviewer who saw it there called it "memorably creepy."

Here are some links for "Bubbles" and Jeff Koons:

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 be unveiled Thursday, see photo below.) Background posts: This all appeared in The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily on June 1, 1949 and In the shadow of disaster: York County and its newspaper tested 30 years ago and Suicide story: York hotel proprietor 'found a package that had contained about a quarter of a pound of Paris green'.

A newspaper's appearance can go out of style, just like clothes.

So about once a decade, as it turns out, the York Daily Record has made style changes, called a redesign.

The newspaper will make such a change in Thursday's edition, as I explain in a York Daily Record/Sunday News column today. That column begins: ... .

Earl Shaffer chat 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 - the first such on the Appalachian Trail. West Manchester book contains valuable gold coins' and Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties? and Highpoint offers Susquehanna River view for the ages.

West Manchester resident Earl Shaffer was out of the service after Army Signal Corps duty in World War II.

And he was ready to "walk the Army out of my system" on the Appalachian Trail.

"Late in 1947 I had seen an article in an outdoor magazine entitled 'The Long Trail's Challenge,' " he wrote in in his book "Walking with Spring." "It said that no one was known to have hiked the entire Trail in a continuous journey, though many had tried, and such a trip might actually be impossible."

Shaffer proved it was possible with the first through hike in 1948, a second hike the other way in 1965 and a 50th anniversary hike in 1998. He was then almost 80 years old.

This information comes from a Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History news release, telling about the opening of an Earl Shaffer exhibit next month... .

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 Park. Background posts: Three Rhodes Scholars call York County their boyhood home and Fawn Township's magnificent Centre Presbyterian Church worthy of a looksee and Church's story links up with U.S. religious history.

All roads do lead to York.

This road includes New Park, in southeast York County; Persia, now Iran; and University of California, Irvine branch.

And it involves a minister named Samuel Martin Jordan.

The tie that binds these places comes from an e-mail written by Stewartstown's Kathryn Jordan. Samuel Jordan is Kathryn's late husband's uncle - Uncle Mart.

Here are the links:

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, June 25, at DeMeester Recital Hall in Wolf Hall, York College. Scott Mingus and Dennis Brandt will also present. Photos courtesy, York County Heritage Trust. Background posts: All Civil War posts from the start and Cassandra Small's, James Latimer's Civil War letters from York will 'never be forgotten' and Burial site reportedly found for rebel officer who occupied York.

Terry Latschar will give a first-person account of the rebel occupation of York County through the eyes of letter writer Cassandra Morris Small in a Civil War Symposium next week at York College.

In assuming Cassandra Small's character, the former Gettysburg park ranger and licensed battlefield guide will do more than remind those attending about the high emotions linked with the rebel raid in late-June 1863 through York County.

Latschar's part also will underscore the fact that local Civil War demands elevated the profile of women onto local history's pages.

During war and peace, women always had helped form the community's backbone in unsung - and often undocumented - fashion. Their heroics during the Civil War give particularly rich content for Latschar and those writing history to draw from.

Cassandra Morris Small, Cassandra Small Morris, Isabel Cassat Small, Mary Sophia Cadwell Fisher and Sarah Latimer Small were among those who helped support a large military hospital at York's Penn Park. Their contributions, among many others, included making bandages and providing nursing care... .

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 higher and 'One of the shells found its mark' and Unsung farmhouse loud symbol of a shaping moment for York.

York County resident Jonathan R. Stayer, who is also head of the reference section of the Pennsylvania State Archives, has called on local Civil War researchers to remember those who sought exemption from military service on grounds of conscience.

York County's conscientious objectors numbered 156 in 1862, he e-mailed, sixth highest among Pennsylvania's counties.

"Even tiny Adams County was home to at least 129 conscientious objectors," he wrote. "The reason? Both counties were (and are) home to significant communities of Mennonites and Dunkards (Brethren), and to a lesser extent, Quakers."

He called attention to James O. Lehman and Steven M. Nolt's "Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War," which local Civil War blogger Scott Mingus has since reviewed.

Here are excerpts from Stayer's e-mail:

This old post office represents the past in Franklintown, on the former main way between Baltimore and Harrisburg. (For a view of the new, see photo below.) To locate this small, changing borough, Warrington, Carroll, Washington and Franklin townships all meet east of town. Background posts: Franklintown second cousin to neighboring Dillsburg and Birthday borough Dillsburg: 'Seems to be York County's wild child' and Flag expert: 'I was interested in my nation's heritage'.

Northwestern York County's tiny Franklintown borough has been in the news because of earthquakes in those parts.

But the town regularly made it in national headlines from 1982 to 1994 when its books contained a law that all residents had to own guns.

Townsmen even appeared on Donohue to talk about their ordinance.

Today, towns statewide are considering adopting law that lost and stolen firearms are to be reported to police within 72 hours.

That's controversial, but not as much so as the never-enforced, mostly symbolic Franklintown law... .

Jefferson's newsy Center Square, as it appeared in the early 1900s. Interestingly, roads around the southwestern York County square were first paved only about 80 years ago at a time when many roads around the county were getting their first asphalt coat. Politically active townsman Jenkins Carothers made good use of this square. Background posts: Washington Township, Jefferson Borough, Madison Avenue. How about an Obama Street in York County? and Historical marker to soon point to Jefferson square's famous visitors and Accidental death hits York County family - again and Laurice Elehwany wrote with Jefferson in mind.

Charles H.Glatfelter is one of those prominent Glatfelters featured in last post: A leading York County name: 'Keeping it in family is the Glatfelter way'.

The retired Gettysburg College history professor's work on any topic is invariably the most reliable reference a historian can use.

So when he writes a controversial politico from Jefferson in his 1966 history of that borough, you know it's something to build from.

That's what I did in writing about the colorfully named Jenkins Carothers and his actions in and around Jefferson's historic square, actions that provide lessons for today.

My York Sunday News column (6/14/09), written to tell about an upcoming Civil War market dedication, focused on the mad hatter Carothers... .

In this 2000 photo, Spring Grove players workout in their former football stadium, with the Glatfelter paper plant looming large. The team now plays in new digs - Papermakers Stadium - located near the new high school. (See related photo below.) Background posts: Private, public interests built Lake Marburg for manufacturing, recreation and Worker saved key historical surveys from Glatfelter pulping machine and White Woman of the Genessee captured 250 years ago in York County.

Glatfelters have been making news around York County for, well, more than 250 years.

Perhaps the most prominent Glatfelter is the Spring Grove papermaker. And just in the past few days, that Glatfelter was in the headlines because of a wonderful piece of land the company donated in Adams County and an air tank that ruptured (no one was injured) at its mill.

When Harry Potter climbs back into the news, it's certain to bring back ties of the Glatfelter as the maker of the pages that people so devotedly turn.

But the descendants of Casper Glattfelter - Glatfelters, Gladfelters, Glotfeltys, Clodfelters and Clotfelters - are known for more than papermaking... .

The grassy Center Square in Jefferson has been a gathering place for years. That monument in the background is a rare statue in York County devoted to those who served in World War I. A historical marker will be dedicated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. The Codorus Valley Area Historical Society is sponsoring the dedication that will observe this Civil War event, set for Center Square. Scott Mingus will be the guest speaker. Background posts: Washington Township, Jefferson Borough, Madison Avenue. How about an Obama Street in York County? and Abe Lincoln stopped at Hanover station:"We want to preserve history ... so it doesn't disappear' and Abandoned Codorus railroad not just any abandoned railroad.

When a new Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker observing Confederate and Union troop movement through Jefferson is dedicated later this month, it will mark just one of many times the southwestern York County borough and its square have made history.

Squares, by definition, are places where townspeople gather and do good things or dumb things - or places where outside forces do things to a community.

But not all town squares are equal.

And Jefferson's Center Square is more than equal, among many in York/Adams.

For example: ... .

This York (Pa.) Gazette story from Aug. 29, 1901, tells about the first night baseball game played in York - and probably York County. Special rules were put in for this game. Background posts: Sons of Union vets seeking relatives of Civil War soldier from U.S. Colored Troops, 32nd Regiment and York's American War Mothers monument captures interest and Adding to York baseball timeline: Revs ready for 'second helping'

Officials are looking for ways to give York's Penn Park new life.

The relatively light use of the city park today can shroud its heavy use throughout history.

For example, it was the place where freedman from the South headed upon reaching York, north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

It housed a large Civil War military hospital.

And, on a lighter note, a ballpark, complete with grandstand, home of a Penn Park team, operated there. It was there that York's first night baseball game was played in late August 1901... .

Hannah Penn Middle School closed early this school year because of confirmed or prospective swine flu cases. Background posts: York community leader: 'We didn't have equal opportunity to achieve' and People mag features York native as a 'Hero Among Us' and 1967 William Penn senior class scored firsts.

Hannah Penn Middle School's place among those York City schools closed by swine flu may cause some to ask about the woman's name on the southeastern school's facade.

Hannah Penn (1671-1726) was the second wife of William Penn, who loaned his name to our state.

Actually, the middle school is the second such building to bear the name of this capable woman, who handled affairs of state for her husband after illness incapacitated him.

Here's a brief summary of York City's middle and high school buildings, according to Jim Rudisill's "York since 1741" and Jim Hubley's "Off The Record:"

Have you driven on Taxville Road in West Manchester Township and been startled by the figure of a Civil War soldier carved out of what used to be an oak tree?

Wonder what's going on there?

Fellow blogger Scott Mingus explains that wooden soldier and his dog stand outside the Civil War-era home of Dr. Jacob Eisenhart... .

York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Paul Kuehnel captures fellow photographer Bill Schintz as he assesses the prospect of two-way traffic outside his East Market Street photo studio. Background posts: East Market Street's New York Wire factory whistle concert: 'We'd stand out on our driveway to hear it' and Camp Security memories tucked inside memoir and Web site filled with nostalgic Lincoln Highway photos, postcards.

Heavy traffic in post-World War II downtown York prompted the pattern of one-way streets in effect today.

That's the one-way pattern, specifically on East Market Street, that soon will be studied to see if another plan might work.

It was another day when the current traffic patterns were put in place in 1950.

The city's population was at its zenith - about 60,000 people... .

York, Pa.'s, Edgar Fahs Smith Middle School is a favorite site for crowds to gather to watch July 4 fireworks at the York Expo Center. Background posts: York County ... 'A smorgasbord of architectural styles' and Smith students watched skies in WW II and Sports books focus on York High Bearcat boys.

Edgar Fahs Smith Middle School and McKinley Elementary School were the first two York City schools to close because of swine flu concerns.

The name of McKinley is easily traceable to the President William McKinley, who had York County roots.

But Edgar Fahs Smith. Who was he? ... .

York, Pa., attorney Jeffrey C. Bortner is the author of the newly released "Commentaries For Lawyers and Ilk." The book is available at York County libraries. Background post: Essayist profiles champion for the blind and At the blind center: 'The bees have been enjoying this garden, too.' and York County census hike spawns more lawyers.

As the title "Commentaries For Lawyers and Ilk" suggests, longtime York County attorney Jeffrey C. Bortner's new book is filled with lively views and news about the local legal community.

For example, in commenting on how the quadrupling of the number of judges has outstripped population growth since 1950, Bortner opines:

"This grossly disparate growth reflects the unfortunate need for more arbiters to resolve the disputes, enforce the Statutes and clarify the regulations which increasingly characterize, if not paralyze, today's America."

In reviewing books, I like to look for information that an author brings forth that may not be widely known.

Such was the case in Bortner's presentation about Judge Ray P. Sherwood, who served on the local bench from 1928 to 1958... .

The former Hudson building on York's South George Street is now home to Junior Achievement's Exchange City, a program that teaches students about American enterprise and entrepreneurism. The former car dealership housed many things, including a farmers market, before it was restored to its original appearance earlier this decade. Background posts: York's Crispus Attucks Center had intriguing start and Stetler Dodge transition indicative of other York-area changes and Dempwolf's Old Man Winter in York: 'It should last another hundred years'.

Take your pick of the memories linked to the old Hudson car dealership in the 600 block of York's South George Street.

It has been used for so many things, including a replacement for the demolished York City Market in the 1960s.

We'll provide two views in this post.

E-mailer JoAnne Everhart (jeverhart1@comcast.net), a sharp observer of the city, brings us back to the building in the decade following the late 1950s. And then York Daily Record account tells about events surrounding its re-opening as Junior Achievement's Exchange City.

First from JoAnne: ... .

Earlier this decade, work on the old Hudson building at 610 S. George St. had progressed so that the newly stained brick on the building's right, or north side, stood out compared to its yet-to-be-completed front. At one time, the former car dealership also served as a farm market, specifically a replacement for the old York City Market after it was demolished. Background posts: 'I still have my memories ... of the bustling downtown York business district' and Often forgotten: Achievements of people named on building facades and Susan Byrnes: Putting a health passion into action.

E-mailer JoAnne Everhart (jeverhart1@comcast.net) was in elementary school when the York City Market house was demolished in the 1960s.

But she remembers it well to this day.

Here is her excerpted story about the grand market building with its enormous tower: ... .

This York Daily Record/Sunday News graphic represents the location of the series of earthquakes that have been felt in northeastern York County in the past year. So far, the impact of the earthquakes have not been as severe as "A BIG GROUND SWELL" that shook York County in March 1889. Background posts: Northern York area strawberry part of Neapolitan county and Photographer tramps to far reaches of York County and Franklintown second cousin to neighboring Dillsburg.

Recent Dillsburg-area earthquakes have been mere rumblings compared to the most memorable quake to hit York County - in 1889.

The multi-deck headline in the York Gazette on March 9, 1889, tells the story:

"A BIG GROUND SWELL"

"York Shaken by a Bona Fide Earthquake"

"A Tall Local Sensation"

"Bricks Fall From Chimneys And Dishes Rattle"

"BUILDINGS VIBRATE"

"Pianos Emit Weird and Mysterious Sounds"

"The SHAKE AT OTHER POINTS"

"Windows Rattled at Gettysburg - Lancaster and Old Berks Feel the Shock - Baltimore Touched"

"OTHER POINTS FEEL THE TREMOR."

The Gazette reported that the streets were deserted, but as soon as it was felt, men, women and children rushed shrieking into the street... .

This photograph shows bridge supports running alongside Veterans Memorial Bridge, sometimes called the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. An urban legend persists concerning the 1930 Veterans Bridge. Background posts: A rehabbed, lit up Columbia-Wrightsville bridge: 'It'll really be a dramatic view' and A 7th bridge? Pedestrian walkway may span Susquehanna River some day and Almost ... a double deck bridge across the Susquehanna River.

A worker constructing the new bridge connecting Wrightsville with Columbia fell into freshly set concrete. His body was never retrieved, and he is entombed in a bridge support to this day.

Jim Fahringer has raised this on-again, off-again claim in a comment to the recent post: Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge celebrates quiet birthday... .

Sgt. Major Robert Myers was the director for the regimental band of the 46th Pennsylvania, which performed in 2006 in York. Patriot Days in York will feature such living historians again this year. Background posts: Books probing York County in the Civil War come in strong, sudden onslaught and History-making evening on rebel occupation of York could turn into daylong symposium and Rebs' short York visit creates long memories .

The forum on the Civil War in York County last year might have been the first such get-together to discuss that controversial story.

