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This was the scene the morning after York, Pa.'s, Centre Square market sheds came down in what amounted to a middle of the night hanging in 1887. Teamsters roped support beams to the old sheds and pulled them down, thereby settling a controversy about their fate. York had just become a city with growing factories, and some wanted the main square cleared on the dirty, tottering sheds. (For details, visit: Once pulled down, York's market sheds won't go back up.) The York Emporium's Jim Lewin e-mailed this photograph with the notation: "An interesting old photograph walked in the door here ... and when I saw what it was I thought of you." The caption reads: "Tearing down the Market Sheds in Center Square, June 1887." For another photo of the scene, visit: York County farm vs. factory tension relieved in overnight raid. Also of interest: From squealing pigs to wireless, York, Pa., markethouses have changed and York's western gate: One image says so much and Civil War authors run York bookstore, too.

A mixed bag of neat stuff ... .

A recent Los Angeles Times story bore a headline that might pique your interest: "A government genealogy service lets family history leap off the page."

The story tells about a little-known genealogy service run by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Here are excerpts to the story: ...

This U.S. postage stamp, issued in 2005, shows famed singer Marian Anderson. Ceremonies observing the stamp's issue were held at the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. In 1939, the contralto was denied the opportunity to perform there because she was black. She then sang before thousands at the Lincoln Memorial. Two years later, she performed in York. Also of interest: When York County rolled up its red carpet to people of color and What did Tiny Tim and Richard Nixon have in common? and York's 221 E. Princess St. home to telling ironies.

Still on the theme that there are York County tie-ins to most anything that is in the news - or has been part of America's past.

Here is more on that topic gleaned from a recent York concert honoring famed singer Marian Anderson. It's a column set to run the York Sunday News on Sunday (3/7/10):

Dianne Bowders responded to a recent post about York-made Weaver organs and pianos with a photo (above) and some interesting information. "My great grandfather, Henry Nelson Zumbrun (1845-1909) bought a Weaver organ for his three daughters amusement. As a stone cutter for the railroad, his salary was paltry but sufficient to purchase the organ circa 1902. He paid the equivalent of one month's salary. My grandmother, Mabel Z. Rishel (1900-1989) remembers the day the organ arrived at the Emigsville house. It was delivered by a flat bed wagon pulled by several horses. Today, it works well, and reminds me of my grandmother playing from an old shaped note hymnal." Dianne then asked, "Are there many other Weaver organs in York?" She probably meant in private hands because several North Broad Street-made instruments are on display at the York County Heritage Trust's Agricultural and Industrial Museum. Blog readers who would like to share information about their Weaver organ or piano can comment below. Also of interest: York, Pa.'s Weaver Organ and Piano Co.: 'Guaranteed to give permanent satisfaction' and Emigsville's Web site tells tales of community's past and The organ: 'It is a whole orchestra in itself'.

A mixed bag of neat stuff ... .

An e-mailer noticed the short bios I wrote on the "Civil Rights Heroes" mural and wondered why Roy Borom wasn't there. He wondered whether the selection process covered a different era than when Roy Borom was here.

I suspect the reason Roy Borom, York's first black city councilman, wasn't there was just a matter of space. He was elected to city council in 1974, after coming to York in 1968 as Crispus Attucks Community Center's exec.

One can name many other worthy achievers who could have been added... .

Russell W. Chapman was appointed to the York City School Board in 1967, the first black person to fill a seat on that board. Background posts: Thackston Park area connects to York's past and Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit and York's West Princess Street in 1950s: 'I knew there was something special about that area' .

Last night, I told a story about York City School Board member W. Russell Chapman's vote on a crucial issue - at a meeting moved to his home so he could make the vote - four days before his death in 1971.

Someone made the point at the memory-filled evening, "Reflections of Greatness,
a Journey Through West Princess Street," that the story shows that you can make a difference no matter now old you are, even on your deathbed.

Good point.

Enjoy the story, based on newspaper accounts, about Russell Chapman, one of the community's leaders in the middle part of the 20th century. See what lessons you can draw from it:

This is the center panel of the three sheets that make up the York (Pa.) City Human Relations Commission's mural 'Civil Rights Heroes - Barrier Breakers.' It features Bobby Simpson, longtime head of York's Crispus Attucks Community Center. Stephanie Seaton, Human Relations Commission executive director, will give a presentation on the mural, to go along with a panel discussing growing up on West Princess Street in post World War II-era. The event is set for 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at the York County Heritage Trust. Also of interest: Resources for York/Adams history junkies increasingly posted on Web and A short test of your women's history knowledge and A short test of your York black history knowledge.

The third part in a series - Part I and Part II - of the people of the Civil Rights Heroes Mural of York ... .

Four points about the panel:

This is one of three panels of the York City Human Relations Commission's mural 'Civil Rights Heroes - Barrier Breakers.' A brief presentation on this mural, to go along with a panel discussing growing up on West Princess Street in post World War II-era, is set for 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at the York County Heritage Trust. (See key below.) Also of interest: Check out these updated lists of pioneering York County minorities, women and All black history posts from the start and All Underground Railroad posts from the start.

Another in a series of the people of the Civil Rights Heroes Mural of York ... .

A three-panel traveling mural, on the wall at the York County Heritage Trust's meeting room, awaits the Saturday, Feb. 27, 'Reflections of Greatness' Black History Month events. Stephanie Seaton of the York City Human Relations Commission will describe the people on the murals and a panel of achievers - Judge Marie White Bell, Dr. Julia Hines-Harris, Dr. Dorothy King and Virginia Hunter - will tell about how their neighbors on the 300 block of West Princess Street helped in their development. (See one of the colorful panels below, with a key of those on the murals. (Check out the York County Heritage Trust's site for event details.) Also of interest: York, Pa., civil rights leader took plunge against discriminatory ban at city pool and An evening to learn about York County, Pa.'s, 'Civil Rights Heroes - Barrier Breakers' and All black history posts from the start..

In 2005, Brett Greiman and his Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts student assistants created a mural depicting 18 participants in the civil rights movement in 20th century and early 21st century York County.

A York Daily Record/Sunday News account described the process:

Greiman collected photographs of the people featured in the art, then projected and enlarged the images onto three large sheets of canvas against his home garage wall. The students outlined the images and Greiman painted them. The process took about five months. The art is a monument to people who worked for peace and civil justice, he said.

I wrote brief descriptions for the program for the upcoming "Reflections of Greatness" event. Here they are for those shown in the left panel (the other two panels described in subsequent posts) ... .

Maurice Peters, Sr., addresses York (Pa.) City Council about the use of excessive force by the police department in 1965. Council President Fred Schiding is seen at right. Peters was a leader in the civil rights movements in York County in the 1960s. (See additional photo, from The Gazette and Daily, below.) Also of interest: All black history posts from the start and York's West Princess Street in 1950s: 'I knew there was something special about that area' and Add another achiever to the list of York countians with impressive resumes .

Eighteen community members shown on the mural, "Civil Rights Heroes - Barrier Breakers", will be honored as part of a black history event Saturday, Feb. 27, at the York County Heritage Trust.

Eighteen people who fought the good fight, using a diversity of styles, will be recognized.

And the story of Maurice Peters Sr., one of the 18, is one of the most interesting... .

The Rev. Thomas Montouth, seen here in a photograph from 1946, and Dr. George Bowles, were leaders in York, Pa.'s, black community in the first 50 years of the 20th century. The Rev. Montouth pastored the now-demolished Faith Presbyterian Church on North Duke Street. The pastor and physican are among 18 community members shown on the mural: "Civil Rights Heroes -- Barrier Breakers". Also of interest: All black history posts from the start and All Underground Railroad posts from the start and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County, Pa., smarts.

The three-panel Civil Rights Heroes mural, an exhibit that has traveled around the community for five years, will serve as the backdrop for an evening designed to inform visitors about the York, Pa., community.

A panel of achievers from the 300 block of West Princess Street will begin and end the evening. That predominantly black neighborhood will provide a sense of place in discussion about growing up in York in the mid-20th century

The panel will bracket a presentation by York City Human Relations exec Stephanie Sechrist about the mural. The colorful panels were created in 2005 by Bradley Academy graphics design instructor Brett Greiman, with assistance from his students.

Here is information about the evening followed by a brief quiz about one of the neighborhood's notable figures:



The 300 block of West Princess Street in York, Pa., seen in this 2001 photograph in the York Sunday News, was the childhood home of numerous achievers. Panelists at an upcoming Black History Month event will discuss growing up in the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s. Also of interest: All black history posts from the start and On Second Saturdays: 'It's really cool that the Heritage Trust started this program' and Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit.

An evening for the public to explore what it was about life in the 300 block of West Princess Street in post-World War II York that produced so many achievers is set for Saturday, Feb. 27.

A panel of those who grew up in that predominantly black neighborhood will highlight the event, starting at 5 p.m., at the York County Heritage Trust, 250 E. Market St., York.

Judge Marie White Bell, featured in a Feb. 18, 2001, York Sunday New article, will be one of those panelists.

That story began:

Zachary Witman, accused of killing his brother, carries documentation for his defense into the York County (Pa.) Courthouse in 2003. He was convicted but legal proceedings concerning his case continue in county and appellate courts. A post that includes information on the Witman case, was the most accessed single post on Yorktownsquare.com blog in 2009. Also of interest: Major York County historical moments through the centuries and York County's top 10 news stories in 2006 and Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties?

Viewers of this blog, Yorktownsquare.com, have seen recent posts on the top news stories from 2009 and the past decade, 2000-2009.

But what posts have been the favorites of Yorktownsquare.com viewers in the past year?