That 2008 symposium was not designed to focus on the town fathers' surrender of York to the Confederates.

But questions from the audience, in particular, took it that way.

Better to discuss such controverted events than to ignore them, as York has done with its Civil War story until the past 10 years.

Speakers at this year's forum - set for 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 - will explore impressions from the North and South as the Confederates marched across York County June 28-30, 1863... .

Dr. Harold Neibert participated in the famed rescue of the now-world-famous Lipizzan horses from Czechoslovakia in World War II. Here, he shows pictures of the horses he cared for. Background posts: York County sacrificed on homefront and war front to aid Allies in World War II - Part I and York County sacrificed - Part II and Pioneering aviator Aline Rhonie another York native who made U.S. headlines.

York County veterinarian Harold Neibert cared for rescued World War II Lipizzan horses, ancestors of the entertainers of today.

Look for a takeout on those noted horses in an upcoming edition of World War II Magazine.

A writer for that magazine saw the York vet helped save famed Lipizzan horses post on this blog and is in the process of getting in touch with him.

"I'm writing about the rescue of Austria's Lipizzaner horses at the end of World War II for the magazine I edit, World War II," Karen Jensen wrote in an e-mail... .

This York County Heritage Trust photo shows two Navy men with York County roots. Richard M. Watt, Sr. and Richard M. Watt, Jr. Watt Sr. helped investigate the sinking of the "Titanic" and his son reached rear admiral rank and was at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. (See additional "Titanic" - related photo below.) Background posts: Naval Reserve officer, a York High grad, to become admiral and York native to captain new carrier USS Bush and Gitmo second in command hails from York County.

York County has not one, not two but three links to the Titanic, brought back into the news last week when the last survivor of its 1912 sinking passed away.

The story of Richard M. Watt Sr.'s role in investigating the sinking is told in the York Town Square post York has produced its share of high-ranking naval officers, based on research by fellow blogger June Lloyd.

That post features a book cover photo of an Army man, Gen. William B. Franklin.

His family leads to the second and third links to the Titanic.

According to excerpts from "Never to be Forgotten":

Some things never change. Here's the Gazette and Daily's Walt Partymiller's take on June 1, 1949, about adventures and challenges facing high school and college grads. Background posts: Cartoonist made York newspaper owner's views an art form and Newspaper's founding date hard to pin down and Further education plans, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Post-high-school prospects rising.

That happened recently when I was looking for what happened 60 years ago, on June 1, 1949.

History has a beginning and will have an ending and has meaning. None of this circular stuff. But sometimes recurring themes just keep popping up, as I was reminded on my scroll.

Some summaries from The Gazette and Daily for that date that might interest you:

The Little Courthouse, seen in York's Centre Square during World War I, served as a center for war bond sales and promoted the bonds in a way that today might be considered politically incorrect. An effigy of Kaiser Wilhelm II is seen in the left foreground. For a small sum, donors could drive nails into the German leader's head. For decades, York's underground comfort stations spelled relief and York's 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies and Pastors denounce first Sunday newspaper publication.

York's mayors have dealt with many serious matters of state since the Borough of York became the City of York in 1887.

E.S. Hugentugler, for one, suspended civil liberties to shore up suspicions about German-American York when America was "over there" battling the Germans in World War I... .

The City Market loomed large over the southeastern part of York. One reader believes its location is often misidentified. Background posts: York's Penn Street Farmers Market, nearing 150 years old, seeks to replant for new customers and York-area picture book not your typical coffee table publication and York County ... 'A smorgasbord of architectural styles'.

"All the time I read about the location of the City Market it is always at a different spot," a York reader wrote in an e-mail.

I wrote back to say that my recent identification of the now-demolished York covered market's location having been to the rear of the Voni B. Grimes Gym was accurate. I was trying to locate the former site of the Dempwolf-designed market relative to an existing landmark.

The e-mailer said he would send photos showing where the market was located.

This he did... .

Spring Garden's Hess School is seen after it was renovated into a private residence in the 1950s. The family of Col. William Beckner, prominent local Civil Defense coordinator during World War II, occupied the former Rathton Road schoolhouse at that time. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Plaques offer historic insight into 'The Swamp,' before Sovereign Bank Stadium drained it and How one York County school district emerged from 1950s merger and One-room school reunions preserve educational culture of thousands of York countians.

York Town Square reader JoAnne Everhart appears to have answered the question of why the former Hess School in the 400 block of Rathton Road ceased to operate as a school.

Martin Beckner, who lived in the school after it became a private residence, had wondered what happened to the school between 1926 and 1936, the year it was renovated.

The short answer, according to Joanne Everhart: When the Springdale area was consolidated into York City, Hess School students started attending Jackson Elementary.

Here's Joanne's excerpted response, which includes wonderful insight about the lives of students in those days:

This map from York County Heritage Trust archives shows a branch of the main trolley line between York and York Haven ran from Manchester to Mount Wolf. Bradley Rentzel writes in his "History of Mount Wolf" that the trolley line ran from 1903 to 1937. The Mount Wolf depot sat next to the Market Street bridge near the Northern Central Railway-Pennsylvania Railroad crossing. Background posts: Wolf Man. Wolfchester. No, the Village of Mount Wolf and Caeserville, named after ex-slave, flourished as lumber center and When York County undertakers served as woodworkers ... and vice versa.

For years, newspapers were delivered to York County's hinterlands via trolley car.

In particular, I remember reading Bradley Rentzel's account about their delivery to Mount Wolf.

"The first trolley car arrives at 5:30 a.m. from York with one or two workmen who head for the Wire Cloth plant," Rentzel wrote in "History of Mount Wolf." "A paper carrier picks up a bundle of papers, The York Gazette, which he immediately starts distributing. The first stop is at the Henry B. Hoff home."

What I never connected, until recently, was how the trolley got to Mount Wolf. The main line ran through Manchester, some distance away.

Then I noticed a map of the trolley system in York County, and a brief perusal showed a trolley spur exiting the main line at Manchester and terminating in Mount Wolf... .

This photo combines the beauty and the grit of the Susquehanna Trail. This ice is colored gray with road grime along the Trail in William Kain County Park. Background posts: Hames made in Shrewsbury Township's Hametown fueled early American horsepower and Once popular Ganoga Bridge now lightly used York County landmark and Whatever happened to York County's Hungerford?.

The Susquehanna Trail enters York County in Fairview Township in its northern tip and exits in Shrewsbury Township at the Mason-Dixon Line.

It's beauty is well-known, and it still serves a pleasant Sunday afternoon drive.

But last Sunday, later in the day, its dangers emerged.

A boy was killed after he was struck by a hit-and-run vehicle in Springfield Township.

The hilly, curvy, still heavily traveled road has long been a source of accidents.

What is the Susquehanna Trail - often called the "Trail" - and where does it run?... .

Bryan Bennett looks demonstrates how to pan for gold in York County's Conewago Township earlier this year. Modern-day prospectors are seeking a permit to dredge the Conewago Creek for gold. (See photo of dredge below.) Background posts: Conewago crossing near Manchester hot spot for years and Old York County Boy Scout camp still teaching lessons and Does Washington Township's 'The Pickets' link with Civil War?.

York County sent forth a bunch of exuberant prospectors to seek California gold in 1849.

Well, their heirs are at work 150 years later, panning in Conewago Creek.

They're finding some flakes and recently asked the state for approval to use a small dredge to uncover more... .

Edwin S. Shneidman, author of 20 books, wrote broadly about suicide prevention. The York, Pa., native died recently in Los Angeles. Background posts: All posts about celebrities with York links and All posts about others with York links.

Edwin Shneidman was one of America's foremost experts on suicide.

But little is known about the local roots of this York, Pa.-born psychologist with a worldwide reputation... .

David Kushner's "Levittown" tells the story of the York, Pa.'s Bill and Daisy Myers and the discrimination they faced after moving into a new house in Bucks County's Levittown in 1957. Background posts: Future Yorker Daisy Myers' harassment in Levittown part of NYT mag article and York's and Levittown's Daisy Myers: Rosa Parks of the North and A short test of your York black history knowledge and Mattie Chapman's barrier-breaking legacy apparent in York County 30 years later.

In her memoir "Sticks 'n Stones," Daisy Myers wrote about her family's terrible confrontation with discrimination after buying their dream house in the new, all-white Bucks County suburb of Levittown in 1957.

She told about that experience, and brought readers up to date about the family's later years after moving back to York, her husband Bill's hometown.

Author David Kushner did what journalists call a "write through" in telling the Myers' Levittown story. The 2009 work draws from - and expands upon by bringing in many other sources - Myers' 2005 memoir... .

This photo from John Wright restaurant in Wrightsville, Pa., is undated but it must come from the late 1920s because the Veterans Memorial Bridge opened in 1930. Notice the now-dismantled older bridge to the left and the temporary, construction bridge on the downstream side. Background posts: Wrightsville's overlooked attractions and When did Wrightsville ferry service end? and Nature had its way with short-lived York Furnace Bridge in southeastern York County.

A recent York Daily Record/Sunday News story on the restoration of lighting on the old Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, known as the Veterans Memorial Bridge, brought applause from a commenter.

|"To me, the decision to restore the bridge is a no brainer," he wrote. "Let's do it!"

He also raised the question about when tolls were lifted from the Depression-era structure which carried the Lincoln Highway across the Susquehanna River:

Nineteenth-century artist Lewis Miller captured 49ers from York, Pa. Background posts: There's oil in those New Salem hills and Iron-mine-turned-into-party-spot turned into York County park and Site filled with wealth of York County geological info.

49ers from York?

Fellow blogger June Lloyd, who has extensively researched 19th-century California prospectors from York County, took a look at those local folks suffering from gold fever.

She blogged:

"By April 1849, sixteen other York County professionals and craftsmen had organized themselves into "The California Company" and were equipped and ready to sail on the ship Andalusia from Baltimore." ...

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 York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem and Pioneers Kim Bracey, Chuck Patterson vying for elected office.

York County voters elected Mattie Chapman to the office of prothonotary in 1975.

She became York County's first black elected county official.

Nineteen years earlier, she had become the first black person to even work in a county office when she became a clerk in the prothonotary's office.

Tuesday's primary election saw several black candidates cue up to become firsts... .

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 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies and York Mayor E.S. Hugentugler clamped down on anti-Great War speech

OK, the York mayoral lineup for the fall will be a faceoff between:

Kim Bracey - Democrat (Bracey gained her party's nod in Tuesday's primary.)
Wendell Banks - Republican
Joe Musso - Independent
Matthew Mann - Independent

One of these candidates will become York's 26th mayor (some have served more than one non-contiguous terms):

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 first mayor Daniel K. Noell named one of his sons, well, 'York' and York mayor Brenner brought order during tumultuous times and For decades, York's underground comfort stations spelled relief.

Mayor E. S. Hugentugler had the map of Germany written on his face.

A German-American mayor in a largely German-American area could have been particularly suspect in those days of the Great War, World War I, when such counties were not trusted because of purported sympathy for the kaiser.

The mayor tried to assure outsiders that the city was behind the war by what would be considered heavy-handed tactics today. (Indeed, they were heavy-handed measures back then.)

According to "Never to be Forgotten," he banned anti-war meetings, organized an anti-spy group and a task force to guard York County's industrial plants... .

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 first Sunday newspaper publication.

York City's first mayor, Daniel K. Noell, was no war hero, in the mold of York borough's first chief burgess, Henry Miller.

He was not a member of York's ruling family in the 1800s, in the mold of Civil War-era chief burgess David Small.

And after he took over as mayor in 1887, he bumbled and fumbled.

He came under fire for his role in tearing down York's Centre Square market sheds.

The former printer backed York's first Sunday newspaper, whose Sabbath publication was denounced by many York-area pastors.

But Daniel K. Noell loved York, a quality the successful candidate in today's primary election must emulate... .

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, died last week. Background posts: West York ritualistic suicide forgotten by many, but investigators remember anand Longtime district justice: 'You can wait for my book' and Witman murder among York County's most notorious crimes.

The crime story made headlines in Pennsylvania for years.

Joseph Wambaugh extended the case's international reach with his portrayal in the 1987 book "Echoes in the Darkness."

The case spawned a TV mini-series.

And a York County man played a role in the case.

"Jay C. Smith, 80, the former Upper Merion High School principal convicted of a teacher's shocking 1979 murder, then freed from death row by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1992, died Tuesday," the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Smith was implicated in the murders of Upper Merion teacher Susan Reinert and her two children and sent to death row.

And the find of the York County junkman helped free him... .

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 York markets and The ornate, but now-demolished York City Market House in living color and Don't know much about York County history? Part III

They had a growing population and no market to service those folks plus farmers in that end of York, west of the Codorus Creek.

So they created what is today called the Market and Penn Street Farmers Market.

And today, the market is again trying to solve a problem... .

This Hanover wayside marker is among such recent additions to the state's Civil War Trails program. It observes the contributions of women in treating casualties from fighting on the streets of the town on June 30,1863 - the Battle of Hanover. (See text for that marker here.) Background posts: Signs point to York, 'Prize of the Confederacy,' and other York/Adams Civil War wonders and Living historians bring spotlight to York's Civil War story and Civil War nurse: 'Dogs of war in our midst'.

A little-known statistic about the Civil War's Battle of Hanover is that Union and Confederate forces suffered more than 300 casualties - dead, wounded and missing.

That is the worst carnage ever sustained on York County soil.

The 300-casualty number is a stat that may fail to resonate. But how about this from a new wayside marker in Hanover? ...

The whereabouts of this York County, Pa.-made statue has been unknown locally for years. But it recently became public, on eBay of all places. (See photo of the artist and statue below.) Background posts: Wago Club prez: 'You've gotta respect the (snapping) turtles' and Church's landmark: 'A man named Beech carving a beech tree, it seemed too perfect' and Why did JFK lose to Nixon in York County?.

The Craigslist ad read like this:

"Life-size basswood statue of John F. Kennedy, carved by local woodcarver Walter S. Langhine. Included with the statue are letters to and from Jacqueline Kennedy. Email to above address or phone calls accepted at 717-793-0650 or 717-235-2543. Best offer."

Langhine's hand-carved statue of JFK had been missing in plain view for years.

Most recently, it has been in the JFK memorabilia collector Clyde Smith's New Freedom basement, York Daily Record /Sunday News columnist Mike Argento discovered.

Smith is moving to smaller quarters, Argento wrote, so JFK has to go.

And hence the ad... .

Brooks Robinson's statue is the key part of his namesake plaza at Sovereign Bank Stadium. The Hall-of-Fame third-basemen, who started his career at second base for the York White Roses, has fought back from a bout with cancer. Background posts: York has Brooks Robinson statue. Where's Baltimore's? and Revs will easily pass 1969's full-season attendance stats and Batter up, pass the hot dog: York relishes the Revolution.

Brooks Robinson's revelation this week that he had been diagnosed - and now cleared - of prostate cancer brings to mind two stories about when Brooksie played with the York White Roses.

Brooks, of course, started his professional career in York in 1955.

And the story has often been told about how public address announcer George Trout introduced him as "Bob" Robinson.

Although Trout soon was informed of his mistake, the two local newspapers kept up the "Bob" Robinson routine for a good two weeks... .