You can view the following list and, if interested, click on the links to see those making up the top 10 (after, of course, the Yorktownsquare.com home page which received the most):

A machete-wielding madman attacked teachers and students in a Red Lion Area School District in 2001. Three years later, a student shot Red Lion Area Junior High School principal Eugene Segro. Those violent acts brought York County's schools into the series of attacks in schools across the nation. Here, a memorial sits outside the junior high school in 2004. Also of interest: Check out this list of York County top news stories in 2009 and Major York County historical moments through the centuries and York County's top 10 news stories in 2006 and Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties?

York Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Teresa Boeckel did a thoughtful, thorough job in her recent compilation of many of the big news events from the first decade of the 20th century.

It helped that this veteran reporter and Northeastern High School graduate covered most of these events, in full or in part.

Viewers can get the full details from Teresa's reporting at A decade in local news: The highs and lows of York County.

Here are the topics in her report of a decade that came of the heels of York County's hopeful 250th anniversary celebration in 1999 and started with the tensions of the so-called millennium bug, Y2K: ... .

The fire that destroyed most of 111-year-old Shenberger's Chapel United Methodist Church in February was one of the top news stories in York County. Also of interest: Major York County historical moments through the centuries and York County's top 10 news stories in 2006 and Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties?

Members of the York Daily Record/Sunday News staff have put forth a list of top 10 York County news stories from last year.

And they've provided an interactive page for readers to record their own most memorable moments of 2009.

"Create a keepsake before 2009 is forgotten," a headline states.

Here's the list:

The Children's Home of York stands along East Philadelphia Street shortly before its demolition in the 1970s. The stone wall stands today, fronting a strip shopping center. A plaque on the wall states that the home opened in 1867 and closed in 1972. It states: "Dedicated to all the children that called this home." Also of interest: Civil War affected women in York County - and vice versa and Isabel Small led procession of women who made wreath for Abe Lincoln's coffin and Samuel Small tops York, Pa. community contributor list.

A sign on the old Pine Street School has long noted its use as the Sylvia Newcombe Center.

Today, another sign appears there: the Children's Home of York, no doubt an adjunct to the home's Pleasant Acres, Springettsbury Township, headquarters.

That's noteworthy because the old school is across from the site of the original Children's Home of York, built in the post-Civil War era to house the orphaned children of Civil War soldiers.

The majestic home joined the York Collegiate Institute, York County Academy, York City Market and Helb Mansion as examples of wonderful architectural gems that fell to the wrecker's ball in and around the 1960s... .

An Associated Press reporter and photographer recently caught up with York, Pa.'s Mayor-elect Kim Bracey as she prepared to assume office in January. Here's an excerpt from the AP story: A little girl who trembled in her house as a National Guard tank rumbled past during York's chaotic 1969 race riots has grown up to become the first black mayor of the central Pennsylvania city. Kim Bracey, 45, an energetic veteran of the struggling manufacturing city's improvement efforts will take office in January, to the delight of many African-Americans who thought they would never see a black mayor. "President Obama was one thing, but here in York where few people vote ... I really didn't think I would live to see this take place," Bracey said in a recent interview at her transition office. (To read more about the interview and to view another photo of Bracey, see below.) Also of interest: Former York, Pa., police chief Tom Chatman ranks high on list of local pioneering minorities and Mattie Chapman's barrier-breaking legacy apparent in York County 30 years later and A short test of your York black history knowledge - Part III.

Visitors to Washington, D.C., looking to see a piece of York County there have more to visit than just the National Christmas Tree, with its roots in Shiloh.

A painter captured Special Olympian and York native Loretta Claiborne in a portrait of Eunice Shriver at the National Portrait Gallery. Her work is a must visit... .

A car navigates around the rotary at an intersection in Vandergrift, Pa. Frederick Law Olmsted's design for Vandergrift, 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, largely avoided. Street corners and accompanying buildings were rounded. According to the Associated Press, many communities are embracing sustainable revitalization, but Vandergrift's comprehensive strategy is to create an energy independent, ecologically low-impact, economically viable town from the ashes of its postindustrial wasteland. Consultant Roger Brooks will present his findings for the revitalization of York, Pa., on Tuesday. (See additional photo, story below.) Olmsted family designers also laid out Wyndham Hills in the hills south of York City. Also of interest: York Sunday News columnist: 'Time for York to break shackles of Colonialism' and Author: 'York's streetscape features almost every style and era of American architecture' and Every day, York County struts its diverse architectural stuff

A York Daily Record/Sunday News history entry won a coveted statewide award, the G. Richard Dew Award for public service reporting.

The multi-media entry, "York's Own Civil War," competed in Pennsylvania Newspaper Association competition against entries from newspapers of all sizes, including those in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Here are some excerpts from my acceptance speech, themes readers of this blog might find familiar:

"Our entry was a body of work that explored the Civil War and its implications for York County, which was fully involved in that war. For various reasons, York's role in the Civil War was sublimated until recently... .

With a landslide win Tuesday night, Kim Bracey became York, Pa.'s first black mayor and third woman to hold that office since 1887. Also of interest: Mattie Chapman, first black elected county official profiled, Pioneering women in state politics and 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive.

The election of Kim Bracey as the first black person to hold the mayoral seat in York City and Chuck Patterson as the first black person to sit on the bench in York County calls for an updating of the list of political and community firsts.

Patterson also became the second person of color - and the first male - to win countywide office. Mattie Chapman gained election to the post of prothonotary in 1975.

Here are updated lists of pioneers, plus an updated list of York mayors since 1887, when York became a city:

Glen Burkholder, with The Building Recycler in Kutztown, dismantles a bagger this week at the former Ohio Blenders plant in York. About half of the machinery and silos will be dismantled and reused. (See additional photo below.) Also of interest: York's Lafayette Club: 'It's not your father's club ... It's historic. But it's not prehistoric' and Map explains York, Pa.'s $50 million redevelopment area and Skinny dipping in the Codorus?

The high-profile demolition of those big blue Ohio Blenders silos on the bank of the Codorus Creek is an example of a change in York County that can be easily overlooked.

Those towers are coming down causing an obvious change in York's skyline, as mixed commercial and residential uses that are part of the Northwest Triangle development take their place.

But take a moment to think about why those silos were there... .

Ophelia Chambliss' art has been widely exhibited at York, Pa.'s, Crispus Attucks Community Center, the York County (Pa.) Heritage Trust and elsewhere around York County. Here, her art is available for all to see in Murals of York-fashion outside York County borders - in Harrisburg. The mural, titled "Mending Hearts, Minds and Communities" is part of neighborhood revitalization and community projects. The wall space was donated by Christina and Bluett Jones on the side of their gallery (Gallery Blu) at 1633 North Third St. This is the debut mural for the Susquicentennial Commission's "Painting the Town" project, as part of Harrisburg's 150th anniversary celebration in 2010. Also of interest: Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit and Linked in with neat York County history stuff - Oct. 15, 2009 and If you want to see the Murals of York up close ... .

From the mailbag and Web: A mixed bag of links to a bit of everything around York County:

A tiny group of Episcopalians converged on a tiny chapel in the tiny Adams County town of York Springs.

"They prayed and meditated on Scripture in a one-room brick chapel on Main Street -- the parent church for Episcopalians west of the Susquehanna," York Daily Record/Sunday News reporter Melissa Nann Burke, wrote. "A rotting sign out front reads: 'Christ Church Episcopal, Colonial English Parish founded 1746.'"

The congregation dates back to the 1740s, and the structure standing today in York Springs dates to the 1830s. Read more at Episcopalians take pilgrimage to past.

- More neat stuff below. -

York, Pa., artist Horace Bonham, 1835-1892, was one of 19th-century York's best known personalities. Today, his best-known painting is "Nearing the Issue at the Cockpit." Background posts: A short test of your York black history knowledge - Part II, Exhibit captures decades-long flow of wide Susquehanna and Artist Jeff Koons came back to York for a show.

The Philadelphia Eagles' signing of quarterback Michael Vick of dogfighting ring infamy shows the disgrace of such a crime in the 21st century.

But it's interesting that animal-fighting did not hold such ignominy 150 years ago... .

York, Pa.'s Loretta Claiborne joins other Special Olympians and Eunice Kennedy Shriver in this portrait hanging in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. From left are Airika Straka, Katie Meade, Andy Leonard, Claiborne, Shriver and Marty Sheets. According to the York Daily Record/Sunday News, this was the first portrait commissioned by the museum that was not of a person who had served as president or first lady. (See additional photo below.) Background posts: William Penn Senior High School Hall of Fame honors a host of York County achievers and Loretta Claiborne's achievements bring spotlight her way and Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties?.

Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne first met Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1972 and crossed paths with her again in 1980. The two kept in touch after that.

In an interview at the time of Shriver's death, Claiborne told the York Daily Record/Sunday News: "She was a woman of wealth. She could have gone anywhere, but she wanted to help humanity."

But how did York's celebrity Special Olympian get involved with those games to begin with? ... .

Anna Olmeda of Dover recently discovered this KKK certificate in the back of a framed photograph. 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'.

Signs of the Ku Klux Klan's presence in early 20th-century York County are pretty common around here.

The various chapters held regular picnics, cross burnings and parades in small towns throughout the county. So, this secret society left a public trail.

A reminder of those days came recently when Dover Township's Anna Olmeda found a certificate in an old picture frame granting Claude A. Slyder, presumably from York County, membership in the Klan... .

Thomas V. Chatman Jr., a pioneer in York's (Pa.) black community, passed away this week. Background posts: Mattie Chapman, first black elected county official profiled, Pioneering women in state politics and 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive.

Tom Chatman, York's first black chief of police, died this week, and Mike Argento's obituary story quite rightly details his accomplishments on the road to that office.

"He endured, back in his days as a patrolman and later a detective, the most vile racial epithets from bigots and being called an Uncle Tom by members of his own community," Argento wrote.

To boil down a list of Chatman accomplishments, he became York's police chief within 10 years after the York race riots ended. The practices and policies of York's police department contributed to those terrible summers of 1968 and 1969.

With the spotlight on this pioneer, it seems right to repeat or three-peat his place in this sampling of minority and female "firsts" in York County's past, many of which have occurred since 1970:

This iconic photo capturing the moment of the 1969 York race riots shows police seizing weapons from a North Newberry Street home. Newberry Street Boys were headquarted on their namesake street, which served as the site of shooting of Lillie Belle Allen on July 21, 1969. This photo originally appeared in The Gazette and Daily and now is part of York County Heritage Trust's archives. Background posts: Images capture hope for racial harmony, York Charrette or charade? and First pitch could break link with York race riots.

In an earlier post in this York race riots series, I wrote about prepping to background a visiting journalist about those disturbing moments in the 1960s.

As part of those preparations, I wrote the following slogan, common around York in the 1860s: "The Union as it was, the Constitution as it is and the Negroes where they are."

This was the majority view in York County. As I've written before, it was a border county in a border state in the Middle Atlantic region where North meets South.

The county developed the pragmatic view that slavery was not York County's problem, and it was not an issue that merited splitting the Union and fracturing the Constitution. Many believed it would disrupt commerce with the South, and the freedman would take scarce jobs or demand financial support.

Abraham Lincoln represented disunion, so we voted against him in the presidential elections of 1860 and 1864... .

This is perhaps the photograph used most often to illustrate stories on the York race riots of 1968-69. The National Guard was called in to York to supplement local and state police forces that were seeking to quell rioting in 1969. The photo first appeared in The Gazette and Daily and is now part of the York County Heritage Trust's Archives. Background posts: Helping to sort it out in York: Timeline of 1969 race riots, Part I and Since 1887, York mayors have dealt with the serious - and the silly and York Charrette or charade?

A visiting journalist, a college professor, was due in our office to gather background on the race riots of the late 1960s and particularly the legal resolution of the trials in 2000 to 2002.

I contemplated concise ways to explain both tough, memorable moments and finally came upon the idea of putting forth the causes and effects in the form of chemical equations.

So, to explain the riots, I wrote:

Long racial oppression + neglect of services for low-income people + unfit mayor + boiling U.S. urban racial environment + K-9 Corps (as a catalyst) = York riots of 1968-69.

This AP photo from June 2001 shows the media besieging the then-York County Courthouse during the trial of defendants in the slaying of Lillie Belle Allen and Henry C. Schaad during race rioting 32 years before. Background posts: For years, York countians part of major court cases and Witman murder among York County's most notorious crimes and York County educator recounts machete attack on 'I Survived...' .

As rioting rocked the York area, Lillie Belle Allen died 40 years ago today.

The death of this black woman from the South, visiting family in York, came three days after white police officer Henry C. Schaad was shot while on patrol.

Two young people dead. Their slayers did not come to justice for another 30 years.

In some minds, these wrenching events all run together. What happened when?

The following chronology, published in the York Sunday News (7/19/09) is designed to help place events in order:

The July 21, 1969, edition of The Gazette and Daily told about man's walk on the moon and rioting in York, Pa., a pretty interesting news day. Background posts: Background posts: Meeting of riot victims brought racial accord, Mayor: 'We're going to clean up this site' and York Charrette or charade?

In the minds of some in York County, the moment of Neil Armstrong's and Buzz Aldrin's moonwalk in 1969 will always be aligned with the escalation of rioting in York.

Editors at the Gazette and Daily had to balance coverage of the moon walk with the march of shooting victims into the York Hospital emergency room. This was the product of what has become known as the race riots of 1968-69.

One of the shooting victims was 29-year-old Jacob W. Hose Jr., known today as former York County Sheriff Bill Hose... .

York's Citizen's Committee to open the Municipal Swimming Pool placed an advertisement to draw attention to a meeting after the city closed the pool in the late 1940s rather than allow blacks entry there. Background posts: Cartoonist made York newspaper owner's views an art form and York Town Square reader: 'I never knew about the White Rose Amusement Park' and Reader searching for Boys Club Pool photo.

The Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission is investigating the case of a private club outside Philadelphia that allegedly revoked an agreement to allow minority campers from the Creative Steps Inc. group to swim in its pool.

About a week ago, young minority campers from Creative Steps went to a Philadelphia-area pool to swim.

Patrons of the Valley Club made racial remarks and removed their own children from the pool, the camp's executive director told USA Today.

That has created a controversy, and rightfully so... .

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... .

Judge Emanuel A. Cassimatis, William Penn Senior High School class of 1944, is a member of the William Penn Hall of Fame. The retired judge of York County Court is among an elite group of achievers who are members of the hall. Background posts: York County sports a miniature Cooperstown and York County high school grads teach lessons in achievement on national stage and York County native Maj. Gen. David F. Wherley Jr. assumed major role in guarding post-9/11 D.C.

A recent post about an upcoming Smithsonian exhibit honoring pioneering Appalachian Trail through-hiker Earl Shaffer included an interesting fact

The most famous trail hiker in the world had to wait three years to be inducted into the William Penn Hall of Fame.

The hall takes one person a year and equally deserving candidates had been nominated before him.

That should show the quality of those who are members of the hall.

Who are others who have been so honored? ... .

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... .

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, at least of this date, 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). (Post-election update: Kim Bracey won easily to become York's 26 mayor.) :

This aggregation of Web sites provides a look at York/Adams (Pa.) history in perhaps unprecedented detail. Background posts: York County Heritage Trust Archives/Library extends offerings to research family tree and Peeking into Pa.'s attic and Availability of microfilm an oft-posed question.

For years, the York Daily Record/Sunday News has considered history part of the journalistic enterprise.

Journalists regularly draw on the work of historians.

And vice versa.

With so many resources to learn about history out there, we've been working to help readers - and ourselves - make sense of them.

So, we've aggregated links to many local history sites into just one list. (If we've omitted any, let us know.) To see this list ... ,

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... .

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... .

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:

Charlie Thomas, a York resident, and his group of 50 years, The Drifters, will perform at 8 p.m. today at Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover. For details: 637-7086 or www.theeich.org . Background posts: Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here and Famed doo-wopper from York, Pa. walks down the aisle of heaven and Memories and Nostalgia posts from the start.

"Charlie Thomas is The Drifters," York Daily Record/Sunday News columnist Mike Argento wrote in 2007.

Indeed.

Others have grabbed that name, but Charlie Thomas' Drifters is the authentic oldies group. That's saying a lot. A look at the complex Wikipedia entry for the multi-splintered group make you want to escape from it all up on the roof.

And area residents can see the real thing tonight in Hanover when Charlie and his widely traveled band perform within the borders of York County.

Here's an excerpt from Mike's Nov. 9, 2007, piece on Charlie, a York resident:

The York County Heritage Trust's genealogy section offers a trove of information for those researching their families. Background posts: A researcher's roll through the microfilm and For genealogists, researchers searching York County families, facts and York County genealogical research: An exhausting endeavor.

A subscription to the deep and helpful ancestry.com site demands a costly subscription not within the reach of everyone.

But those using the York County Heritage Trust Archives/Library can access it at no charge... .

Joseph M. & Mae E. Jenkins dedicated much of their lives not only to Cub pack 11 and other community activities. A new York County Heritage Trust exhibit celebrates their efforts and Scouting. Background posts: Old York County Boy Scout camp still teaching lessons and Old Ganoga Bridge: 'It is a highly unusual sight in York County' and York's Crispus Attucks Center had intriguing start.

Joseph Jenkins worked in Cub Scouting from its earliest years in York County.

And in fact, from its earliest years in America.

He started his Scout work under Cub Pack 32 at St. Patrick's Church in the 1930s and moved to Cub Pack 11 at Crispus Attucks Community Center in the 1940s.

All his volunteer work culminated in his receiving the coveted Silver Beaver Award in 1963.

Meanwhile, his wife Mae got involved as Pack 11 den mother. She was recognized for his years of service with the Scouter's Award, Scouter's Key, and District Award of Merit.

Not only were the Jenkins integrally involved in shaping the lives of Scouts, but they collected and preserved Cub Pack 11's records and artifacts... .

Candidate Barack Obama took a tour of the Voith Siemens Hydro Power Plant in York in September 2008. In visiting York County, Obama stepped on soil familiar to his family. Background posts: Exhibit features artifacts detailing presidential visits to York County and In 2008, 8 top candidates or their families campaigned in York County and When York County rolled up its red carpet to people of color.

President William McKinley and Richard Nixon have family links to York County. That information has been out there for years.

But "Trust Talk," newsletter of the York County Heritage Trust, broke new ground in exploring local links to the family of Barack Obama - and former president Lyndon Johnson.

According to the newsletter, Both Obama and Johnson descend from Philip Ament, a York County native... .

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... .

Former Chief County Detective Becky Downing, shown here in her 1997 York City Police trading card, was a pioneering police officer. She's also an answer to this year's women's history quiz. Background posts: World War II propaganda posters raised spirits, women's wrath and York County WWII nurse: 'You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses' and
A short test of your women's history knowledge, Part I.

March is Women's History Month, and to get folks warmed up, here is a quiz about female pioneers in York County. (Answers below.)

Who was the first ...