This drawing of the iron-hulled steamboat "Codorus" by William S. Stair appeared in "Greater York (Pa.) in Action." The flat-bottom boat was launched for a northward Susquehanna River journey from the Accomac area. Background posts: Murals of York get another colorful panel and How Sam Lewis State Park sightseers view Highpoint's dome and For years, York countians have eyed amazing, destructive Susquehanna River ice jams.

Wish all questions from York Town Square readers were this easy.

An e-mailer posed a readily answerable question:

"Exactly where was the location where the first iron steam boat was built?"

In 1825, John Elgar constructed the iron vessel in York shops near the Codorus Creek. He labored at a factory that Phineas Davis later made famous for crafting what is considered by some to be the first successful coal-burning locomotive.

A historical marker at West King and South Newberry streets in York marks the site on the shops, demolished long ago.

This excerpt from "Never to be Forgotten," tells more:

The log-and-mortar George Heiss House, near Railroad, Pa., was built about 1830. It was disassembled in 1993 with the hope it would be restored nearby along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. Background posts: Hames made in Shrewsbury Township's Hametown fueled early American horsepower and Old Shrewsbury house disappearing hand-hewn log, square nail at a time and Is mystery railroad the old Shrewsbury narrow gauge?

The Shrewsbury Area Preservation Society disassembled the log George Heiss House in 1993 with the idea to rebuild it as an attraction.

Whatever happened to the restoration efforts?

The "Codorus Valley Chronicles" provided the answer in its May edition:

An Associated Press photographer captured Roman Polanski attending a funeral in January in France. Polanski has an unfortunate link to York County. Background posts: All York celebrities posts from the start and All explanations and controversy posts from the start.

Last week, Academy Award winning film director Roman Polanski lost a bid in court for the judge to dismiss a 1978 rape charge against him.

According to Reuters, the Los Angeles judge would not consider the case until Polanski appeared before him. The fugitive director has been living outside the United States after fleeing upon his guilty plea in the rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Why bring all of this into York Town Square?

The 13-year-old had York links... .

This graphic from the "Recapture the Riverfront" booklet shows Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The Cookes House, where Thomas Paine reportedly stayed, sits to the left of Penn Street in the west corner of the park. It's now in private hands. Background posts: Helen Reeves Thackston's name lives on and Worker saved key historical surveys from Glatfelter pulping machine and York's housing stock not that revolutionary.

Carl Huber's recent e-mail raises a good question.

The 200th anniversary of pamphleteer Thomas Paine's death is coming up.

Are there any historical markers in the York area observing his time here during the American Revolution?

The short answer is that there are none... .

The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily previewed a performance of the 350th Field Artillery "Black Devil" Band, scheduled to perform at the Orpheum on April 17, 1919. Lt. J. Tim Brymn, led the band. The band's performances impressed a large York audience. Background posts: When York County rolled up its red carpet to people of color and Yorktowne to continue as overnight success and York's 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies.

The all-black 350th Field Artillery Band, known as the "Black Devils," drew encores in two appearances in post-World War I York.

"Well, to make a long story short, the Black Devil Band took well in York, and it merited all the praise that it got," a Gazette and Daily reviewer wrote.

That review, in itself, is a bit of an artifact of history, even going beyond the obvious reporting about a performance by a segregated band from a segregated military unit... .

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter visited the York Daily Record/Sunday News office this week and gave an indication that he needs to bone up on the statesmen in his new party. Background posts: How well do you know our U.S. presidents? and Washington Township, Jefferson Borough, Madison Avenue. How about an Obama Street in York County? and This working list details presidential visits to York and Adams counties

Arlen Specter has visited the newspaper office many times over the years, boasting Republican positions.

But this time he came as a Democrat, quoting Democrats.

At one point, he asked journalists assembled if they knew how Democratic presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson defined a statesman.

When no immediate answer came, he answered his own question: "A dead politician."

Well, Stevenson might have adopted that line, but a decade before Stevenson was on the national presidential campaign scene, Harry S. Truman was using it.

And at least one time, he gave it in York... .

The York Daily Record tells about native son and major league slugger Vic Wertz's life and career upon his death in 1983. Here, Wertz holds a photo sequence of his most-noted mark in baseball history. He smashed the 450-foot fly ball that Willie Mays turned into "The Catch" in the 1954 World Series. Background posts: Babe Ruth, indeed, played in York in 1928 and York turned its eyes to Joe DiMaggio and Before the York Revs came the Hanover Raiders.

When York-born major leaguer Vic Wertz did not make the top 10 list of 20th-century York County sports heroes, one fan posed a revealing question:

"How could you leave off Vic Wertz?"

Vic Wertz, indeed, was one of York County's most accomplished professional athletes.

If his long smash had eluded Willie Mays in the 1954 World Series, he would have been on that York Sunday News' list.

But Mays' execution of "The Catch" relegated Vic Wertz to a footnote in national history... .

Sarah Byrn Rickman's book "The Originals" covers women of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron in World War II and contains a profile on York native Aline Rhonie. Background posts: York County sacrificed on homefront and war front to aid Allies in World War II and York County WWII nurse: 'You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses' and 'Her words helped win the war'.

Her name was Aline Rhonie Hofheimer and later Aline Rhonie.

But a biography says that for some unknown reason, everyone called her Pat.

The Warren Township (N.J.) Historical Society begins the biography with:

"Pioneer aviatrix, socialite, company president, horsewoman, wartime pilot and artist, Aline Rhonie Hofheimer lived an exceptional life, one that only now, over 40 years after her death, is being chronicled by aviation historians."

And she was born 100 years ago, on Aug. 16, in York, Pa... .

Two aging Civil War veterans flank a Lincoln impersonator in this photo from York County Heritage Trust files. The black veteran is thought to be John Aquilla Wilson, who enlisted in the United States Colored Troops, 32nd Regiment in 1864. Background posts: 'One of the shells found its mark' and Black soldiers from York County served in 'Glory' unit - Part I and 'Glory,' Part II.

Will descendants of Civil War vet John Aquilla Wilson please make yourself known?

That is the request from sponsors of a public rededication ceremony of four Civil War cannons at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hanover Junction.

According to my "East of Gettysburg," "Quil" Wilson lived in the New Park area of southeastern York County where he died at the age of 101 in 1942. He was buried in the Fawn AME Cemetery.

He enlisted as a 15-year-old in the 32nd Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, a black unit and became of scores of black soldiers from York County to serve in Northern forces.

Bob Rudy of event sponsor The Sons of Union Veteran of the Civil War (SUVCW) , Camp 33 (York), asked relatives to contact him at bob@bobrudy.com.

The big guns might have a familiar look to connoisseurs of cannons... .

Gov. George M. Leader signs plans on March 19, 1958, for constructing the dam which formed the lake that became the centerpiece of Gifford Pinchot State Park in northern York County. Legislative aid and brother Henry B. Leader looks on. The location was chosen, according to The Gazette and Daily where this photograph was taken, because it was equidistant between York and Harrisburg. Background posts: Gov. George Leader cleared dam plan and Historians, journalists draw on work of forebears and Central Pennsylvania histories make smart part of summer reading stack.

York County - specifically Newberry Township - was home to the first Pinchot road, a highway program designed in the early 1930s "to get the farmer out of the mud."

That was the start of construction of some 20,000 miles of roads in Pennsylvania designed to aid farmers and to create jobs during the growing Great Depression.

That program took then-Gov. Gifford Pinchot's name, as did the nearby state park that grew under the administration of York County native George Leader.

York County farmers might have felt some conflict at the time of the road program in 1931... .

John D. Fair's book "Muscletown USA" gives insight into the role played by Bob Hoffman of York Barbell in the use of steroids in sports. Background posts: Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties? and Richard Nixon's visit to his namesake park sparks memories and York, Pa. made big, heavy things - and was immensely proud of it.

Major League Baseball again is exploring allegations that Alex Rodriguez use steroids as a member of the New York Yankees.

When steroid abuse makes the headlines, that raises the question about where steriod use in professional sports began - or at least came into steady use.

There's solid documentation that the answer is York, Pa... .

This Associated Press photo shows Illinois Army National Guardmen receiving medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile in preparation for the swine flu. York County, Pa., officials are dusting off swine flu plans of their own. To learn about local and worldwide preparations, visit the York Daily Record/Sunday News special Web page Latest on Swine Flu. Background posts: Well-known doctor, York, Pa.'s Edmund Meisenhelder, beat back flu and All Spanish flu-related posts from the start and All polio-related posts from the start.

York Town Square was giving lessons from history about the potential devastating effect of an influenza pandemic days before the current swine flu attack made the news.

Exhibit A was the Spanish flu of 1918 that challenged people of the world - and coffin-makers in York County - to their core. (See: Spanish flu epidemic in York: 'People died one right after the other')

So the following story from McClatchey News Service came into view as an interesting comparison between 1918 and the current swine flu:

Event-goers examine hand grenades mounted in a 1941 Willys Overland General Purpose Vehicle. The Jeep was among the military and police vehicles on display outside the York Police Museum on the first block of West Market Street in 2004. Police Heritage Museum Director John Stine told the York Daily Record/Sunday News that the event was created "To bring attention to the downtown and the museum." Background posts: Conewago crossing near Manchester a hot spot, literally, for years and Nazis murdered downed WWII airman from York, Part V and Longtime district justice: 'You can wait for my book' and Errant pickup driver knocked on-duty fire policeman out of his shoes.

Last week, former York countian Brian Joseph Buss died when his air tanker plane crashed into a Utah mountain range en route to fight a wildfire.

And Dallastown graduate and Navy Airman Gatlin Scott Green died while working on a ship near Singapore.

These heroes who died in the line of duty may soon be forgotten by the general public... .

The Gazette and Daily reported a raid of a bawdy house in the Conewago Heights area between Manchester and York Haven in 1918. Preparing for the raid was the easy part. Bringing the proprietors into custody proved to be much more difficult and dangerous. Background posts: Conewago crossing near Manchester hot spot for years - Part I and Conewago crossing - Part II and Conewago crossing - Part III.

The Conewago crossing near Manchester has seen Confederate raiders and contented sunbathers.

Conewago Inn-goers have long sipped prized turtle soup. A 750-pound snapping turtle, carved with a chainsaw, posing in that area can evoke a thought about how many bowls of soup his real-life counterpart would have produced.

For years, children licked ice cream cones from Elm Beach's concession stand. Cold Springs Park played host to picnickers by the thousands.

Trolleys ran near there. Trains too.

And the crossing has long served as the symbolic boundary between York-oriented folks and Harrisburg-leaning commuters.

It's an example how so much has happened at a single point in York County. Multiply that point by thousands and you have a rich history.

And as the following story shows, crime is not just a city problem. For years, newspaper headlines have related rural misdeeds - often with dangerous implications - even in recreational areas such as the Conewago crossing.

The crossing was abuzz after a police raid on a house of ill repute - the "Liberty Bell" - in the spring of 1919... .

This mural at the Windsor Township Commerce Bank branch shows the scene as troops go off to the Great War - World War I - at the Red Lion Ma & Pa Railroad station in 1917. About 200 of the more than 6,000 York countians who served in World War I did not return. Some were victimized by the pandemic Spanish flu bug. (To see full mural, click here. Background posts: Great War hero Jeannette Zinn of York: 'She made the supreme sacrifice' and Old Baltimore tunnel an intriguing reminder of the 'Ma' in Ma & Pa Railroad and Easter in York County, 1919: Sadness, joy, hope.

In my York Sunday News column History's lesson: Prepare now for pandemic, I pulled together several recent posts on the pandemic Spanish flu that caused so much death and despair.

I wasn't aware when I first started posting on the Spanish flu that the swine flu virus was already afflicting scores of people around the world.

I tied the Sunday column into an upcoming pandemic planning session in York, sponsored by the York-Adams Metropolitan Medical Response System.

Here are the nuts-and-bolts of that seminar:

Cassandra Small, daughter of leading York County mechant P.A. Small, left behind the most complete and revealing first-person account of the Confederate occupation of York. (See photo below of a Small played by a living historian.) Attorney James Latimer (see photo below) also wrote letters about the rebel invasion in late-June 1863. Their writings appear on virtual exhibit. Background posts: Panel explores the Confederates' pre-Gettysburg occupation of York and Rebs' short York visit creates long memories and Burial site reportedly found for rebel officer who occupied York.

As the York County Heritage Trust prepared to construct a Civil War exhibit about five years ago at its 250 E. Market St. museum, some folks at the York Daily Record/Sunday News were working to put that exhibit on the Web.

The idea was that museum patrons could view the exhibit in person, and virtual patrons could benefit from it online.

Today, both exhibits remain intact and contain some hard-to-get content... .

Eddie Plank, a Gettysburg native, won more than 300 games in his Major League Baseball career, the first lefthander to do so. Plank ended his career with 327 victories. He entered the majors in 1901 and retired in 1917. He became a hall-of-famer in 1946. Background posts: Story answers much about great athlete Hinkey Haines, including origin of his nickname and Southpaw could be next York/Adams major leaguer and Baseball's Methuselah played for White Roses.

A Gettysburg restaurant recently has themed native son and baseball Hall-of-Famer Eddie Plank.

"Gettysburg is a town that lives on the dead, their legends, speeches and actions.
Most restaurants, gift shops and museums have themes that deal with the borough's famous battlefield and presidential history," blogger Pat Abdalla wrote under the headline, Finding a niche with Eddie Plank.

"Restaurant owner Bill Wills, however, has found a different niche in Gettysburg's history: Eddie Plank, a legendary baseball player who was born and lived in the town."

This attention on Plank brings to mind a review of an article in "National Pastime" on Plank.

That York Sunday News article (7/25/04) debunked some myths about Plank, the first southpaw to win more than 300 games in the majors... .

York native Jeannette Zinn died while serving with the YMCA in war-torn Europe in 1918. Background posts: From war bonds to pets and people and Spanish flu epidemic in York: 'People died one right after the other' and Easter in York County, 1919: Sadness, joy, hope.

In the months following World War I, Jeannette Zinn was feted as a war hero.

One source in the York County Heritage Trust files lists her as the first woman from York "to give her life for the great cause of freedom."

It's not clear if that means in all wars up to that point or in the Great War, as World War I was then called.

Clearly, women provided tremendous aid in previous wars. Cassandra Small Morris became ill, for example, after caring for Gettysburg wounded.

But she survived.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Jeannette Zinn... .

State police horses separate a woman yelling at white supremacists during a January 2002 disturbance in York. Neo-Nazis and other racists traded insults with city residents, anarchists and anti-racist protesters in the aftermath of race riot trial verdicts. Police largely kept the two groups separated. (See related photo below.) Background posts: York's 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies and York mayor Brenner brought order during tumultuous times and Images capture hope for racial harmony.

YorkCounts' recent report of quality-of-life indicators assessed one category simply and aptly: "Bias-related incidents are a concern in York County."

The report showed that such incidents are trending down since 1998, but the county average is twice the state's numbers.

For example, the average number of bias incidents reported per 100,000 residents from 2004-2006 in York County totaled 5.5. The state average was 2.6 percent.

Here's a quick assessment of this thorny problem that has long plagued the county... .