1. First Latino city school board president?
2. First Latino school board member?
3. First appointed female mayor of York?
4. First elected female mayor of York?
5. First city female police officer?
6. First black elected York County row officer?
7. First female county commissioner?
8. First female York County Common Pleas Court judge?
9. First female state legislator?
10. First black homecoming queen, William Penn High School?

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... .

Community leader W. Russell Chapman earned that reputation for his work in public office - and in the private sector. Read below to find out his public service. Background posts: A short test of your York black history knowledge - Part I and Part II and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts .

This blog's third annual black history quiz consists of names and achievements.

The following is the list of achievements.

Go to next page to find the names ... .

Who was the ...

1. First black city school board member?

2. First black female city school board member?

3. First black city school board president?

4. First black city school superintendent?

5. First black female city school superintendent?

6. First black city councilman?

7. First black candidate for mayor?

8. First black female candidate for mayor?

9. First black nurse at Memorial Hospital?

10. First black York County Court of Common Pleas judicial candidate?

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... .

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."

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... .

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... .

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:

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):

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:

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:

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... .

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:

Here's a hint to answer part of York County Smarts quiz, Part IV: This former York County legislator made history when she became the first woman elected to the General Assembly in the 1960s. (See additional photo below). York County smarts quiz, Part I, Part II, Part III.

Since its beginning, Pennsylvania has accomplished awesome results in the civilized arts -- more so than other areas of the United States of comparable size.

So says Philip Klein in his "History of Pennsylvania."

"Every region generates some creative people," he and co-author Ari Hogenboom wrote, "but Pennsylvania produced them by the hundreds."

Why?

Credit it to a diverse population, William Penn's quest for liberty and a varied, resource-rich geographic landscape.

Benjamin Franklin is Klein's Exhibit A of a Pennsylvania who showed original thought coupled with practical experiment.

All this could help explain why York countians have long made their mark on the state and national landscape... .

The Rosie the Riveter image could suggest to some that women worked outside the home for the first time in World War II. Actually, the Great Depression brought women into the work force in droves, paving the way for their wartime role as a key cog in the Arsenal of Democracy. Women aiding their families made up one-third of York's workers at the height of the Depression in 1933. Here, a woman runs a machine in this undated photo, courtesy of the York County Heritage Trust. Background posts: The real big York County house that little false teeth built, York County expert Dan Meckley: 'I refuse to be politically correct' and Valencia Ballroom became cool place during Depression.

Let's be clear.

Depressions, like recessions, are not desirable.

But history shows that good can come out of bad.

That was true of Joseph in the Bible when Potipher's wife set him up.

It is true in the Great Depression in York County, when many community institutions that delight today cropped up from damaged economic soil.

Can a fraction of this happen again during the current downturn?

The following adaptation from my book "Never to be Forgotten," show the devastation and renewal spawned by the Depression.

Laura Carroll Beveridge is Central's all-time greatest athlete, according to the York Daily Record/Sunday News. She's also credited with breaking the racial barrier at Central. Background posts: Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit, 1967 William Penn senior class scored firsts and Scores in York mourn death of former Cat chief.

Jonathan R. Stayer graduated from Central York High School in 1978, the same year as Laura Carroll Beveridge.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News recently selected Beveridge as that school's all-time top athlete.

But Stayer, now head of the reference section at the Pennsylvania State Archives, remembers Beveridge as a trailblazer on the racial front.

Here's his assessment in his own words from a recent e-mail:

.

Cyrus Griest, an agent in the Underground Railroad and his wife are buried with other abolitionist Quakers in the Menallen Friends Meetinghouse, Adams County. Quakers in Adams and York counties were known to aid fugitives traveling along the Underground Railroad. Background posts: York's Goodridge House listed as site on Underground Railroad network, Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County, Part II and Amanda Berry Smith: 'God's image carved in ebony'.

Debra Sandoe McCauslin is doing much to put facts behind Underground Railroad legends.

Her most recent efforts have produced a book exploring Yellow Hill, a black community in Adams County that served as a destination point for fugitives who had crossed the Mason-Dixon Line in an attempt to gain their freedom... .

The woman in this photo, courtesy York County Heritage Trust, is believed to be Isabel Cassat Small. She was the wife of businessman Samuel Small and a philanthropist in her own right. Background posts: Reader doesn't understand some things about York County, Old P.A. and S. Small building fit better than successors and Freedman kisses earth as canalboat crossed Mason-Dixon Line.

Samuel Small, 19th-century York businessman, is at the top of the community contributor's philanthropy list.

I pointed this out in a York Sunday News column (11/17/08), as I've done on elsewhere on this blog.

But Isabel Small, Samuel's wife, was an overlooked and integral part of the Small philanthropy machine, as outlined in the following gleaned from my "East of Gettysburg" and George Prowell's "History of York County:"

Vilma Garcia- Jones, working with U.S. Census in 2000, tosses goodies to school children outside the York Post Office as part of activities to raise public awareness about the census. Background posts: Delma Rivera, 'Legacies,' Part II, York Spanish Council organized 33 years ago and A short test of your York black history knowledge - Part II.

The e-mailer was blunt.

On your list of firsts, why have you skipped over the name of Vilma Garcia-Jones, the first Latina to serve and be elected to the York City School Board?

First off, Vilma Garcia-Jones, who died in February 2002, was the major proponent in York County for the Latino community in the 1990s.

That was a time of great growth in the Spanish-speaking population in York, particularly those coming from Puerto Rico. And as the forceful exec at the Spanish American Center, Vilma Garcia-Jones was in the right position to serve as community spokeswoman for that community... .

Thomas Chatman Jr. was a pioneering member of the York community, serving as York's police chief in the 1970s, the first black man to do so. He is pictured here in 2006, with his patrolman's photo in the background. Background posts: Mattie Chapman, first black elected county official profiled, Pioneering women in state politics and 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive.

On the morning after Barack Obama gained the presidency, some might wonder how minorities and women have fared in gaining public office in York County.

The York Town Square post, First York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem, provides a list of minority and women achievers.

Thomas Chatman Jr. is among those atop the list.

He was the York police department's first black detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and chief. He and Amos Palmer also were the first black city police officers to ride in squad cars... .

The York Gazette used heavy score lines to observe the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This solemn and respectful treatment of Lincoln upon death contrasted with the newspapers unabating, often caustic criticism of his admininstration's policies during the Civil War. A few days later, his funeral train stopped in York. Background posts: York's Jeremiah Black, former U.S. attorney general, among Democrats resorting to racism, York County's own Civil War and Civil war prompted strife in churches, too.

Think current presidential campaign rhetoric is vitriolic?

Nineteenth-century newspapers were filled with bitter and caustic speech.

The York Gazette, a Copperhead (anti-Abraham Lincoln) weekly newspaper, gives just one potent example in the Civil War era... .

In 2005, Hershey Foods made limited-edition York Pink Patties - York Peppermint Patties with a pink center - in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At one time, the candy was made in York, of course. But no more. But it is still used as a reference point about York. Background posts: Don't know much about York County history?, Was York's surrender justified? and Events in 1777 helped tip Revolution toward patriots

Michele Norris is a National Public Radio interviewer who has helped to deliver four conversations with York countians about the 2008 presidential election.

Those conversations, titled: 'The York Project: Race & The '08 Vote', are adding insight about America's views on this year's presidential race.

On the NPR Web site, Norris explains why York was chosen... .

Russell Moser with Kinsley Industrial directs the move of a 1942 Model 40 locomotive engine into York's Agricultural and Industrial Museum in 2004. According to the York County Heritage Trust, the 44-ton, General Motors-built engine was used during World War II to transport bomb casings. The trust recently unveiled a speakers series called "Saturday Morning." Background posts: One image illustrates two long-neglected subjects in York area , Don't know much about York County history? and WW II air raid siren: 'The plan is to get it to work'.

Those looking for free regular presentations on issues touching on York County history have another opportunity the second Saturday of each month.

The York County Heritage Trust is sponsoring a series called "Second Saturday." ...

This 1969 photo shows York Mayor John L. Snyder walking his German Shepard. York police's continued use of K-9 Corps over protests from many in the minority community helped catalyze racial tension in York. Background posts: Images capture hope for racial harmony, School violence struck York County in 1970 and First York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem.

Ironies emerged in the recent opening of the York Spanish community's new center at 221 E. Princess St.

The José E. Hernandez Centro Hispano is located in the former office of York Mayor John L. Snyder.

He's best known for incompetently overseeing York in the racially charged 1960s. Indeed, his administration's policies helped keep the heater of hate plugged in... .

Voni B. Grimes graduated from York's William Penn Senior High School mid-year in 1942. This is his graduation photo. Background posts: New book gives insight into Voni B. Grimes, Who are York County's most influential people? and A short test of your black history knowledge.

Two images among many stand out after a recent walk with community leader Voni B. Grimes.

We walked from his boyhood home to the site of his segregated Smallwood school and back.

The first image came when we gazed across the College Avenue at the former all-white Noell school, now occupied by the Community Progress Council. This College Avenue-Susquehanna Avenue intersection was a dividing point between the best education York schools could offer white pupils and hand-me-down education for black students.

And then a second image... .

This closeup of a cake is part of a York Fair panel, one of 18 that make up the Murals of York. This photo from 2005 shows that this 120-foot by 24-foot mural on the East Market Street Parking Garage is thin up close. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Don't know much about York County history? Part I, Don't know much? Part II, Don't know much? Part III and If you want to see the Murals of York up close ...

I've blogged that York's East Market Street Parking Garage is an artifact of history because it represented the downtown's futile efforts to stave loss of its retail base to the suburbs in the late 1960s.