This clip from The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily observes what happened on the war front "over there" in World War I. It shows part of a roll call of the 195 or more York countians who died, including George Woods (left), fighting with a machine gun unit. While those in the military were battling the Germans, the Spanish flu and other deadly diseases in France, their families back home were struggling against the flu virus, as well. Background posts: World War I bond drive: Spanish 'Flu bug, no more than Hun, was not going to tarnish York's perfect patriotic record' and York's Spanish flu epidemic of 1918: 'It remains one of the darkest periods for White Rose residents' and Easter in York County, 1919: Sadness, joy, hope.

York Hospital had no ambulances except a horse-drawn carriage in 1918.

That was particularly problematic in this year of the pandemic Spanish flu.

"(B)ut even if there had been one, it could not have taken all of the stricken to the hospital; there was simply no room for all of them there," Florence La Rose Ames wrote in "That Sovereign Knowledge."

That history detailing the hospitals first hundred years starting in 1880 made several points about the homefront flu battle:

Students at the Second Arch Street Public School are ready to celebrate May Day in 1952. The old one-room school, then used as a church, was torn down to make way for the children's play area of Sovereign Bank Stadium. Background posts: Season 2 of York's long comeback campaign, York has Brooks Robinson statue. Where's Baltimore's? and Sovereign Bank Stadium posts from the start.

This walking tour highlights some of the rail-related and other historic sites that marked the stadium area.

For example, the outer stadium fence that parallels the outfield fence tells about: ... .

The Fourth Liberty Loan drive during World War I was under way in York County and so was the Spanish flu, as this newspaper ad states. Background posts: Single shell killed two York countians in World War I and Well-known doctor, York, Pa.'s Edmund Meisenhelder, beat back flu and York's Spanish flu epidemic of 1918: 'It remains one of the darkest periods for White Rose residents'.

In the fall of 1918, leading York businessman Grier Hersh had a problem.

He faced a fourth Liberty Loan drive goal of $8.7 million. Those funds would be used to prosecute World War I.

He planned for church bells to ring a 7 p.m. each night to remind citizens of that goal. Military planes would drop "propaganda bombs" on the city.

"But all these well-laid plans came to naught," Carl E. Hatch and Joseph Hicks wrote in "World War I: York, Pennsylvania's Response."

The Spanish flu hit York... .

This view in Manchester Township is taken from a development, crosses farmland and runs into more development. Farmland preservation is taking hold, although non-farm use of land surpassed agricultural use 25 years ago. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: A York County story: Sprawl leaves problems in its wake and Demolished Red Lion Grange Hall still tells tale of changing York County and From Meadowbrook Mansion to York County farmhouse and All farm & fields posts from the start.

YorkCounts correctly believes farmland preservation is a key quality-of-life indicator in York County.

"York Countians value open space as a matter of principle and honor farmland in concert with our heritage," the coalition stated in its recent report. "Preserving farmland means protecting not only the agricultural sector of the economy, which is still vibrant in York County, but also the very look and feel of the place where we live."

Fortunately, YorkCounts' stats show a trend line of acres of York County farmland gaining protection faster than population is growing... .

York Hospital treated its Spanish flu patients at the York Fairgrounds in the fall of 1918. The fair was canceled that year. Background posts: Well-known doctor, York, Pa.'s Edmund Meisenhelder, beat back flu and West Side Sanitarium, later West Side Osteopathic and later Memorial Hospital born in The Avenues in York and Looking for a local history research project?

Susan Lilly, SusanLilly@weavingroom.com, lives in Portland, Ore., but she's interested in information from York, Pa., on how it weathered the deadly Spanish flu epidemic.

In old family letters, she discovered that her grandmother lost five close friends, including a cousin.

She's looking for first-person memories, family stories,
or copies of any letters that folks would be willing to share.

She wrote: ... .

Clair Good worships during a Stony Brook Mennonite Church Easter service at sunrise at Lower Windsor Township's Samuel S. Lewis State Park overlooking the Susquehanna River. Background posts: Easter stories of sacrifice & selflessness and Pre-World War II Thanksgiving holds lessons for York countians today and Henry Laurens' Christmas in York Town: 'I will not quit my post, although I ... fear that I may perish on it'.

I penned an editorial in today's (4/12/09) York Sunday News tying themes of Easter with world events during difficult times 90 years ago.

Interested in your thoughts:

A York newspaper story headlined "Joyful Observance of Easter Festival" on Saturday, April 19, 1919, set the stage for services the next day.

It was full of meaning to Gazette and Daily readers.

And for readers 90 years later... .

York County Academy on North Beaver Street is seen in 1922. It was the earliest forerunner of York College of Pennsylvania. The historic building, which also served as York County USO headquarters in World War II, was demolished in the 1960s. Today, a parking lot across from St. John Episcopal Church covers the site, but the academy's old gymnasium still stands in the back corner of the lot. York County Academy and York Collegiate Institute later merged and their successor became four-year York College of Pennsylvania in 1968. Background posts: Old King's Mill-Smurfit Stone site giving way to information age and Central Pennsylvania histories make smart part of summer reading stack and New York College book provides insight into school, community.

YorkCounts: The percentage of high school students planning to attend postsecondary institutions is up in most York County school districts.

Background: With people often foregoing high school degrees historically, it follows that the percentage furthering their education after high school would be low.

That helps explain why York has never been considered a college town and the fact that no full college held classes here until 1968... .

In this 2000 York Daily Record file photo, a Dover Area High School student demonstrates the Empathy Belly. The 37-pound unit is designed to simulate a pregnancy, a preventative method to educate about teen pregnancy used in area schools. Background posts: High school graduation, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rising after a low start and York County quality-of-life groups seeking to regain magic cooperation of York Plan and Who will lead the York area in the future?.

Although York County's teen birth stats are falling, York City's figures have been at or near the top of Pennsylvania's list for years.

In 2006, for example, about 22 percent of the city's births were to teen mothers, top in the state, according to Pennsylvania Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy figures.

This sobering topic came up again when YorkCounts addressed the topic in a recent report.

The teen birth situation got so bad in the early 1990s that the pregnancy prevention officials implemented a plan that added a smile to a serious problem.

It was called the Great York County Sex Out, and it attracted international attention... .

Dr. Philip A. Hoover's 1994 book is full of insight about 20th-century life in York County. Background: Tobacco usage, YorkCounts quality-of-life indicator: Rooted in York County's past and High school graduation, YorkCounts indicator: Rising after a low start and York County group preserving Pennsylvania Dutch language, heritage.

Teen pregnancy is a problem in York County, although the rate is falling, according to a recent YorkCounts report.

But it's long been a problem in York County. And the rate was fueled from the three corners of York County.

Here's the quick skinny, as found in my recent York Sunday News column (3/29/09):

The Tropical Storm Agnes deluge from June 1972, as seen from a photo on the wall in the Indian Rock Dam office. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: In late June, things happen in York County and Great Depression struck four corners of triangle-shaped York County and Reader doesn't understand some things about York County and Agnes, by the tragic numbers.

E-mailer Jay Lawrence is looking for photos of Tropical Storm Agnes, York County's last truly devastating flood.

He wrote:

I've been talking with my grandkids about Agnes and the damage it caused. I been trying to find pictures with no luck. I was hoping you could help me with my search. I would like the pictures so i could take them to spots around town and let them see how high the water was and the damaged it caused.

John Wilkes Booth attended school in York years before he gamed infamy for assassinating Abraham Lincoln. Background posts: James A. Garfield: 'York was the capital of the United States when congress was on wheels' and Piece of John Wilkes Booth's body to be shown in Philly and Abraham Lincoln was here.

Those attending the recent Treasures of the Trust were treated to two photographs that served as a reminder of an infamous former resident here.

The photographs at this York County Heritage Trust-sponsored event captured John Wilkes Booth (a cropped version is shown above) and the school he attended in York for a short spell in 1853.

An exhibit booklet said this of Booth and his school: ...

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This iconic Associated Press photo shows then-President Jimmy Carter, center, with Harold Denton, left, of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and then-Gov. Dick Thornburgh, left rear, in Three Mile Island's Unit 2 control room on April 1, 1979. Two weeks earlier, the York Daily Record's reporting suggested an accident could happen. (See additional photo, video below.) Background posts: Three Mile Island emergency indelibly written into memories and Availability of microfilm an oft-posed question and Publishing legend Gitt vocal about nuclear power.

The partial meltdown of Three Mile Island's Unit 2 reactor put York countians to the test 30 years ago.

Just check out the oral histories that are part of the York Daily Record/Sunday News' "Remember" series if you need a refresher.

Or read the stories about the accident's impact, with a graphic of what went wrong that March day in 1979.

The York Daily Record was tested, too.

About two weeks earlier, a major reporting project suggested that a major nuclear accident could occur... .

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 and Little school house in Hanover: A story of the circus and coal room and 18th-century mines gave Ore Valley its name.

A YorkCounts report indicates that most York County public school districts have shown gradual improvement in graduation rates.

Still, the 2000 Census shows that one out of five York countians do not have high school degrees.

Don't blame that entirely on the York City School District, where graduation rates fall in low 60-percent range (and improving.) ...

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 'Weekly Reader's' founder Eleanor Johnson, 'York Legacies,' Part III.

A considerable part of Jonah Lehrer's considerable gray matter originated in York County.

He is the son of York native Jean Hively.

The Columbia grad and Rhodes Scholar writes books that make national headlines.

His first book "Proust Was a Neuroscientist" gained notice in the New York Times Book Review, as has his brand new second work, "How We Decide."

A Malcolm Gladwell disciple? ...

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: York Daily Record columnist Jim Hubley's last piece: 'Good luck weeding out tobacco' and Mother Goose teaches York County history lessons and York County cigars: 'They contained a vast amount of nicotine'.

Ten-year-old YorkCounts has again added to community discussion in teeing up 38 quality-of-life measurements.

Important, that is, because if issues facing York County aren't tracked, it's difficult to assess progress.

Indeed, several indicators in the March 20 report show that the quality of life is improving in the county.

But, of course, while some categories work, others need work.

A vast amount of work.

To tackle many community issues, the YorkCounts coalition and other local leaders are facing decades of decisions that affect the quality of life today for better or worse.

So, I've provided brief historical background on six indicators, which we'll explain in this and future York Town Square posts, to show how the past and the present may link up.

First, tobacco usage in York County:

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 and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts and Pennsylvania Dutch-speaking York County residents often conversed with German POWs and Jamaican fruit pickers worked York County orchards in World War II .

Victory Gardens, 21st-century style, may make a comeback as Americans cope with the recession this summer.

The gardens represented an important part of military strategy in World War II. The idea was that if homefront Americans could grow enough to feed themselves, the government could concentrate on feeding the troops.

This excerpt from my "In the Thick of the Fight" describes the World War II-era gardening boom:

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 bottom, left. Background posts: Industrialist Thomas Shipley's 'enduring monument' in York did not 'endure' and Glatfelter, Morgan Smith head industrial legacy list and Spring Garden Band: 'It's like being in the room with history' .

Memorial Hospital's plans to move from the east side of York to the former Hawk Lake golf course on the north side are well known.

And many people alive today remember when Memorial moved from the west side to its current location along Interstate 83.

But before the West Side Osteopathic Hospital and Dr. Edmund Meisenhelder's West Side Sanitarium operated, where was the hospital located? ...

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: Two developers have plans for a relocated Gettysburg Cyclorama building and Gettysburg Cyclorama critics: Reviews ranged from 'huge dinosaur' to 'I was captivated' and Q&A on new Gettysburg visitor center, old Electric Map.

The former visitors center/Electric Map building at the Gettysburg Battlefield, source of so many memories, is coming down.

The Hanover Evening Sun reported on the beginning of the end of the building (3/24/09):

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 (see photo below). Background posts: Glen Rock hilltop farm: 'You cannot stay stressed here for long' and Wiki profiles eight with national status bearing Hanover roots and Hames made in Shrewsbury Township's Hametown fueled early American horsepower and Two ornate mansions that Hanover Shoe built.

York County ranks third in the state behind Chester and Lancaster counties for the greatest number of racehorses, a Penn State researcher said a few years back.

"You don't have a racetrack in the county," the researcher said. "It's a bedroom community for those who do."

Bedroom community, yes.

But one of those horses who lived here and left will always have a York County birthplace in its biography.

That's Lil E. Tee, 1992 Kentucky Derby winner, who was put down this week.

These excerpts from a York Daily Record/Sunday News/AP story (3/24/09) tell about this first Pennsylvania-bred horse to win the Derby:

A meteor shower amazed - and frightened - York countians in 1833. But it left behind nothing like the meteorite found in 1907 in the Shrewsbury area. Here, the Perseid Meteor Shower shower visit the skies in a photograph published in the York Daily Record/Sunday News in 2004. Background posts: Iron-mine-turned-into-party-spot turned into York County park and Site filled with wealth of York County geological info and Quarrying in Delta-Peachbottom.

Dillsburg is experiencing more than its share of earthquakes recently.

According to one count, about 325 tremors were reported in the Dillsburg area between Oct. 3 and early February.

But such natural phenomenons are not new in York County.

A natural event - the Leonid meteor shower - scared thousands in 1833... .

The original Outdoor Country Club stands in The Avenues in this photo from the publication, "Northwest York, 1884-1984." Background posts: On Eisenhower's Country Club of York golf round: He turned in a 'commendable score' and Exploring ornate Springdale, sunken ballroom, golf course and all and Why is Hanover Country Club in Abbottstown? and 'Lady Linden', of York's Avenues neighborhood, gets full makeover

Many people know that the Country Club of York grew on fertile land now covered by York College of Pennsylvania.

But where did the York-area's other major country club - the Outdoor Country Club begin? Some might think its was birthed when it took over the Country Club of York's property when that group moved to its current location.

Actually, the Outdoor Country Club began in 1892 in the trolley suburbs now called The Avenues, according to the booklet "Northwest York" ... .

The decorative white rose from the facade of the White Rose Bar & Grill came down recently, to be replanted at nearby Sovereign Bank Stadium. Background posts: Revs will easily pass 1969's full-season attendance stats and Baseball's Methuselah played for White Roses and 'That's a stupid question;' Brooksie played second base.

The 12-foot-long white rose that hung above the main entrance of the White Rose Bar & Grill in York is no more.

It will be moved to a prominent place at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

The ongoing presence of a giant white rose somewhere in the White Rose City makes sense.

But how many people know the story of why York, Pa., is named the White Rose City? ...

The proposed Vietnam Veterans Monument, to honor those who died in the Vietnam War, will be located in the left angle of the triangular parcel where the carnival is located in this photograph at the York Expo Center. The rest of the land in the triangle will be developed into a park, according to a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee spokesman. (See list of known York countians who died in the war below.) Background posts: Map aficionados will love bird's-eye view of York County and Vietnam vets wall moves York countians and All Vietnam War-related posts.

The proposed monument planned at the York Expo Center to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War is well-deserved and much overdue.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee's painstaking efforts to gather all the names of those who died for inscription on the upright granite part of the monument have spawned another benefit.

Their work is effectively calling individual attention to those who served - and died... .

The caption with this photo identifies community leaders about 50 years ago. It shows heirs of York leaders from the 19th century. For example, Beauchamp Smith is a descendent of S. Morgan Smith and P.H. Glatfelter III is in the lineage of the paper mill founder. Earl Herting, seen here, chaired this community improvement effort, one of many post World War II initiatives.The commission originated with the Chamber of Commerce Committee for 100 for Community Development, Herting wrote in a recent e-mail. Background posts: Who will lead the York area in the future? and Glatfelter, Morgan Smith head industrial legacy list and Samuel Small tops York, Pa. community contributor list.