I've also blogged that the wide, skinny York Fair mural on the parking garage's side represents a curious juxtaposition because the vehicles parking there are part of the reason that agriculture, celebrated by the fair, is declining.

Further, that mural appears to be in the process of being subsumed by the parking garage's white side... .

This image, appearing on the Class of '66 White Oaks Reunion site, comes from an earlier era but shows the variety of ways that Manchester Township's White Oak Park was used in its heyday. The building here is playing host to a Blaw-Knox picnic. In the 1960s, rock groups played music for hundreds of teen dancers. Background posts: 'Dell rat' blogs about southside York hangout where owners put out welcome mat, York-area full of memory-spawning landmarks, Memories of 'The Oaks' pile - Part I and Other memories and nostalgia posts.

For whatever reason, photos of White Oak Park are rare.

Phil Schwartz found that out when trying to find photos of bands playing at this north York teen hangout in the 1960s. He is producing a compilation album.

Now Homewood Suites on Masonic Drive, whose new footprint covers part of the former Oaks grounds, is collecting photos and other information from the park during its heyday from the 1940s to 1960s. Hotel spokesmen are asking folks with such memories or memorabilia to call 717-434-1800.

In discussing this dearth of photos, some former Oakers mused that perhaps photos were rare because White Oak Park on band nights was a place where (unfortunately)boys were boys and documentation of certain activities might not have been preferable.

This promotional poster shows the types of events at the top of the York Fair's promotional list in 1928. Background posts: 'The lower she sank in the chair', Old-time York bike shop: 'It's like a store that time forgot' and Can anyone locate this ballpark?.

All's Fair, a blog made up of York Daily Record/Sunday News staff postings, is an example of local blogging tied to York County and international events.

The O-Zone was another blog where staffers explored the Olympics.

York Town Square readers will find - an enjoy - a number of York Fair-history related posts, with links back to this blog: ... .

Crispus Attucks' Cindy Leiphart is surrounded by a dirt room beneath the floor in the William C. Goodridge house in York. Fugitives may have used a trapdoor in the kitchen floor to hide in this room, part of the Underground Railroad. Background posts: Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad, Part II, 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part II , William C. Goodridge: From slavery to success story

Efforts to turn the home of William C. Goodridge into an Underground Railroad museum are sitting on a siding while sponsors are searching for funds.

But a recent York Daily Record/Sunday News story telling about these funding woes revealed that the site is listed with the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

That means that there has been some outside-the-county scrutiny of the home of Goodridge - a former slave who became a successful 19th-century York businessman -as an Underground Railroad site.

It appears to be the only site in York County to be so listed... .

The Murals of York can be used as artifacts to tell a story about the York area. Pictured here is the York Fair mural on the side of the East Market Street parking garage across from the Yorktowne Hotel. There's a certain irony of this particular mural as a celebration of agriculture being located on the side of the garage, overlooking a parking lot. For the last 25 years, York County farmland has been gobbled up to provide housing for commuters from Maryland and elsewhere. Background posts: 20 questions and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts, Resources for York/Adams history junkies increasingly posted on Web, 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part III.

When about 20 York County teachers became my students in a recent Millersville University summer continuing education class, I cast about for tools make local history come alive.

I put together a true/false quiz designed to summarize some of the themes of my two-hour primer. (I used it more as a mental execise than a test.)

See how you do, and don't be surprised if my answers resemble sound bytes. Follow the links to go deeper:

About 2,500 German POWs spent their days in orchards and canneries and their nights in Camp Stewartstown, seen here in this Stewartstown Historical Society photo, in the World War II summers of 1944 and 1945. These tents are located on the present-day ballfield at the community park occupying the site. The Germans had non-prisoner counterparts in the orchards. Jamaicans came north to pick fruit. Background posts: Story revives memories of oft-forgotten POW camp, Good stuff found in 'Codorus Valley Chronicles' and 'Yesteryears' chock-full of Southern York County sites.

The fact that Jamaican fruit workers worked orchards in southern York County in World War II came as no surprise to members of the Codorus Valley Area Historical Society.

During a recent speech to the group, I covered the Jamaican presence in York County.

Members of the historical group remembered them well, saying they worked from camps in Brodbecks and Fawn Grove... .

The York Daily Record/Sunday News produced this Murals of York booklet in 2000. It's available at no cost at the York County Heritage Trust, 250 E. Market Street, York. Its contents, complete with a walking tour of the murals, is available on the newspaper's history site. Background posts: York County library site brings together links for local research, Martin Library leaves microfilm behind and Tips for genealogical research.

Every year, 20 more more teachers participating in Millersville University's York County history course stop by the York Daily Record/Sunday News for a primer.

I was proud to share with them this year an updated Internet presentation on York County history, developed by the York Daily Record/Sunday News Web guru Joan Concilio.

She particularly overhauled the site Local history that serves as one-stop shopping for information about York County's past. The site also updates with news about York County's historical community.

You can view below the same information as the Millersville class received, and you didn't even have to sit through my two-hour presentation:

Volunteer Tom Sadler repoints the walls of Welsh quarry worker cottages in Peach Bottom Township. 'It's good for them to be preserving this history for the future generation,' he said. By them, he means two-year owner Old Line Museum in Delta. (See additional photos below.) Background posts: Digging Coulsontown: 'This is not Indiana Jones', Time almost forgotten Coulsontown and Wanted: One slate-roofed privy from Delta.

Those old Welsh miners' cottages in the southeastern tip of York County, in Peach Bottom Township?

It's hard to get too much of their story. And those photos capture the eye.

Spokesmen at the Old Line Museum in Delta, which bought the cottages two years ago, believe the structures serve as the only examples of Welsh construction in the country... .

Voni Grimes greets a small crowd standing in a pouring rain at a diversity and peace rally in April 2006 in York. During the event, York Mayor John Brenner praised Grimes for his efforts to unite the community. Background posts: Two 'connectors' would make York County's list of most influential, A short test of your York black history knowledge and 10 tips to write a book-length project.

This photo did not make it into Voni B. Grimes just-published memoirs, but it typifies the man, who perhaps knows more York countians than any other person.

There's the Bamberg, S.C., born/World War II vet/retired Penn State administrator standing in the rain on a Saturday morning. Only a few turned out for this diversity rally.

A few here and a few there and pretty soon you change hearts. That's how Voni Grimes would see it.

So via his memoirs "Bridging Troubled Waters," this man, who knows so many people, can himself be known... .

In resolving one of the many issues he inherited as York's mayor, John Brenner tells Hattie Dickson, Lillie Belle Allen's sister, that 'we are sorry for your loss' during a 2005 news conference after the city settled a civil rights lawsuit with Allen's family. Allen was a victim of the 1969 race riots in York. Brenner said this week that he would not seek re-election next year for a third term. Background posts: Meeting of riot victims brought racial accord, Mayor: 'We're going to clean up this site' and York Charrette or charade?

Time needs to pass before a full assessment of John Brenner's mayorship can be undertaken.

But clearly his administration signals the importance of a committed and competent mayor of York.

Brenner's chief legacy may show that he took over the shambles of mayor Charlie Robertson's administration and ran a semblance of order through racial and financial chaos... .

Linda Woodward is feted as William Penn High School's homecoming queen in 1967. She was the first black person crowned as homecoming queen at York High. Background posts: York's first Latino councilman temporarily state top Dem, Last dance. Spring Grove High School building filled with history and Tales of four schools tell about changes in York County education.

The graduation season just passed brings to mind the year 1967 and the firsts scored that school year.

The William Penn High School's senior class elected Linda Woodward as the school's first black homecoming queen.

She headed a parade caravan to Small Field for the homecoming game against Steel High... .

On the evening of Aug. 14, 1945, York County residents joined a massive national V-J celebration, marking the war's end. The largest county assembly occurred in York's Continental Square. Here, holding a special V-J edition are, from left, L. Allen Wolfgang, Richard E. Wolfgang and Lloyd E. (Pud) Wolfgang. Paul S. Wolfgang, who provided this photo, is at far left. Background posts: The first in (World) War (II), Perhaps the last in (World) War (II), 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part III

The World War II Battle of Okinawa ended 63 years ago on Saturday.

And we're somewhere near the midway point between the often forgotten V-E Day - May 8 - and V-J Day - August 14.

So, here are 20 questions to focus us on York County's contributions to the war that spawned the Greatest Generation:

Loretta Claiborne long jumps in Special Olympics competition in York in 2007 - the competition which launched her achievements. Also of interest: York, Pa.'s Loretta Claiborne about friend Eunice Shriver: 'She could have gone anywhere, but she wanted to help humanity' and William Penn Senior High School Hall of Fame honors a host of York County achievers and Often forgotten: Achievements of people named on building facades.

Someone recently nominated Loretta Claiborne as one of York County's top 25 most influential people, in a sampling conducted by the York Sunday News.

The York Sunday News named Claiborne in the top 10 sports achievers in 20th-century York County.

Though only in her 50s, she already has her name on the side of a building on South George Street in York.

But those are just local accolades... .

The York Sunday New rated Bob Hoffman, founder of York Barbell, at the top of the top 10 York and Adams counties sports figures in the 20th century. Background posts: Lineup full of stars with York County links, Author muscles way into York's body building world and Richard Nixon's visit to his namesake park sparks memories.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News publication of the 25 most influential people in York County sparked much community discussion.

The same was true in 2000 when the York Sunday News issued its list of the 20th-century's top 10 sports people.

Bob Hoffman headed the list on the strength of his role as five-time Olympic weightlifting coach and his founding of York Barbell.

His selection - and others in the top 10 - brought accord and also disagreement... .