The York Plan that brought factories together to capture defense work in World War II is the best example from history of a York-area community improvement initiative that worked.

The plan - and York County - became internationally known as a strategy to bring a community together to help supply the Allied war machine.

The York Committee of Safety's efforts to coordinate defense and recruitment strategies in the Civil War is an example of such a community project that did not.

Confederate invaders overwhelmed the town in 1863 after the community mustered only a handful of defenders.

In times of peace, the county has seen numerous other committees designed to pool resources to better the community.

Sometimes, the plans sat on a shelf... .

This illustration, from the York Daily Record/Sunday News and drawing from the title of the popular Civil War book, shows in broad brush the Confederate advance across York County in late June 1863. Wrightsville became the east-most point of the Confederate thrust. Scott Mingus' "Flames Beyond Gettysburg" explores Gen. John B. Gordon's Confederate raid to the Susquehanna River. He will address the Confederate advances through the county at 7 p.m. today at the York County Civil War Roundtable and at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Greater Dover Historical Society. Background posts: Signs point to York, 'Prize of the Confederacy,' and other York/Adams Civil War wonders and Poster highlights the life of a Civil War soldier and Pro/Con: Should York's leaders have surrendered to the rebels?.

Scott Mingus is on the speaking trail telling the story of the Confederate invasion of York County as detailed in his recently released "Flames Beyond Gettysburg."

And he's doing some neat stuff on his blog, Cannonball, part of Yorkblog's suite of history bloggers.

For example, it fuels one's sense of discovery when you learn of a new place to explore or are reminded of something you've long wanted to check out... .

A Revolutionary War prisoner of war camp grew up near the present 204th Street in New York City. York County history spokesman believe a local camp, Camp Security in present-day Springettsbury Township, was constructed in similar fasion. Terraces used in such camp are visable today, the spokesmen say. (Photo courtesy of New York Historical Society.) Background posts: The Four Bloggers write and PS Harrisburg grad school: 'Set my feet even more firmly on the path into the world of Fraktur' and Opportunities in York County to feed your sense of discovery.

When fellow blogger and York Sunday News columnist June Lloyd tackles a topic, you know you're getting the latest, best research on an issue.

The former York County Heritage Trust archivist has put up several posts linked to current events that merit a lengthy look: ...

The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily published this advertisement illustration on Aug. 15, 1945 - in celebration of V-J Day. Here, The Chic, 33 W. Market St., observes women's contribution in winning World War II. Background posts: York County sacrificed on homefront and war front - Part I and All WWII posts from the start.

York County did its share on the homefront and war front in World War II.

The York Plan is Exhibit A on the homefront.

And no story captures York County's considerable sacrifices on the war front better than the example of Ross Kurtz.

Notice how matter of factly Ross Kurtz related his considerable injuries sustained in a mortar attack... .

York County industrial leaders turned out in large numbers for a dinner at the Yorktowne Hotel in World War II. The York Plan resulting from their cooperation became a national model. Background posts: All York Corporation/Johnson Controls posts from the start and Industrialist Thomas Shipley's 'enduring monument' in York did not 'endure' and York Corporation played role in Manhattan Project.

York County's homefront and war front efforts well represented what it took across America to win the two-front World War II.

And the best York County offered on the homefront - and it was significant - was the York Plan.

But ask a York County audience about the York Plan and surprisingly few know even the vaguest details.

So, here's a quick synopsis of the plan: ... .

The Western Maryland Railroad 'Head House' is part of redevelopment plans in the Northwest Triangle of York. The 1,600-square-foot building maybe transformed into commercial or retail space. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Blue caboose in Red Lion? 'Yes sir - it's gonna be red' and Mystery of Glen Rock-area's Narrow Gauge Road deepens and Northern York area strawberry part of Neapolitan county.

Three railroads met in York in its 20th-century industrial heyday - the predecessors, successors and extensions of the Northern Central, Ma & Pa and Western Maryland railroads.

Despite that, York was never viewed primarily as a railroad town in the mold of, say, Altoona or Enola. That's probably because it was not located on the mainline of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

That said, the Northern Central Railroad with its direct ties to Baltimore and Harrisburg was pretty darn important... .

Visitors to the York County SPCA view this portrait outside the human society's meeting room. Why is Esther Yeagley's so honored? Pre-World War II Thanksgiving holds lessons for York countians today and Loretta Claiborne's achievements bring spotlight her way and York County historical war deaths top 1,000.

Another in an occasional series of the people behind the names on the building facades and portraits hanging in public places... .

Dr. John Yeagley passed away years ago but people still remember him around York. Among other things, he was the chief of public health during the terrible polio outbreak of 1941. He received a bio in the 1999 publication "Heroes and Builders."

But reminder of Esther Yeagley's community contributions is possibly more visible than any her husband left behind. Her portrait hangs in the very public SPCA shelter in Manchester Township.

The SPCA's "Pet Gazette" gives background about the woman on the painting: ...

John Grisham, seen in this 2006 Associated Press file photo, wrote York, Pa., into the narrative of his most recent bestseller 'The Associate.' Background posts: York author's works adapted to the big screen: 'Legacies,' and Worker saved key historical surveys from Glatfelter pulping machine and York's contribution to 'The Four Chaplains' still gains attention and Author with local ties writes 'precocious and engaging' book .

There's just something about York County that gets it into the news.

Many of its residents have gone on to fame.

Or fame finds York.

The late author John Updike, for example, referred to York several times in his 1971 book "Rabbit Redux," part of his famed "Rabbit" series. He placed his lead character, Harold C. "Rabbit" Angstrom, in a fictional town near the non-fictional Reading and put him in situations that tested his ability to relate to people of other races.

In that connection, he wrote in the actual race riots that had just taken place in York.

"Nex day, Friday," he wrote, " the papers and television ware full of the colored riots in York, snipers wounding innocent firemen, simple men on the street, what is the world coming to?"

Sometimes, fame comes to York.

John Grisham has written about York before.

But in "The Associate," York is the hometown of the main character. And, as it turns out, Grisham has been to York... .

The information booth at the former visitor center for Gettysburg National Military Park was at time a place of bustle. Now it awaits demolition with the rest of the old building, expected in the next three or four weeks. Background posts: Two developers have plans for a relocated Gettysburg Cyclorama building and Half dozen groups probe acquisition of Gettysburg's retired Electric Map and Gettysburg Cyclorama critics: Reviews ranged from 'huge dinosaur' to 'I was captivated'.

A commenter on a inyork.com/ydr story on the upcoming demolition of the old visitors center at Gettysburg National Military Park raised a good point.

Hold an auction to offset part of the $800,000 in projected demolition costs. A photo of the information desk (above), for example, shows framed pictures that people might want for a souvenir.

But perhaps the park service should go one step further... .

Only a bridge pier remains today of the trolley line from York to York Haven, cut back to North York on June 1, 1932. The pier sits near the once bustling Cold Springs Park and Elm Beach. Background posts: Conewago crossing near Manchester hot spot for years and Conewago crossing, Part II and Big Conewago serves as physical, symbolic divider of York County culture.

Sue Shiflett of East Berlin is looking for photographs of Elm Beach, the popular swimming spot on the Conewago Creek near Manchester.

The beach - actually a concrete deck extending from the bank - operated on the north side of the Conewago across from Cold Springs Park, destination for trolley excursions.

"My great grandfather, Fred Spiese, operated a swim suit rental and restaurant at Elm Beach," she wrotes.

Today, Elm Beach is abandoned and Cold Springs Park developed. A silent pier from a long-one trolley bridge stands guard... .

Crispus Attucks Association's Cindy Leiphart can be seen in a room in the former home of William C. Goodridge that was reportedly used to hide fugitive slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. A hole in the floor above the room was formerly covered by a trapdoor. Background posts: Stack of books on York County's Civil War past getting higher and Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County - Part I and 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part III.

The life and times of William C. Goodridge's former slave who became a successful 19th-century York businessman were filled with controversy.

He and his family developed national applause despite - or maybe because of - these obstacles.

I made that point in an upcoming York Sunday News column (3/01/09) and urge readers to get behind efforts to create a Goodridge Freedom House and Underground Railroad Museum in Goodridge's former residence.

In addition to honoring this community leader, the museum could become a center for studying York County's still-obscure Underground Railroad history... .

A multiple-deck headline in The York Dispatch on Tuesday evening, Oct. 6, 1891, tells how a man took his life. Such detailed stories were common in that day. Background posts: West York ritualistic suicide forgotten by many, but investigators remember and Abraham Lincoln's 'melancholy' and The bad, and yes, the good of the Great Depression in York County.

With nostalgic thoughts about newspapers of yesteryear in mind, readers sometimes pose two questions about modern newspapers:

Why are there so many typos today? And why are papers today so sensational?

The first concern can be addressed by taking a scroll through newspaper microfilm. There they are, typos on most every page. In those hot lead days, it was difficult and expensive to change typos, even if they were caught in advance.

And as for sensationalism, the above headlines lead off a blow-by-blow story about how a York man poisoned himself to death, typical of the day... .

Bill Fissel looks over the Vietnam Veterans Memorial sculpture at artist Lorann Jacob's Dallastown studio. The finished work will be displayed at the York Expo Center. Background posts: War memorials stand proudly in towns throughout York County and Sculptor molds York's past for posterity and Who's your candidate for the next York statue?.

Vets promoting a monument to commemorate the sacrifice of 101 or more York countians in the Vietnam War are within $50,000 of their goal.

The statue will greet the thousands who attend functions at the York Expo Center, the old York Fairgrounds, each years.

In that respect, it will be separated from counterpart statues in downtown York observing World War II and Korean War vets.

But the Vietnam statue will have a major asset in common with its counterparts... .

Ken Stough, left, instructor for the Pennsylvania Dutch language classes, talks with Butch Reigart during a class at Providence Place near Dover. Reigart, formerly of York County, is teaching an upcoming Lancaster-based Pennsylvania German course. Background posts: Der Belsnickel of the Pennsylvania Dutch: 'He looked scary and carried a sack of presents' and Classes offer rare op to learn Pennsylvania Dutch and York County group preserving Pennsylvania Dutch language, heritage.

People are fascinated with Pennsylvania Dutch language, a dialect of German spoken for decades - centuries - in York County and other parts of Pennsylvania.

Today, the dialect is most prevalent among the Mennonite and Amish, the latter a growing population group in southeastern York County.

According to a news release, the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society is offering 10-week classes in the Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture... .

Several years ago, artist Lindsey Keeney gave this view of American Revolution prisoner-of-war Camp Security in present-day Springettsbury (Pa.) Township. British prisoners were detained inside the 15-foot stockade, and some would have lived in huts on the hillside. Background posts: Camp Security: 'The camp consisted of log huts and a large stockade' and POW Camp Security site: 'There's a lot of history waiting to be discovered' and Old house boasts all kinds of historic hooks.

Developer Tim Pasch has introduced a housing plan for land once covered by POW Camp Security called "The Plantation."

So the debate over the hallowed ground - reportedly the last American Revolution POW site not yet developed - boils down to this:

- The developer has located the Camp Security site and won't build on it.

- Preservationists say the camp site has not been identified, and 30-plus acres of open space simply won't cover it... .

Camp Ganoga hasn't operated since 1945, but the old Strinestown-area Boy Scout camp continues to evoke memories. Here, a group of Scouts sits on the Camp Ganoga waterfront - Conewago Creek. Background posts: Old Ganoga Bridge: 'It is a highly unusual sight in York County' and Once popular Ganoga Bridge now lightly used York County landmark and Big Conewago serves as physical, symbolic divider of York County culture.

Mixed-race gatherings weren't an everyday sight in York County in the first half of the 20th century.

In collecting photos for my black history book "Almost Forgotten" at the York County Heritage Trust, I was a bit surprised to see photos of white and black campers at old Camp Ganoga on the Conewago Creek.

I asked around about that... .

Advertisements such as these were common in York County newspapers of the 1920s. Background posts: Criticism of Geno's leads to 'commie' claim and Leonard Pitts speaking in York, Pa.: Sometimes, history hurts and York, Pa.: 'It's a midsize city with an interesting history'.

In recent years, the Ku Klux Klan has tried to sound mainstream - against abortion, drugs and pornography, for example.

But such stabs for legitimacy are not new.

Terry Koller from Dover Township phoned about a family member - his mother - who received such a taste of the Klan operating in the mainstream. And that was early in the 20th century... .

This video, part of the York Daily/Record Sunday News 'Remember" oral history series, provides memories of the Great Depression. Background posts: It couldn't happen in York County? Women were trampled in Depression-era labor unrest and Pre-World War II Thanksgiving holds lessons for York countians today and Destructive flood of 1933 struck York County 75 years ago.

Thirty-five years ago, Charles Bloomfield wrote what is still the most authoritative scholarly work on the Great Depression in York County.

Anyone who has dealt with the 1930s in any depth is familiar with Bloomfield's work, available for inspection (but not check out) at the York County Heritage Trust.

Who is Charles Bloomfield? ...

This old Prospect Hill Cemetery gate frames Civil War Soldiers Circle, where many who died at the U.S. Military General Hospital in Penn Park were buried. Lila Fourhman-Shaull tells about some of the noted Civil War-era residents who were buried in the cemetery in her "A Walking Tour of Civil War-Era residents at Prospect Hill Cemetery, York, Pa." Background posts: Navy SEAL Neil C. Roberts: 'In this simple grave ... lies a national hero' and 'He said his farewells to his family ... ' and Not all rebel wounded suffered after Gettysburg.

Scott Mingus' recent "Flames Beyond Gettysburg" is another book exploring York County's role in the Civil War.

Since 2000, various presses have produced these works touching on the county and the Civil War or exploring that era:

These images linked to the 1988 presidential campaign were among the first - or were perhaps the first - photographs to appear on the front page of the The York Dispatch since Theodore Roosevelt's visit in 1906. Such trivia involving our presidents continue to fascinate. Background posts: Washington Township, Jefferson Borough, Madison Avenue. How about an Obama Street in York County? and Vets at Gettysburg's 75th: 'Some wore their military caps and medals on their tunics' and York-based historian shakes hands with 8 U.S. presidents.

A. Who was the second man to ascend to the presidency without being elected?

B. Who was the first president to have been divorced?

C. Which president served under Rutherford B. Hayes in the Civil War?

These are a few of the questions that are part of our "Test Your Presidential Smarts" quiz... .

A caboose made its way from Lancaster to the yard of Markey Trucking near Dallastown, Pa., in January. Eventually, it will be moved to the Red Lion Train Station Museum. Background posts: Old Baltimore tunnel an intriguing reminder of the 'Ma' in Ma & Pa Railroad and Ma & Pa rabbit trains: 'I hope they thoroughly hosed out the cars.' and York County railroading: 'Something that gets into your blood'.

Red Lion is named after a tavern - a tavern that still stands but has morphed into a private residence.

So things tilt toward red there - the high school team colors, for example.

When a blue caboose destined for the restored Ma & Pa Railroad Station in Red Lion arrived in the area, it was natural for a news reporter to ask about any future paint job... .

John V. Jezierski's "Enterprising Images, The Goodridge Brothers, African-American Photographers, 1847-1922" is the most comprehensive look yet at William C. Goodridge and his family. Background posts: Underground Railroad expert: 'We cannot alter past ignorance, but we can resolve not to repeat it' and York's Goodridge House listed as site on Underground Railroad network and Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County - Part I.

The evening is billed as an interactive time with ex-slave-turned-businessman William C. Goodridge played by former-York-City-Councilman-turned-living-historian Wm. Lee Smallwood.

The audience will get the chance to interact with Goodridge from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at the York County Heritage Trust, 250 E. Market St.

And so will I.

I'm slated to interview him as part of the evening... .

Flames shoot from a grill atop a pier from the bridge that the Union Army burned in 1863 to stop the Confederate advance. Two subsequent bridges used those same now-empty piers. In recent years, re-enactors have simulated the burning of the bridge as an observance of this milestone in local history. Scott Mingus has penned a history, 'Flames Beyond Gettysburg' that tells about that moment when Confederate Gen. John B. Gordon's raid reached the west bank of the Susquehanna. Background posts: New Lincoln blog category introduced to honor Abe's 200th birthday and History-making evening on rebel occupation of York could turn into daylong symposium and Mayor of York, Pa.: 'We are no longer unprotected'.

Scott Mingus writes many memorable stories in his new book on the Confederate occupation of York County.

But he provides one quote that creates an image that will never leave your mind.

Here's what one Union cavalryman later observed about the rebels' charge at the bridge linking Wrightsville and Columbia in late June 1863:

"One old negro to whom was entrusted the duty of igniting the fuse sat very coolly on the edge of the pier, smoking a cigar."

Is the tall man with the stovepipe hat, center background, President Abraham Lincoln at Hanover Junction? That's been long debated. But hundreds will gather at the Junction station from 1-7 p.m. today. Check out www.yorkcountyparks.org or call 840-7440.

About a year ago, it ocurred to me that I was blogging a lot on Abraham Lincoln's links to York County.

His influence in York County was - and is - great... .

The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily gave prime play to the stop of President Warren G. Harding's funeral train in York. The president was popular then. After his death, the considerable shortcomings of his administration emerged. Background posts: Nixon's 1960 visit to York, No. 2: Dick's stop eventful, newsy and York historian on William Henry Harrison: a 'great and good man' and James A. Garfield: 'York was the capital of the United States when congress was on wheels'.

E.A. Wise flagged the fact that a train bearing Warren G. Harding's body passed through York in 1923.

"I was below the College Ave bridge to avoid the crowded train station," he wrote.

Newspaper coverage indicates York came out in mass to witness the funeral train on Aug. 8, 1923... .

The best place to start in researching York County (Pa.) Pfaltzgraff pottery is "Pfaltzgraff, America's Potter." The book tells the story of the former York County pottery makeer from its founding in the early 1800s through 1989, the date the book was published. It's available via the York County Library System, www.yorklibraries.org. Background posts: Who are York County's most influential citizens? - Part II and Pottery put the other Foustown - the one in Manchester Township - on the map and Original WSBA station hands mic to demolition team.

The Pfaltzgraff arm of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff made pottery of all shapes and sizes for all kinds of uses for decades and decades.

Page through the book "America's Potters," and you'll see pottery used for Christmas ornaments, cookie jars, ash trays, laundry sprinklers and door stops.

But nothing in there about dragons, a point of query by Julie Patterson... .

Red Lion's Scott Fitzkee has been named the greatest prep athlete in York and Adams counties history. Background posts: Story answers much about great athlete Hinkey Haines, including origin of his nickname and Central York High School's Laura Beveridge: 'I certainly have not forgotten her' and York athlete series: 'Arguably the best girls' volleyball player the area has ever seen'.

The votes are in, and former three-sport Red Lion star Scott Fitzkee reigns as York/Adams' Greatest Athlete, as put forth by the York Daily Record/Sunday News.

Readers placed Fitzkee, who went on to play football at Penn State and the NFL, at the top of their list, as did YDR/YN sportswriters Frank Bodani, Steve Navaroli and Sean McLernon. (Jim Seip listed him at third.)

Here is the vote of the readers:

This scene showing the burning of the Wrightsville Bridge in 1863 is the focal point of the cover of Scott Mingus' newest book. Background posts: Unsung York County asset: Actual, virtual historical community with hustle and Books probing York County in the Civil War come in strong, sudden onslaught and Signs point to York, 'Prize of the Confederacy,' and other York/Adams Civil War wonders.

Fellow blogger Scott Mingus' new book is the most thorough micro-study yet of the Confederate expedition to the banks of the Susquehanna River in late June 1863.

That raid included the controversial surrender of York, which Mingus covers in detail... .

The Gazette and Daily reports on Vice-President Richard Nixon's short visit to York in the buildup to the 1960 president election against John F. Kennedy. For a working list of past presidential visits, click here. Background posts: Richard Nixon in York, No. 1 and Richard Nixon, No. 2 and Richard Nixon's visits seared into York countians' minds.

When Richard Nixon campaigned in York County in the final days of the election season in 1960, some in the crowd of 5,000 had met him before.

In fact, a former Menges Mills neighbor who couldn't make it to the York train station rally received a staged phone call from Nixon's wife, Pat, to say hello... .

Practically every president who has visited York County leaves some memorable mark. That includes Richard M. Nixon's October 1960 whistle stop visit. Notice the headline telling about the mass suspension of Dallastown students. For a working list of past presidential visits, click here. Background posts: Why did JFK lose to Nixon in York County? and JFK's visit to York County a long-remembered event and York Gazette: President Zachary Taylor lost sense of propriety during visit.

Richard Nixon made York part of history in including it along his desperate and well-chronicled 11th-hour quest for the White House in 1960.

His stop has largedly faded from York County's memory, overshadowed by JFK's York Fair visit weeks earlier.

His visit, like most presidential visits to York County, spawned lots of side stories. His confusion of two local candidates, George Goodling and Stanley Gross, is one of them.

His visit also reportedly attracted a cadre of Dallastown Area High School students, which led to their suspension... .

The Gazette and Daily, no fan of Richard Nixon, reported on a gaffe during the vice-presidents 1960 visit to York County. Background posts: Washington Township, Jefferson Borough, Madison Avenue. How about an Obama Street in York County? and Exhibit features artifacts detailing presidential visits to York County and In 2008, 8 top candidates or their families campaigned in York County.

Richard Nixon was on the last stages of a last-ditch American campaign tour in October 1960 when brought his campaign against Democratic challenger John F. Kennedy to York.

On the platform at a York railroad station rally, someone asked him to plug GOP congressional candidate George Goodling.

The vice-president slapped legislative candidate Stanley H. Gross on the back and said, "Here he is, George M. Goodling." ...

The Farmers Market at Penn and Market in York sustained damage after a driver ran into it in 1992. Efforts are under way to reinvigorate the markethouse, the oldest of five such markets in York. Background posts: Don't know much about local market history? and There were 5, count 'em, 5 York markets and York's Central Market sells steak ... and sizzle.

A grass roots group is forming to strengthen the oldest York markethouse, the Penn Street Farmers Market.

To the eye, the markethouse, constructed just after the Civil War, has struggled in recent years.

Among other things, the group is pushing a niche product that was the mainstay of York's five covered markets since they started cropping up in the last half of the 19th century - fresh food... .

Cartoonist Walt Partymiller applauds the decision in Lancaster to fluoridate in October 1960. The artist never was able to give kudos for such a vote by the York Water Co. Background posts: Mile-a-minute weed's York County origin questioned and Where is the world is Webb's Hill?and York's Reservoir Hill: 'My 'reward' was to sit in the gazebo at the top of the hill'.

The 1960s was not the York area's finest decade.

Its leaders tore down irreplaceable buildings. They further tore at the community's social fabric with their attack dogs and prickly attitudes toward race relations.

They tried to solve a mid-decade drought by calling in a rainmaker... .

Dauphin County's The Star Barn will someday find a new home in Lebanon County. Background posts: Barn owner: 'You cannot stay stressed here for long' and Horn Farm: 'A very special living history memorial to those hardy ancestors' and Gettysburg-area National Register homestead gives snapshot of pressures facing farms.

Last time we checked in on The Star Barn, preservationists were not ready to release the site of its new home.

Indeed, the York Daily Record/Sunday News urged its relocation to the Horn Farm, a budding agricultural museum in Hellam Township.

Too bad it's not coming to York County.

But at least it's not going to fall down.

According to the York Weekly Record, the 1872 barn that many folks see on their way to Harrisburg International Airport is slated to be relocated to a Lebanon County site... .

Here's the Weekly Record's short story (1/3/09), part of a larger spread on area barns:

In 1949, the Rev. Dr. C. Guy Stambach works on a painting that now hangs in Dallastown's Bethlehem United Methodist Church. A similar painting survived a devastating fire at Shenberger's Chapel, another United Methodist congregation, in Chanceford Township in southeastern York County. (See below for Paul Kuehnel's video and still photos on the fire and the painting.) Background posts: Church's landmark: 'A man named Beech carving a beech tree, it seemed too perfect' and People of varying religious groups founded York County and York's worst blaze struck 150 years ago.

In inspecting their burned out church, chagrined Shenbarger Chapel members are marveling that a painting behind the pulpit survived the blaze.

The painting of Jesus is one of many brought to area churches via the hand of pastor/artist C. Guy Stambaugh.

Coincidentally, the York Daily Record/Sunday News (1/30/09) had run a feature on the Rev. Stambaugh just last week... .

This is a closeup of the Shenbarger chancel painting that survived the blaze.

This York Corporation worker had a little fun painting a devil's mask on his hood. (To view the face behind the desk, see photo below.) Background posts: 'Little Johnny' called for Allies in World War II and The bomb: 'And yet it stopped the war' and Nazis murdered downed airman from York County, Part IIII.

York's George Anderson made America laugh during the dark days of World War II.

He donned a York Corporation welder's hood bearing a devil's face.

And someone snapped a photo.

The image then appeared in about 700 U.S. newspapers during the war... .

The Dempwolf-designed City Market, with its 140-foot tower, stands sometime before its 1960s demolition in the block bordered on two sides by York, Pa.'s South Duke Street and East College Avenue. Background posts: Striking architecture lined York's South Duke Street and York Market House No. 2 - The architecturally striking City Market and There were 5, count 'em, 5 York markets.

Fellow blogger Scott Butcher has posted a wonderful color drawing of the landmark City Market that does the best job I've seen of communicating the beauty of this markethouse... .

C. Kim Bracey, York, Pa.'s director of community development, is now a candidate for mayor of the city. A York Daily Record/Sunday News photographer shows her and the view from her office overlooking York's Continental Square in 2005. Background posts: Thomas Chatman Jr., pioneering police chief: 'I thank God and the citizens of York for the opportunity to serve them' and Who were York County's most influential citizens? - Part I and York's Wonder Women: The stories of four more movers and shakers.

The names of two "firsts" will be on the primary ballot in York County.

Well, one "first" and a second "first."

Kim Bracey, candidate for York mayor, is the first black woman to vie for the position. Ray Crenshaw, the first black mayoral candidate, lost to Charlie Robertson in 2001 in the Democratic primary.

In 2005, incumbent John Brenner outgained black candidate Jeffrey Kirkland in the primary to retain his seat.

As for the second "first," Chuck Patterson is again seeking a local judgeship in 2009... .

The once-beautiful Ganoga Bridge, the span that divided Boy Scout Camp Ganoga into two parts, may be coming down.

And at least one area preservationist is not happy about it.

Barb Raid of Historic York wants PennDOT to leave the old structure standing when its replacement eventually opens to traffic.

And the owner of the old campgrounds says its replacement will be unremarkable architecturally.

The old bridge bears many interesting features including the remains of 12 lamp posts in honor of the Scout Laws... .

People leave Harley-Davidson's Springettsbury Township, Pa.'s, plant on the day that workers learned that 300 would be cut from the work force. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Presidential visit No. 3: Bush makes like Bono, AMF-Harley in York, by the numbers and AMP's and AMF's alphabet soup spilled in same small town.

Since 1942, news has flowed from the Springettsbury Township plant that has housed York Safe & Lock, Blaw-Knox, Naval Ordnance Depot, AMF and Harley-Davidson.

Three strikes (1969, 1991, 2007). Three presidential visits (1987, 1999, 2006). Now 300 to be trimmed from Harley's ranks.

There's more.. .

Joe Paterno and President George H.W. Bush stumped at a Northern York County fundraiser for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in June 1992. This shows part of the York Daily Record's coverage of the event. Background posts: Presidents visit York, alive and via funeral trains and York native to captain new carrier USS Bush and Bill Goodling: Jerry Ford might have been the most important president he served with.

Joe Paterno regularly visits York County for recruiting trips, fundraisers or political appearances.

Not political appearances for himself, of course.

But primarily for two former presidents named Bush... .

Vandalism at the Peace Light Memorial, one of Gettysburg's most honored landmarks. Background: Donations help to repair damaged Gettysburg statues and Headline: 'Beards on Parade at Gettysburg (Battle) Field' and York County historical war deaths top 1,000.

In a letter to the editor, C. Earl Witmer of Spring Garden Township tied together recent vandalism on Gettysburg's Eternal Peace Light Memorial and the special memories held by many local residents toward the landmark.

Many senior citizens were children or teens when they witnessed the dedication ceremony on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Many remember meeting vets of the conflict, which suggests how young our country really is. People today have actually shaken hands with Civil War veterans.

Here are Earl Witmer's memories:

This old photo captures the presence of hooded Klansmen in Shrewsbury, a regular sight in small towns across York County, Pa., in the first half of the 20th century. Background posts: Meeting of riot victims brought hope for racial accord and York's 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies and York Charrette or charade?.

For years, I've checked in on a small stained-glass window at a northwestern York County church.

Lettering in a lower pane indicates that the Ku Klux Klan sponsored it in the KKK's local heyday in the first third of the 20th century.

Late last year, I stopped by, and it appeared that the lettering had been obliterated... .

This replacement sign now stands near the former site of Camp Security, an American Revolution prisoner of war camp, in Springettsbury Township. Background posts: POW Camp Security site: 'There's a lot of history waiting to be discovered' and Signs point to York, Pa., 'Prize of the Confederacy,' and other York/Adams Civil War wonders and Windows into York blog offers Springettsbury's Schultz House datestone update.

Vandals meant the theft of a sign in 2007 marking the site of a former British POW camp for bad.

But Friends of Camp Security reacted for the public good... .

A rusting fence surrounds the empty Smurfit and Stone building on Kings Mill Road in 2005. York College of Pennsylvania is acquiring the site, so those weeds are set for extermination some day. Background posts: Author: 'York's streetscape features almost every style and era of American architecture' and York-area picture book not your typical coffee table publication and Fourth-generation member of Glatfelter paper family dies.

A historic house - the Philip King house - stands on the Smurfit-Stone Container site that York College of Pennsylvania is acquiring.

Fellow blogger Scott Butcher writes about the 427 Kings Mill Road house in his "York's Historic Architecture."

According to Butcher, the mill was constructed near the confluence of Tyler Run and Codorus Creek... .