East King Street's Aquilla Howard School, named after the early black leader of York, was one of two segregated elementary schools opened in 1931 to educate Southern black people who had come north for jobs in industrial York. Smallwood School was the other. It was sold in 1962 and later demolished. Background posts: A short test of your black history knowledge, Freedman Aquilla Howard kisses earth as canal boat passed Mason-Dixon Line and York, Pa.'s Crispus Attucks Center scores intriguing start.

Shirley Proctor Poindexter, SPPoind1171@aol.com, wrote with questions about Aquilla Howard, the freedman, honored as York's representative to place flowers on the bier of Abraham Lincoln's funeral train, and a longtime superintendent of York's A.M.E. Zion Church.

He came to York in about 1856 and died at the age of 87 in 1923... .

Davy Crockett and other luminaries visited Charles Barnitz's Springdale Mansion after its opening in 1828. Crockett did not impress certain members of the Barnitz household. Background posts: Exploring ornate Springdale Mansion, Imagine: 70-foot boat navigated York County's Codorus Creek and Who were York County's most influential citizens, Part I.

Maureen Beattie of Longmeadow, Mass., found an old letter - and part of a York County legend - at a garage sale.

She e-mailed with these details:

It is addressed to Mary M. Barnitz, c/o Herman Cope Esq., Cincinnatti, Ohio. Handwritten above the addressee is 'free C.A. Barnitz". The body of the letter is in tatters, but there is one whole area that says: ...

The York County Courthouse stands at the turn of the 20th century, flanked by the Security & Title Co. building, left, and the Marshall House, a hotel, right in this photo from Scott Butcher's York, Postcard History Series. The courthouse is on a short list of the tallest buildings in York. Background posts: Restoring old Futer Bros. building's integrity not hard, but costly, Buildings reveal a bit about York and York County ... 'A smorgasbord of architectural styles'

First, William C. Goodridge built his four-story building in the late 1840s on York's Centre Square.

Actually, it could be counted as five stories with skylight windows.

Then, John Hartman out built him with a six-story building across the square.

Actually, the building had a cupola and a seventh story was reportedly later built. (To see drawings of the two buildings, visit: York landmark Futer Bros. building in new hands)... .

Fifty-one years ago, Daisy Myers and her family were victims of racial harassment after they moved into a new home in Levittown, Pa. This incident was included in a recent New York Times Magazine article. This is the cover of her autobiography telling about her Levittown experience, available at www.yorkheritage.org. Background posts: Daisy Myers: Rosa Parks of the North, A short test of your York, Pa., black history knowledge and Doris Kearns Goodwin gives tips to analyze presidential hopefuls.

Daisy Myers has been a York County resident going on 50 years. She has been in high-profile positions as a York City Schools administrator and assistant to Congressman Bill Goodling.

But many York countians aren't aware that she and her family made national news for holding out against racial harassment after moving into their dream home in the planned community of Levittown in Bucks County in 1957.

From time to time, their courage is remembered... .

Two of York County's most influential leaders shake hands at York's Susquehanna Commerce Center's opening in 2005. Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff President Louis J. Appell Jr. and York Mayor John Brenner celebrate the occasion. Background posts: Influential citizens, Part I, Who is Bob Kinsley? and First York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem.

York Daily Record/Sunday News readers came through with dozens of recommendations for the most influential people of York County.

The newspaper staff and editorial board added some of their own and came up with a list that is certain to draw scrutiny.

We pondered particularly what to do with Jim Grove, the far-right activist who is effective in the courts in protecting First Amendment rights, even if his abrasive techniques in practicing free speech impair his messages more than promote them. You'll see how we handled his nomination below... .

William C. Goodridge, a former slave who became a respected York businessman, was an influential 19th-century figure in York County. He is on a short list of top newsmakers in York County in the past 250 years. Background posts: List of luminaries from Dover lengthens, How come so few in York know about S. Morgan Smith?, Samuel Small tops community contributor list.

On Sunday, we'll post a sampling of 25 of York County's most influential residents. Actually, there are 26.

The suggestions came from members of the public, York Daily Record/Sunday New staff and the newspaper's editorial board.

As a warm up, we post here a list from "Never to be Forgotten" of a group of 30 influential residents from York County's past... .

The York Daily Record/Sunday News has produced several special Web and print publications, including a York County Women's History section. (Allow extra time for it to load.) See below for links to other projects. Background posts: A short test of your women's history knowledge, A short test of your black history knowledge and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part III.

Check out some of these new Web sites from the York Daily Record/Sunday News and inyork.com guaranteed to appeal to history and news junkies:

Voni B. Grimes plays his trademark harmonica at a York Revolution game in the team's inaugural season in 2007. Background posts: Richard Nixon's visit to his namesake park sparks memories, At the blind center: 'The bees have been enjoying this garden, too.' and Articles of Confederation don't get no respect.

Borrowing from Time magazine, the York Daily Record/Sunday is compiling a list of York County's most influential people.

The names of philanthropic industrialists and businessmen no doubt will make the list.

Borrowing from Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point," I put forth in my Sunday column the names of two 'connectors' - Luther B. Sowers and Voni B. Grimes - for that list... .

Georgjean Fells, known in her performing days with the Quintones as Jeannie Crist, died recently. Her death comes two years after fellow York, Pa., group member, Phyllis A. Carr, passed away. Background posts: The Oaks in York: 'I often look up there ... and think about how nice it was', York Soul group Magnificent Men come to age on big screen and York's Sovereign Stadium will be site of The Oaks music reunion.

Doo-Woppers The Quintones, from William Penn High School and York, Pa., drew national attention in the late 1950s with their "Down the Aisle of Love."

Their hit reached No. 18 on Billboard and sold almost a million copies.

They played on American Bandstand.

They performed at the Apollo Theater.

Their hit became a well-known song at weddings... .

Students are silhouetted against pictures of Civil War-era residents at the York County Heritage Trust as Justine Landis, right, describes the people of York from that period. People looking to understand their community to serve it better often avail themselves of programs and exhibits at the Trust and numerous other local historical groups dotting York/Adams. (See separate educational iconic photo below.) Background posts: Mayor of York, Pa.: 'We are no longer unprotected' - 15/31 iconic photos, Interesting Web site dedicated to American country schools and Looking for a local history research topic?

Two more photos in York Town Square's series of iconic images - images that tell a story about York County and its history:

Marley Boyd helped in a dig area in the of Coulsontown, Peach Bottom Township, Pa. The Coulsontown miners' cottages are in the background. Excavators are looking for answers about how Welsh residents lived in the mid-1800s. (See additional photo and video by Paul Kuehnel below.) Background posts: Wanted: One slate-roofed privy from Delta, Pa., Time almost forgot Welsh miner's hamlet of Coulsontown and 100 years later, Delta clock keeps on ticking.

"Sonic Pixie," a Web commenter on a York Daily Record/Sunday News story on an archaeological dig near the old Welsh miners' cottages in Coulsontown, had it right:

"It is really amazing to see individuals in the community who are passionate about preservation and gaining a greater sense of understanding of who we are and where we came from."

This slate mining village in the southeast tip of York County has to be on a top 10 list of intriguing, obscure sites around here.

The story (4/17/08) titled "Digging local history," follows:

Slaves escaped from the South through any number of means - draymen's carts, family carriages and funeral processions. This drawing shows a particularly ingenious way of escape. Henry "Box" Brown was nailed into a small box and shipped from Richmond, Va., to Philadelphia. A woman similarly escaped from Baltimore to York County, Pa., in 1845. (See a replica of the box below.) Background posts: Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County, Part I, 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part II and York County straddled the Mason-Dixon line in Lincoln votes.

While specifics about the Underground Railroad in York County are foggy, almost by definition, certain generalizations about its functioning in York County are clear.

York County Heritage Trust researchers have put together a myth and reality chart as part of an exhibit that will be helpful in understanding the Underground Railroad and slavery.

These will help add understanding about these often-misunderstood topics:

A crawl space is hidden behind a pantry shelf at the Dobbins House in Gettysburg, Pa. Manequins demonstrate how fugitives might have hidden there as part of the Underground Railroad. Background posts: Amanda Berry Smith: 'God's image carved in ebony', York/Adams' interest in Underground Railroad grows, and Living historians bring spotlight to York's Civil War story.

A local historical group's e-mail recently posed a good question: What is known about the Underground Railroad in Southern York County?

I answered that not a lot is known about the Underground Railroad anywhere in York County. It's an area that begs research with academic rigor... .

Families of the two slain victims of the race riots in 1969 unite at a meeting at the African-American Love Feast in early 2002. This was the first public meeting of the families, who had met privately a month earlier. Background posts: Images capture hope for racial harmony, York Charrette or charade? and First pitch could break link with York race riots.

Continuing the series of telling York County, Pa.'s, history through images: ... .

This part of York, Pa.'s Lafayette Club is lined with past club presidents' photographs. Ten years ago, the club admitted its first black member. Recently, the organization played host to a fundraiser for York-based Underground Railroad Museum. 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part I, Artist Horace Bonham captured everyday life (6/20 iconic images) and Leonard Pitts: Sometimes, history hurts.

A recent letter to the editor from Crispus Attucks Association praised East Market Street's Lafayette Club for playing host to a fundraiser to support an Underground Railroad museum.

That letter in the York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News is pregnant with meaning... .

York, Pa., artist Horace Bonham, 1835-1892, was a Renaissance man - a lawyer, newspaper owner and man about town. But he's best remembered today as a genre painter who captured routine events with his brush. And his work was unusual for its inclusion of diverse people. Background posts: A short test of your York black history knowledge - Part II, Exhibit captures decades-long flow of wide Susquehanna and Artist Jeff Koons came back to York for a show.