This photograph showing Sen. Harry S. Truman during his 1944 visit to York County, Pa., came from longtime York Daily Record columnist Jim Hubley's "Off the Record." Truman was in York for a political speech. As for street-level memories of this respected president, he left none behind. But many other presidents have, as recounted below. Background posts: Richard Nixon's visit to his namesake park sparks memories and York-area woodcarver made life-size JFK statue. But where is it now? and This working list details presidential visits to York and Adams counties.

York Sunday News columnist Gordon Freireich (1/23/08) has issued a challenge for York countians.

We have places named after many of the 44 U.S. presidents.

Maybe York County should be the first county in the nation name a street after President Barack Obama.

He brought back research from a 1996 column that showed streets and places with presidential names taken from our nation's chief executives.

It will reinforce with viewers here how much this county draws on its past:

Several years ago, the Smurfit-Stone site was cleaned up in preparation for the minor league ballpark that later became Sovereign Bank Stadium on a cross-town York, Pa., site. Here, demolition work is taking palce along Grantley Road in Spring Garden Township. Background posts: New York College book provides insight into school, community and Researcher leaves detailed files on more than 300 York and Adams mills and American pastime vs. American dream playing out in York, Pa. and Worker saved key historical surveys from Glatfelter pulping machine.

A commenter on a recent York Daily Record/Sunday News story about the former King's Mill site put its history into perspective:

"That mill had been making paper since John Adams was our second president. And some of the equipment in there, a few of the steam dryers, were actually original or close to it."

That's about right.

York College is buying that site - known today at the Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. - that loaned its name to King's Mill Road... .

George H.W. Bush visited York County in Sept. 1988 in his bid for election against Michael Dukakis. In 1992, President Bush visited northern York County for a political fundraiser in Monaghan Township. His efforts brought $800,000 to U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter's campaign. The president endorsed Specter, commenting: "This is not a normal kind of endorsement. I really mean it." (For a list of past presidential visits, click here. Background posts: Battle of New Orleans hero slides into York and
Coin designer signs his D.E. on all his handiwork and Hillary Clinton's rally site in York a little odd.

On the campaign trail in 1988, Bush visited York, and his wife, Barbara, split off to visit Crispus Attucks Community Center's Day Care Center.

The Republican candidate gave a 20-minute speech before 4,500 assembled at the Colonial Courthouse.

It was a fairly standard visit by a presidential candidate.

One of the most interesting parts involved meticulous prep work for the visit.

According to the York Daily Record:

This story from The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily in 1925 tells about unpopular President Andrew Johnson's visit to York County, but focuses on the Civil War hero U.S. Grant. The general was part of President Johnson's entourage. (For a post detailing other presidential visits, click here. Background posts: Local man tells about goofy encounter with Gerald Ford and York-based historian shakes hands with 8 U.S. presidents and Visit with former president James Buchanan: Talk did not touch on matters of state.

Andrew Johnson, Abraham Lincoln's successor, made York part of his "Swing Around The World" tour, designed to promote his policies.

His reception in York in September 1866 was akin to that received elsewhere.

"There was not very much enthusiasm when the trained stopped, and the presidential party began to emerge from private coaches which formed the train," The Gazette and Daily reported years later... .

Babe Ruth's autograph is shown on a piece of Hotel Penn stationary owned by West Manchester Township resident Jason Showvaker in 2006. Showvaker obtained the stationery from another collector. Background posts: Story answers much about great athlete Hinkey Haines, including origin of his nickname and York turned its eyes to Joe DiMaggio and Adding to York baseball timeline: Revs ready for 'second helping'.

His late grandfather saw them play there.

"I saw your article which included a picture of the park from July of 1945. Was any baseball ever played there? Whatever info you could provide would be appreciated,"
he wrote.

We'll turn the question of the Babe's appearance at the White Oak Park ballfield, north of York, to any fans out there to respond.

Here's some help.

York Daily Record columnist Jim Hubley wrote an account in 1995 of the Babe's visit to Eagles Park for the game that Jim Fickes' grandfather probably recalled:

Noted 19th-century York, Pa., artist Lewis Miller captures George Washington in this drawing that is part of the York County Heritage Trust's collection. The trust is displaying presidential artifacts in connection with the inauguration of President Barack Obama at its 250 E. Market St., York, museum. Background posts: Additional posts on presidential visits and Where was Thomas Jefferson when Congress met in York? and President of Congress Henry Laurens kept Congress together in Valley Forge winter.

For example, post-Civil War presidents often visited the battlefield in Gettysburg, and most got there by rail before the days of air travel. They sometimes would travel unannounced on the Northern Central Railroad, later the Pennsylvania Railroad, to Hanover Junction and then head along the line from there to Gettysburg.

Hanover's Mother Smith -- Mrs. M.O. Smith -- joined presidents Abraham Lincoln, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt on the rostrum during presidential speeches in Gettysburg.

"I would not compare the men or their remarks," she told a newspaper after other media had pestered her for such. "I feel it my patriotic duty to refrain from comparing any one president with another."

Indeed, the Northern Central Railroad probably carried many chief executives through York County in the dead of night, unknown to local residents.

Here is a sampling of visits to York and Adams counties from those who occupied the White House (search on this blog for additional information):

This newspaper account tells about candidate Herbert Hoover's campaign stop at the Pennsylvania Railroad's South Duke Street station in York, Pa. Unlike other presidents who stopped in York, Hoover did not give a speech. Background posts: U.S. Grant dines at Mick E. Dee's and About Gettysburg and its famous speech and Where was Thomas Jefferson when Congress met in York?

Republican presidential candidate Herbert Hoover's train made a whistle stop in York in July 1928.

The president issued a lot of smiles and bows. But in a move unusual for a presidential candidate visiting York, the future president made no speech during his brief stop attended by 2,000 people at the Duke Street railroad station, according to a newspaper report.

At one point, he seemed worried about the safety of the crowd when the train backed up and moved forward several times... .

Then-Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama took a tour of the Voith Siemens Hydro Power Plant, in September 2008. His inauguration meant full houses at some York County hotels. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Thomas Chatman Jr., pioneering police chief: 'I thank God and the citizens of York for the opportunity to serve them' and In 2008, 8 top candidates or their families campaigned in York County and York freedman Aquilla Howard chosen to honor slain Abraham Lincoln.

In my last York Sunday News column (1/18/09), I provide a glimpse at moments when York County pushed against newcomers of color.

I contrasted that with recent efforts tied to President Obama's inauguration to bring outsiders - perhaps many diverse outsiders - into the area.

The motivator behind the inauguration push?

Visitors would help the economy.

Interesting, freedmen's alleged negative impact on the economy was an argument used against such visitors in the Civil War era.

Here's how I develop all this:

The Ma & Pa Railroad is such an intriguing historical attraction in York County that it's easy to forget that Maryland is part of its name - that the line has a busy past south of the border.

Baltimore Sun writer Jacques Kelly provided a reminder in a Jan. 18 piece about the re-use of the former Ma & Pa tunnel in Charm City.

For more information on the Ma & Pa Railroad, click here.

The (York, Pa.) Gazette and Daily reports on Warren G. Harding's visit to York in 1920. The pending visit was relatively low key, spread by word of mouth just hours before the stop. Background posts: During York visit, former President Taft glad to be in 'this great hive of industry' and In 1934, FDR made rolling visit to York and Teddy Roosevelt in York: 'I know York county farmers are prosperous. Their barns are bigger than their houses'.

Presidential candidate Warren G. Harding gave a brief speech during a stop at York's railroad station in September 1920.

He opened his speech by introducing his "boss" - his wife Florence - to the cheering crowd of 1,000... .

Workers are dismantling the Felton Mill after it was discovered to be unstable and concerned many in that southeastern York County borough as a fire hazard. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Glen Rock Mill Inn: 'They are happy to see it open again' and Part of York County's past, Biesecker Mill, goes on the auction block and Pioneering sisters operated York County grist mill near Cross Roads.

The Felton Mill draws draws attention to the heyday of those water-powered buildings on nearly every stream of size in this region.

Thanks to the efforts of researcher Grant Voaden, more than 270 York County mills and 50 in Adams County are documented.

His work rests in a four-draw filing cabinet at the York County Heritage Trust archives, 250 E. Market St., York... .

This drawing captures the scene of a Buchanan stop at York's Railroad Station. That station is the predecessor of the current rail station, known for years as the home of Blattner's photo studio. (To see a list of other visits by presidents or presidental candidates, click here.) Background posts: Giving York news, sports junkies their fix, Part II and In York County and beyond, presidential races have produced rages through the ages and Wheatland Mansion tour: 'We don't know if President Buchanan used the tub'.

James Buchanan's Wheatland Home in Lancaster County meant that he was a frequent rail passenger through York County before, during and after his presidency.

His Democratic politics lined up with York County's - he formerly represented the county in the U.S. Congress - and he would often stop to call on his allies.

He made such a visit the day after his presidential term ended on March 4, 1861, in the days before the onset of the Civil War.

The York (Pa.) Gazette reported about Zachary Taylor's visit in a miffed tone after the president turned a bi-partisan occasion into one of partisanship, in the newspaper's view. (To see a list of other visits by presidents or presidental candidates, click here.) Background posts: Isabel Small led procession of women who made wreath for Abe Lincoln's coffin and Bill Goodling: Jerry Ford might have been the most important president he served with and York-based historian shakes hands with 8 U.S. presidents.

A bi-partisan group played host to President Zachary Taylor's visit to York County in August 1849.

The famous general and Whig president, on a tour of western Pennsylvania and other eastern states, arrived via railroad and stayed at the Washington House.

In its report of the visit, the York Gazette stressed that both Democrats and Whigs escorted him to the hotel and were to join him for a "sumptuous" dinner... .

It's not obvious from the outside but this longtime southeastern York County, Pa., landmark, the Felton Mill, is coming down. York Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Paul Kuehnel tell the story via video. Background posts: Old Shrewsbury house disappearing hand-hewn log, square nail at a time and 'It's so sad to see such a great piece of architecture fall down' and Old Ma & Pa Railroad trestle may again carry passengers - on bicyles - some day

Even the man who operated the old mill in Felton isn't grieving the fact it's coming down.

It's a fire hazard, Donald Grove said of the old landmark of Civil War-era vintage.

Still, it's sad to see York County's old buildings coming down one by one. Or in the case of the Felton Mill, piece by piece.

A York Daily Record/Sunday News story (1/14/09) tells of its pending demise:

This is the York Gazette's report about Andrew Jackson's February 1819 visit to the borough. (To see a list of other visits by presidents or presidental candidates, click here.) Background posts: Barbara Bush at Crispus Attucks: 'It's something they will remember the rest of their lives' and Isabel Small led procession of women who made wreath for Abe Lincoln's coffin and Bill Goodling: Jerry Ford might have been the most important president he served with.

Many U.S. presidents or hopefuls came to York via train.

But Andrew Jackson arrived in a sleigh.

In 1819, before his presidential years, the noted general made a hurried visit to York before landing in Lancaster.

But while in York, he complained about an overcharge sustained on his way to that borough... .

The York Gazette's front page on Dec. 4, 1915, shows William Howard Taft and the principals behind the former president's visit to York the previous day. He spent time in the West York Avenue, later Roosevelt Avenue, home of Thomas Shipley of York Manufacturing Co. (To see a list of other visits by presidents or presidental candidates, click here.) Background posts: Ted Kennedy's visit to York comes almost 50 years after JFK's and Local man tells about goofy encounter with Gerald Ford and Carnegie to Farquhar: '... I am ready to go out and enjoy myself' .

William Howard Taft outlined his previous contacts with York County during a December 1915 visit to York as guest of the York Manufacturers Association at the York Country Club.

He had passed through by train several times, and in fact, spoke to a York audience for a few minutes from the back of a train on one occasion... .

William Henry Harrison is one of number of presidents whose funeral train stopped in York. (To see a list of other visits by presidents or presidental candidates, click here.) Background posts: Barbara Bush at Crispus Attucks: 'It's something they will remember the rest of their lives' and Isabel Small led procession of women who made wreath for Abe Lincoln's coffin and Bill Goodling: Jerry Ford might have been the most important president he served with.

Gen. William Henry Harrison, candidate for the U.S. presidency, visited York in 1836 and received a welcome befitting the "Hero of Tippecanoe."

In 1841, a train carrying Harrison's body - President Harrison's body - stopped in York, where a solemn audience honored the memory of the man who died in office... .

The Gazette and Daily, a supporter of one of Harry S. Truman's opponents in the 1948 presidential election, played the story of the president's visit at the bottom of its front page. Background posts: Harry S. Truman's first York visit: 'A statesman is only a dead politician' and Crowd to Truman on second York visit: 'Give 'em h---, Harry' and Other presidential visits listed.

Harry S. Truman's June 1948 appearance was the first by a president in York since Franklin Delano Roosevelt's train passed through in 1934 and 1938.

Truman's train stopped at the West Market Street crossing, and he spoke from its platform to a crowd estimated at 5,000.

"Only about a third of you turned out to vote for this Congress," Truman, candidate for election to the chief executive's seat he had assumed upon Roosevelt's death, said.

"And you got exactly what you deserved." ...

It's not clear about the date and which York newspaper this story ran in, but it provides an account of James Garfield's visit to York before his presidency. The full article is available at the York County Heritage Trust archives. (To see a list of other presidential visits, click here.) Background posts: Piece of John Wilkes Booth's body to be shown in Philly and Presidents visit York, alive and via funeral trains and A Civil War Black Republican: 'He robs birds' nests ... sucks hens' eggs'.

A large crowd observed the funeral train of assassinated president James A. Garfield pass through York on Sept. 23, 1881.

"Lest the gesture of standing in silence with bared heads should seem too meagre in its expression of bereavement such as this, billows of flowers had been strewn between the tracks and floral wreaths were brought to be tossed aboard the coaches," a newspaper reported.

Before his presidency, Garfield visited his friend, former James Buchanan cabinet member Jeremiah S. Black, in York... .

This page from The Gazette and Daily tells about President Franklin D. Roosevelt's appearance on his train's platform on its way through York in late May 1934. (To see a list of other presidential visits, click here.) Background posts: York-area woodcarver made life-size JFK statue. But where is it now? and Teddy Roosevelt in York: 'I know York county farmers are prosperous. Their barns are bigger than their houses' and Headline: 'Beards on Parade at Gettysburg (Battle) Field' .

President Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled through York County by train at least two times in the 1930s.

He waved from his private car but did not appear on the platform as he headed through Hanover to give his own Gettysburg Address at the Adams County battlefield on May 30, 1934. Crowds also lined the tracks in Menges Mills and Spring Grove to catch a glimpse of the president.

But on his way back through York, he stood on his train car's platform, waving to a crowd estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 people. The train did not stop... .

Hanover's Eichelberger Performing Arts Center is the heir to Eichelberger Senior High School. Background posts:Historical marker may soon point to Jefferson square's famous visitors and York freedman Aquilla Howard chosen to honor slain Abraham Lincoln and Abandoned Codorus railroad not just any abandoned railroad.

This is a story with many connections, centering around a southwestern York County businessman by the name of Eichelberger and how history has considerably shortened his name.

Hanover Junction, about 10 miles south of York, is so named because the rail line to Hanover met the Northern Central Railroad there.

The Hanover Branch was the line Abraham Lincoln took on his way to and from Gettysburg where he delivered his famous address.

A force behind the Hanover Branch for many years was Abdiel W. Eichelberger, who some believed looked like Lincoln.