No one should believe that sponsored animal fighting - brought to the the limelight by Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick's dogfighting travesty - is unusual in American history, as this Horace Bonham painting "Nearing the issue at the cockpit" suggests:

This mural of 19th-century York, Pa., businessman William C. Goodridge greets motorists and pedestrians as they head east on West Market Street. Among other businesses, it depicts Goodridge's rail venture, believed to have been deployed as part of another transportation business - the Underground Railroad. Background posts: Freed slaves often faced return to bondage, Amanda Berry Smith: 'God's image carved in ebony' and A short test of your black history knowledge, II.

This image of William C. Goodridge, freedman and businessman, is another in the York Town Square series on important photos that tell York County's story... .

The Lafayette Club is located in the former P.A. Small mansion on East Market Street. Small, the "P.A." in P.A. and S. Small, was the leading York County business of the 19th century. Samuel Small, the "S." in the company name, lived in a now-demolished mansion across Duke Street. Background posts: Samuel Small tops community contributors list, Old P.A. and S. Small building fit better than successors, York County's own Civil War - Part III and 10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part II.

A list of pioneers in the post First York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem included Vernon Bracey as the first black member of York's Lafayette Club.

That event came 10 years ago - on the 100th anniversary of the club... .

Here's a hint to answer part of York County Smarts quiz, Part III: This York County native starred with Brad Pitt in "A River Runs Through It," a 1992 film about two brothers who grow up in Montana. Background posts: Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here, Prominent actor Craig Sheffer hails from overlooked Windsor Park,
That's Windsor Park, not Windsor ..., and York City's Eberts Lane actually winsome country road.

OK, another part of a York County Smarts quiz (see Part II) taken from a 1990s orientation exercise used by the York Daily Record to bring new employees up to speed.

See how you do:

Tommy Kono was America's best weight lifter in the 1950s. He won eight world titles and went undefeated from 1952-59. Kono lifted for York Barbell, the answer to a quiz question below.
Background posts: 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part I, A short test of your women's history knowledge , A short test of your York black history knowledge, Part I, Black history quiz, Part II.

The York Daily Record used this quiz in the mid-1990s to orient new employees. The questions and answers, some tongue in check and often tied into then-recent news stories, will continue to pique interest.

Some may seem easy to veteran York Town Square readers. Consider this a review. Others will seem arcane.

See how you do:

Abe Amoros, president of the York City Little League Board of Directors, is seen during groundbreaking ceremonies in 2005 for two regulation Little League fields at York's Allen Park. Amoros recently assumed temporary executive director duties for the state Democratic Party. Background posts: Delma Rivera, 'Legacies,' Part II, York Spanish Council organized 33 years ago and Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit.

Gov. Ed Rendell made York resident Abe Amoros an offer he could not refuse.

Would Amoros temporarily take over for the state Democratic Party's regular executive director, who is on leave to head Hillary Clinton's campaign in Pennsylvania?

Amoros' affirmative answer propelled him to the water's edge facing the political storm that is starting to wash across Pennsylvania as Clinton and Barack Obama vie for Dem votes... .

Ella J. Robinson was one of the pioneering teachers at Smallwood School, a black elementary school in York. Background posts: Autobiographies contain valuable golden nuggets, Black history on display throughout York County and Black playwright earning place in history.

Who was Aunt Jo, of York's Aunt Jo Lane fame?

And who was the Wrightville native to become secretary of the New York YMCA?

That is some of the information imparted in the our black history quiz, part II... .

William Penn High School graduate Hal Colston and his program "Neighbhorkeepers" is gaining a national profile as an effective poverty-fighting program. "People" magazine recently featured his work. Background posts: Leslie Lawson, Black History Profiles, Part III, Images capture hope of racial harmony and York Town Square's black history category.

The York riots of 1968-69 produced deep community wounds.

But for Hal Colston, they added to his understanding of poverty and its impact... .

This undated postcard view, from a recent Codorus Valley Area Historical Society newsletter, shows a busy block of York's South Duke Street. The City Market's tower is central in this photograph and York Collegiate Institute's is at right, background. Background post: York Market House No. 2 - The architecturally striking City Market and Samuel Small tops community contributor list.

The postcard view above shows a bustling block where South Duke Street met College Avenue.

That block played host to the City Market house, the largest and most ornate of York's five market houses, and York Collegiate Institute, forerunner along with the York County Academy, of York College.

Imagine today how that neighborhood could be different if those two buildings, gone for decades, remained.

The Rev. Leslie Lawson, friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, retired after 23 years of service at York's Small Memorial AME Zion Church in 1992. Background posts: Mildred and Russell Chapman, Part I, Roy Borom, Part II, Gladys Rawlins, Part III.

The Rev. Leslie Lawson was jailed with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1962.

When reaching York in 1969, he immediately acted as a peacemaker during the race riots that summer.

"He invested his talents in the marketplace of human needs," a bishop said in eulogizing Lawson at the pastor's funeral in 1998... .

Gladys Rawlins demonstrates the Green Circle Program. It is used in some York County schools. She is buried in Lebanon Cemetery in North York. Background posts: Mildred and Russell Chapman, Part I and Roy Borom, Part II

Gladys Rawlins is internationally known as the founder of Green Circle, the educational program that promotes racial understanding.

But it's not as widely known that she stayed in York County for extensive periods and is buried here... .

Roy O. Borom became executive director of Crispus Attucks Association in 1968 during a transition moment for the organization. Background posts: Mildred and Russell, "Black History Profiles, Part I and Mattie Chapman, "Legacies" Part IIII.

About a dozen people attended Roy O. Borom's swearing on York's City Council in 1974.

Borom is believed to be York's first black city councilman. He had come to York as head of CA six years before... .

Crispus Attucks Community Center's Mildred Chapman told girls that they should care about the way they looked. 'You can be poor,' she said, 'but you don't have to look bad, or smell bad.' She and her husband, Russell W., (see photo below) were among the top leaders in York's black community in the middle of the 20th century. Background posts: Thackston Park area connects to York's past and Civil rights heroes stand out at Bradley exhibit.

Everyone in York's black community - heck, everyone in York - knew Mildred and Russell W. Chapman... .

Katharine Haviland-Taylor wrote more than 20 books of light fiction, and actors such as Marion Davies, Lionel Barrymore and May Robson performed her work. She was one of 50 women achievers in York County honored by AAUW in 1984. (See complete list of other achievers below). Histories attempt to fill blanks in women's, black history and York County Civil War hero grandmom of Gore Vidal.

For the past 5 years, the Daily Record/Sunday News has been updating the bios of women profiled in AAUW's "Legacies: Remembrances of York County Women."

We're at it again this year, choosing a handful of the 50 women on the roster of the 1984 booklet and making their bios current and available to the public.

So far, we've published five of their bios here, in addition to today's look at Katharine Haviland-Taylor: ...

P. Joseph Raab presents a fruit basket to Richard Nixon during the former president's visit to his namesake park. Voni B. Grimes is seen next to Raab, and John Hope Anderson is pictured at left in background. York County parks seeking mementos and President Buchanan's fall reflected his presidency.

Voni B. Grimes remembers Richard Nixon's late-1980s visit to the Jacobus county park that bears his name.

He recalls seeing strange men among the trees of the park's trails - Secret Service agents - during the former president's 45-minute stay... .

Someone mentioned to Nixon that Grimes' own name appears on a building - the Voni B. Grimes Gym in York... .

Calvin Weary, drama teacher at York's William Penn High School, portrays William Johnson in an upcoming Discovery Channel documentary about the Gettysburg Address. Background posts: York County has its own Lincoln photo debate., Goodwin cites York countian's story to tell about Gettysburg Address and Abe's smallpox story has been told before.

Calvin Weary is making York proud by landing the part of William Johnson, a black man who travels with Abraham Lincoln, in a Discovery Channel documentary.

And that's just not because he's another local person starring nationally on the big or little screen... .

Mattie Chapman began her York County government career as a clerk in the prothonotary's office and later was elected to head that department. Background posts: Katharine Beecher, Legacies, Delma Rivera, Legacies and Eleanor Johnson, Legacies.

Mattie Chapman has a number of firsts attached to her name.

She was the first back person to be hired in a row office in the York County Courthouse. She was the first black person to be elected to county office. And she was the first woman to be elected to honorary membership in the York County Bar Association... .

Eulamae and David Orr started with little and ended with lives of achievment - owning a refusing company and a restaurant among other business interests. David Orr also served as a pastor. Background posts: The Cassimatises, The Yeagleys and The Grumbachers.

Many prominent black families today came here in the 1920s from Bamberg, S.C. - the Bamburgers.

David and Eulamae Orr are part of that group that includes black families with the names of Green, Nimmons, Jones, Kearse, Saxon and Varnes... .

Dr. Maulana Karenga, widely known as the creator of Kwanzaa, graduated from York's William Penn High School. The widely published author was known as Ron Everett during his York days. Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating black unity. Background posts: Amanda Berry Smith: 'God's image carved in ebony' and Black playwright earning place in history.

Families gathering during the holidays sometimes like to show off their York smarts.

So we've included a quiz on York County's black history, followed by some inspirational quotes from achievers with York roots.

Look for an additional post on general history in York County on Monday:

Good luck in stumping your loved ones!

Hattie Dickson, facing, hugs Sharon Howe, while Sonja Gilmore, right, looks on during a meeting at the African-American Love Feast in early 2002. Dickson was a sister of Lillie Belle Allen, killed in the 1969 race riots. Gilmore was the wife of York Police Officer Henry C. Schaad, the second riot victim. Howe is Schaad's and Gilmore's daughter. This was the first public meeting of the families, who had met privately a month earlier. Background posts: School violence struck York County in 1970 and First pitch could break link with York race riots.