By the way, with a name like Abdiel, you can see why Eichelberger went by A.W... .

York Little Theatre moved to the former Elmwood Theater, its current location, in 1953. This photo was taken after renovations to the Belmont Street building in the 1960s. YLT celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008. Background posts: Bomb group seeks Cameron Mitchell's WWII info and Add another to list of entertainers with York links and Former Hobbit House resident: 'We loved that house and the Elmwood neighborhood'.

It's a quirky little area, Spring Garden Township's Belmont Street.

It's sandwiched in there between and around the Elmwood Mansion and two Interstate 83 interchanges.

Melvin's, a hamburger stand and popular hangout, was nearby, before the interstate knocked that down.

Indeed, the interstate helped redefine the neighborhood.

In recent years, it's become lost, as retail, entertainment and residential options have moved farther out.

A York Daily Record/Sunday News editorial (1/09/09) used Belmont Street as an example of what happens to an area that sprawl leaves behind:

The Hanover Theater renovations are party completed, but now on hold. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out and Carrie Nation in York: 'If you keep smoking those things ...' and Ella Fitzgerald's show was 'memorable, not Memorex'.

In the recent post Dallas Theatre perking along, but Stewartstown's Ramsay Theatre: 'It is really in bad shape', an e-mailer lamented the deterioration of the old movie theater in that southeastern York County town.

Well, another venerable old building in Hanover was also in bad shape until recent years. An investment group had been pouring money into the Hanover Theater until it suspended renovations pending evidence of a downtown revitalization plan, according to the Hanover Evening Sun.

The Hanover Theater opened in 1928 and operated as the State Theater for years... .

George Bergdoll, 8, eagerly putted when asked to do so by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the former president's visit to the Country Club of York on June 21, 1961. Lavern Brenneman, a director of the Manufacturers Association of York, is pictured at left. (See additional photo below.) This is another in a series of blog posts about visits by presidents, prospective presidents and past presidents to York County. Background posts: Presidential visits listed and LBJ's, Lady Bird's visit a high point in Dallastown's history and Crowd to Truman on second York visit: 'Give 'em h---, Harry'.

Former president Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke to 300 York County industrial leaders at a Manufacturers Association of York's dinner at the County Club of York on June 20, 1961.

He received documents relating to his Gettysburg farm, dated 1762 and under the signature of William Penn's agent James Hamilton.

At that time, the Eisenhower farm was in York County... .

This windmill, seen here in this photo from the York County Heritage Trust, operated in the 1870s in the Jefferson Avenue area, north of the Codorus Creek in York. Background posts: Dempwolf architects built York's skyline, history and What was famed architect John Dempwolf's own house like? and Fairmount fit for Roger, Anita and Pongo, Perdita.

But an early attempt in York County to harness the wind came with construction of a windmill of the type normally associated with Holland.

That structure went up near present-day Jefferson Avenue between Beaver and North George streets... .

First Lady Barbara Bush gives high-fives outside Crispus Attucks Community Center. She visited in 1988 and 1992. 'These youngsters have had an experience that a lot of kids in this country wish they had ...,' CA Executive Director Bobby Simpson said, 'It's something they will remember the rest of their lives.' Background posts: In 2008, 8 top candidates or their families campaigned in York County and A short test of your women's history knowledge and Hillary Clinton apparently closer to middle than Obama in minds of York County Dems.

Many U.S. presidents or candidates for the presidency have appeared in York County since the 1790s.

But what about the First Ladies?

Just for starters, Hillary Clinton made it twice. First, as a prospective First Lady and then as a candidate herself.

Barbara Bush visited as prospective First Lady and then as actual First Lady.

Both times, she visited Crispus Attucks Community Center.

Both times, she visited CA's day care center.

In her 1988 visit, she viewed CA's many programs as a pilot that the rest of the country should emulate.

In 1992, she urged those in day care to set realistic goals and "never, ever, drop out."

Here's the York Daily Record's (10/6/08) account of that visit:

This Grandpa' s Knob wind tower in Vermont has links to York County. Background posts: 20 questions and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts, Who were York County's most influential citizens? - Part I and How come few in York know about S. Morgan Smith anymore?

This blog has featured several posts on York pastor-turned-entrepreneur S. Morgan Smith, his company, his family and his church.

One of his company's successor's, Voith Siemens, is best known today for its water turbines - massive machinery that equip the world's largest hydropower dams.

York Sunday News columnist Gordon Freireich shows (12/14/08) the company stretched from waterpower to wind before windmills became popular in America as an alternative energy source:

York artist J. Horace Rudy's stained glass window oversees Easter flowers at York's First Moravian Church in 2006. Background posts:York Moravian's Putz is an unsung, well-sung annual attraction, New York Wire factory whistle concert: 'We'd stand out on our driveway to hear it' and St. Mary's Church product of 19th-century York County language wars.

If someone wanted to, he or she could visit a local museum, attend a lecture or cultural event or take a tour virtually every day in York County.

I make that point in a York Sunday News column, in which I point out a recent Saturday that First Moravian's Putz was open for viewing and whistemaster Don Ryan gave a lecture on his New York Wire Cloth factory whistle prowess.

What are some pieces of historical information one brings away from such visits? ...

First Moravian Church brought S. Morgan Smith to York as its pastor and his prominent family lived here for years. Steve Zirnkilton, a descendant and York County native, is known to millions. Background posts: How come few in York know about S. Morgan Smith anymore? , Samuel Small tops York, Pa. community contributor list, Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here.

Pastor-turned-entrepreneur S. Morgan Smith left a world-wide legacy by spawning the forerunners of Johnson Controls, Precision Components, Voith Siemens Hydro and American Hydro.

But a member in his family line, Steve Zirnkilton, is known to many more.

Or at least his voice is.

That's the voice of York native Zirnkilton that is spoken at the beginning of the TV show "Law & Order." ...

Theodore Roosevelt's1906 visit made York County news when The York Dispatch published a rare front-page photo. This marked one of the last times - if not the last time - the Dispatch would depart from a gray, eight-column front page without photos for the next 82 years. The image of another U.S. president, George Bush, prompted a front-page photo in 1988. Roosevelt, just back from dedicating the new capitol building in Harrisburg, rode in an open carriage from York's Centre Square to the fairgrounds where he touted York's growing prosperity. Background posts: Presidential visits listed, York-based historian shakes hands with 8 U.S. presidents and Presidents visit York, alive and via funeral trains

In the buildup to the inauguration of new U.S. President Barack Obama, I'll post numerous entries here about presidential links to York County.

We'll start with the well-attended visit by popular U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt... .

Dem presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign chose an improbable York site for a campaign stop in York in 2008. But hundreds jostled to see her. Background posts: Unsung York County asset: Actual, virtual historical community with hustle, Best of yorktownsquare.com, 2007 and In 2008, 8 top candidates or their families campaigned in York County.

About 100 years ago, a French writer told the year's news in short snippets for a French newspaper.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News did a spinoff of Felix Feneon's "Novellas in three lines" in recapping selected news items for 2008.

For example, as an entry for May 1, the staff wrote:

This painting of Baron Steuben is one of 16 commissioned as part of the 1927 observance of the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in York. That placed him in the pantheon of luminaries honored in York, site of the Continental Congress during its nine-month visit in 1777-78. (See photo below.) Background posts: Famed Anglican William White ministered to Continental Congress in York, Declaration signer's marker mounted in obscurity and Lawmakers shared in American Revolution's adversity.

Baron von Steuben has long been a major figure in York County history.

The drillmaster largely credited with turning around the moribund Continental Army shivering at Valley Forge received his commission in early 1778 from Continental Congress, then meeting in York Town.

A new biography of Steuben is at the bookstores with York mentioned prominently in several places.

Paul Lockhart's "The Drillmaster of Valley Forge" confirms many points commonly accepted by local writers, including myself in "Nine Months in York Town."

The lights of the Christmas Putz at York's First Moravian Church are lit one by one as church members narrate the annual show. The entire Putz is illuminated here in 2004. Background posts: How come few in York know about S. Morgan Smith anymore?, John Adams: 'Yesterday the greatest question was decided' and Henry Laurens in York Town: 'I will not quit my post, although I ... fear that I may perish on it'.

In modern American, the word putz brings to mind many things.

But for centuries in Europe, the word Putz meant decoration, a specific Christmastime decoration.

As York's First Moravian shows its Putz, it's the largest manger or nativity scene, or creche, that you've probably ever seen.

The local display includes 15 different scenes telling about the birth of Jesus, highlighted by beautiful choral music, varied narrative voices and lights that walk viewers through the story.

In addition to its size, three other points about the Putz stand out... .

Young Don Ryan practices on the New York Wire Cloth factory steam whistle with his father, Marlin Ryan, in the 1950s. Don inherited the title of whistlemaster from his father and now his own sons are apprenticing to play the early Christmas Day concert. Background posts: World War II-era air raid siren discovered atop Yorktowne Hotel, Musical factory whistle drowns out N.Y. Wire's WWII feats and The world's loudest music without amplification from a non-musical instrument.

Whistlemaster Don Ryan's enthusiasm for his instrument - the factory whistle at New York Wire Cloth -impressed his audience at a York County Heritage Trust presentation on Saturday.

He explained the ins and outs of the century-plus-old whistle with an adjustable valve that permits him to play carols shortly after midnight on Christmas Day each year.

That concert draws hundreds of people - maybe even thousands - to the East Market Street area of York. That part of town simply bustles.

So, why not hold a mid-summer concert and play patriotic songs? ...

Lewis Miller captures York County forming a funeral procession in 1834 to commemorate the death of the Marquis de Lafayette, who died in France the month before. The marquis fought for America's independence from Britain's tyranny. In an ironic twist that suggests something less than equality, a York club named after the nobleman gained its first female member about 15 years ago and its first black member in 1998. (Drawing courtesy of York County Heritage Trust.) Background posts: 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part I, Part II and Marquis de Lafayette captivates folks even today.

As perhaps the most prestigious private club in York, the Lafayette Club can serve as a bellweather of the community.

So it's interesting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the club's integration. And as I outlined in the York Sunday News column When the Lafayette Club was integrated, a fundraising event at the East Market Street club earlier this year to aid the William C. Goodridge Underground Railroad Museum spells a bit of redemption for the private organization... .

Red Lion cigarmaker Harry L. Haines represented York County in U.S. Congress for most of the 1930s. Background posts: 34 years ago, Congressman Goodling replaced Congressman Goodling, Who were these congressional visitors to York Town, anyway? and Sixty years ago, Dem upset GOP incumbent for York County congressional seat.

Hinkey Haines' athletic successes sometimes overshadowed his accomplished father Harry Haines.

Harry was a cigarmaker - owner of three factories - and a successful amateur athlete around the region. He was mayor of Red Lion in the 1920s.

And he was York County's Democratic congressman in most of the Depression era.

In fact, those were the days when congressional races were, indeed, races... .

For years, the Ma & Pa's Taylor's Trestle has been forgotten between Red Lion and Yoe. Now a budding Eagle Scout wants to help restore it. Background posts: Ma & Pa rabbit trains: 'I hope they thoroughly hosed out the cars.', Ma & Pa Railroad, Muddy Creek Forks draw fans and Yo! More support for Yoe vs. Yohe.

The summary on the back cover of George W. Hilton's "The Ma & Pa" nicely describes the winding railroad:

"Connecting Baltimore and York, the line had everything needed to endear itself to local residents and rail enthusiasts: picturesque equipment, marvelous scenary, antique passenger trains, handsome small-scale locomotives, and enough curves - 476 - for a railroad many times longer than its 77 miles."

The writer could also have added in "curving trestles... ."

Henry Laurens, president of Continental Congress, was one of a handful of candidates to serve in that body for the entire nine-month period it spent in York County. That service exacted a heavy toll on the South Carolinian. Background posts: Where was Thomas Jefferson when Congress met in York?, Laurens believed to be the first American to be cremated, Who were these congressional visitors to York Town, anyway?

I've written about the sacrifices of Continental Congress president Henry Laurens before.

But for some reason, they seem particularly acute this time of year when his bout with gout during Congress' visit in York was particularly intense.

So I made them part of today's Christmas Day editorial appearing in the York Daily Record/Sunday News:

Grace Tarbet, Ruth Miller, Thelma Nerlinger are on duty transferring calls at York Telephone and Telegraph's Stewartstown exchange in this photograph from The Gazette and Daily. On June 18, 1961, their long tenures ended when an automatic exchange was installed. Background posts: Miata, pool suggest changes in small-town Stewartstown, Fawn Township's magnificent Centre Presbyterian Church worthy of a looksee and Few know it, but digital computing's first pioneer George Stibitz was born in York, Pa.

Those days when an operator transferred local calls ended in York County in the early 1960s.

Stewartstown was the next-to-last exchange to convert to automatic dial service in June 1961, with Fawn Grove slated later in that year.

"No longer will a Stewartstown subscriber be able to ask an operator for the special accommodation of routing a call to some nearby place where that subscriber would be visiting," The Gazette and Daily reported.

Nine operators lost their jobs in that switchover... .

Henry 'Hinkey' Haines, left, and Babe Ruth were teammates on the 1923 World Series champion New York Yankees. Background posts: Southpaw could be next York/Adams major leaguer, York County sports a miniature Cooperstown and Red Lion's Butch Wynegar ranks bright among York's sports stars.

Henry L. "Hinkey" Haines might have been the most accomplished athlete ever to come out of York and Adams counties.

So contends Frank Bodani, who spearheaded the Greatest Athletes series now running weekly in the York Daily Record/Sunday News.

Certainly, he made the York Sunday News' top 10 list of greatest athletes of the 20th century.

But he did not make the top 10 list of Red Lion Area Senior High School athletes.

The book "Red Lion, The First One Hundred Years" offers a possible explanation for that:

This photograph shows the Codorus Creek near Richland Avenue before Depression-era flood-control efforts changed its appearance. (Courtesy of York County Heritage Trust.) Background posts: Destructive flood of 1933 struck York County 75 years ago, It couldn't happen in York County? Women were trampled in Depression-era labor unrest and Bad economy turned York Safe and Lock toward lucrative defense work .

In a previous post Great Depression not only pinched in York County, it punched, I take a poke at the notion that the county somehow escaped the very tough times of the 1930s.

That assertion has come down over the years because no bank in York failed during the Depression.

No banks apparently failed in the city.

But using Charles Bloomfield's Millersville University master's research, I point out that 17 of York County's 46 banks either failed or reorganized.

This discussion caused Warren Miller of Hanover to inquire about which banks did, indeed, fail... .

Mary E. White became the first black nurse at Memorial Hospital in the mid-1950s. Background posts: York County WWII nurse: 'You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses', York's Wonder Women: The stories of four more movers and shakers, Histories attempt to fill blanks in women's, black history and Pioneering York doctor slighted: 'She felt ... her professional status was well established'.

Nurse Mary E. White's story is similar to many professionally trained blacks in York County in the 20th century.

She trained for a profession but experienced problems gaining employment in her field.

Her fourth application for employment at Memorial Hospital worked, as the following excerpt from my York County black history, "Almost Forgotten," states:

Jim Miller runs The Miller Carriage and Wagon Museum at his Codorus Township home. Its collection includes long years of collecting wagons, carriages and buggies. Background posts: Is mystery railroad the old Shrewsbury narrow ga