In a recent York Sunday News column, I applauded efforts to arrive at a community consensus over a "Healing York" memorial.

I contrasted that to a moment in 1970, a time of community coming together called the York Charrette, in which York's elected officials belated and reluctantly participated... .

This graphic from the "Recapture the Riverfront" booklet raises the possibility of relocating Helen Thackston Park from the north side of West College Avenue across the street to the side south, where public housing now stands. Background posts: Helen Reeves Thackston's name lives on and Histories attempt to fill blanks in women's, black history.

A potentially controversial proposal to relocate Thackston Park touches on several historic sites in that part of town.

First, the park itself points to a revered community matriarch: Helen Reeves Thackston.

As director of the Crispus Attucks Early Learning Center from 1932 to 1964, she touched the lives of hundreds of people who gratefully remember her contributions.

"Helen didn't just teach children, she taught them to be proud," Sylvia Newcombe, retired York Recreation Commission head, said in 1979... .

In a 2004 political event outside York's Colonial Courthouse replica, guest speakers and the crowd joined Carole King in a song dedicated to the John Kerry campaign - King's "You've Got a Friend." From left are City Councilwoman Toni Smith, actor/director Rob Reiner, King, actress Valerie Harper, County Commissioner Doug Kilgore and Mayor John Brenner. Background posts: Laurens kept Continental Congress together during Valley Forge winter and Events in 1777 helped tip American Revolution toward patriots.

The traveling band of celebrities in the 2004 U.S. presidential campaign unwittingly made a relevant choice of the Colonial Courthouse as a backdrop.

When Continental Congress met in the actual York County Court House in 1777-78, politics held sway.

But then, delegates were not troubled by Democratic and Republic ideologies but were often split according to whether they represented Northern or Southern colonies.

And just as today, this legislative body wasn't always effective... .

Elliott Breese, former York Caterpillar Plant general manager and Crispus Attucks Community Association campaign chairman, addressed a gathering at the new 605 S. Duke Street Center. The center's cornerstone is dated 1973. Breese, who died this week, is feted for heading fund-raising that made the center possible. Incidentally, noted York City Schools Supt. Frederick D. Holliday is pictured at far left. Background link: York's Crispus Attucks Center had intriguing start.

"In my mind, the biggest single factor in the success of the Crispus Attucks Building Fund drive was your acceptance as general chairman," William Wolf of Wolf Supply wrote.

His letter was directed to Elliott Breese, York Caterpillar Plant manager, who headed fund-raising for a new center that provided services primarily to the black community.

Breese died this week at the age of 91... .

The class of 1915 poses outside Cedar Valley School in Fawn Township. Notice that this school, as many southern York County schools, integrated well before the Supreme Court mandated such in 1954. A sizable black population lived in southern York County, sitting on the Mason-Dixon Line. (This comes from the Neal DeVoe collection.) Background post: One-room memories flow from readers' fingertips.

The Stewartstown Area Historical Society's "Yesteryears in Southern York County" is full of 200 or more photos submitted by readers.

And it boasts some unusual human glimpses of that section of the county not always seen in postcard-filled picture books that tend to focus on officials or institutions.

We published a few more photos showing women at play and work below as examples:

Nineteenth-century evangelist Amanda Berry Smith is profiled in a recent book "More Than Petticoats: Remarkable Pennsylvania Women." (For details, see below.) Before the Civil War, her family purchased its freedom, and she resided in York County. Background post: Autobiographies contain valuable golden nuggets.

The historical monument for noted evangelist Amanda Berry Smith is out of the way for most York County travelers.

It's on the by-passed Susquehanna Trail in Shrewsbury. It's not far from the Mason-Dixon Line, the same boundary that spelled freedom for Smith as youngster... .

This building in York scraped the sky higher than any other in the mid-1800s. Bottom, John Hartman built a six-story building on the square's southeast corner in 1850. Today, the Hartman Building stands, although three stories shorter. It's known as the Futer Bros. building and has recently been sold. At the bottom of this post, William C. Goodridge's five-story emporium was built on the northwest corner of York's square in 1847. There's some evidence that John Hartman made his building taller to outdo Goodridge, a former-slave-turned-businessman. Background posts: Buildings reveal a bit about York and 'I still have my memories ... of the bustling downtown York business district'. (Lewis Miller drawing courtesy, York County Heritage Trust.)

The Futer Bros. jewelry business reflects the decline of retailing in York's downtown.

The longtime Continental Square business operates a Springettsbury Township store. That suburban store's business has been doing most of the sales. It didn't make good business sense to keep operating two stores.

So the owners closed the downtown store about a year ago and recently sold the building.

As reflected in the following York Daily Record story, the new owners' plans are indefinite, but one goal is to restore the look of the building to its original appearance: ...

Two aging Civil War soldiers flank a Lincoln impersonator. The black veteran is thought to be John Aquilla Wilson, known as 'Quil,' of Fawn Township in southeastern York County. He enlisted in the United States Colored Troops, 32nd Regiment, in 1864. Wilson died at the age of 101. Background post: Black soldiers from York County served in 'Glory' unit and 'One of the shells found its mark.

Ever see the film "Glory" on the big screen?

A couple of years ago, York city brought the film starring Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick to the Strand-Capitol. The cinematography was beyond description and the audio coming from the Capitol Theater's renovated sound system made you feel like you were in battle.

I was there to introduce the film, the first feature-length treatment of the role of black soldiers in the Civil War, and to give some closing remarks.

At the end, people were so captivated by what they had just witness that they almost seemed in a daze. It wasn't the late hour, nor my usual monotone delivery that quieted people this time.

The film on the big screen literally left people speechless.

Anyway, here are some notes from that night, many of which might be in the "Gee, I didn't know that category." ...

Four soldiers from York County served in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, highlighted in the 20th-century film "Glory."

George Ellender was wounded in the assault on Fort Wagner, S.C., that took the life of regiment commander Col. Robert Gould Shaw. He was wounded a second time in Olustee, Fla... .

Ron Busser, 74, of Red Lion, and Robert Casbeer, 78, of Springettsbury Township, participate in a ceremony to honor Korean War veterans at the York Expo Center. See video: Korean War memories. Background post:York County Historical War Deaths top 1,000.

York County sent about 7,000 to serve in the Korean Conflict, and at least 63 made the ultimate sacrifice.

None of those returning paid a higher price than Lt. Leon Gilbert of York, a decorated World War II combat soldier.

Gilbert refused an order to lead an assault on a hill.

"Never to be Forgotten" tells the rest of the story:

Juan Calix, right, of Springettsbury Township, portraying Pvt. James H. Shirk of the 55th Massachusetts, sings the National Anthem at an Emancipation Proclamation Celebration at Martin Library. Voni Grimes, an award recipient at the observance, accompanies him on the harmonica.

A majority of York County residents did not like Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation when it was announced on Sept. 22, 1863, or when it became law 100 days later.

That was my conclusion delivered in a speech over the weekend at an EP observance sponsored by Crispus Attucks Association. The organization is raising funds for a soon-to-be-opened Underground Railroad museum at ex-slave and 19th-century York businessman William C. Goodridge's former home.

I showed presidential election stats: Lincoln received only 43 percent of the York County vote in 1860 when Lincoln carried Pennsylvania and won the presidency. His three Democratic challengers scored the rest, and the York County largest vote-getter, John C. Breckinridge, also carried the South... .

Artist Lewis Miller captures members of the black community celebrating after receiving news of the Emancipation Proclamation. (Courtesy, York County Heritage Trust.)

Underground Railroad enthusiasts will have two opportunities to learn more about that network that led many fugitives to freedom through York and Adams counties.

Organizers of the Goodridge Freedom House in York plan an Emancipation Proclamation Celebration from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Ex-slave William C. Goodridge's former residence on East Philadelphia Street is being developed as a museum. When completed, it will be officially known as the William C. Goodridge Freedom House and Underground Railroad Museum.

Goodridge was a 19th-century York businessman whose home, business properties and rail line are believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad.

In Adams County, Underground Railroad Tours of Adams County will be conducted on Gettysburg Tour Center buses and vans Saturdays through the fall... .

Cassandra Morris Small witnessed the Confederate invasion of York in late-June 1863. Letters she wrote about the occupation to a cousin remain valuable primary sources detailing the rebel occupation in the wake of the borough's surrender. (Courtesy, York County Heritage Trust.)

A group of living historians have been making the rounds in York and Adams counties recently.

As an example, The PA Past Players will be at Brown's Orchards & Farm Market, Loganville, from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17.

As part of the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails Program, these historical interpreters have been trained to educate others about this region and the Civil War.

The presence of these characters has special meaning in York County. For years, York's surrender to the Confederates has clouded discussion about the York's area's Civil War past.

In the past 20 years, recognition of Civil War achievements, long overshadowed by the questionable surrender and humilitating Confederate occupation, have been increasingly part of community discourse. These living historians are further evidence of this trend.

Supplied by the PA Past Players, the following are brief bios of people from history portrayed by the group:

This is the touch screen of a computer at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum that links eras of York County's history with rings on May's Oak, the giant tree that fell in Emigsville in 1997. The exhibit enthralled second-grade students during a recent visit to the museum.

I explained in a recent York Sunday News column that a group of second-graders from Lincoln Intermediate Unit's migrant summer school were energized by the hands-on exhibits at York County Heritage Trust's Agricultural and Industrial Museum.

This is a section of East Market Street's York Fair panel, the widest of the murals. If you can't go on the walking tour of the Murals of York, see this colorful spread of all 18 panels.

You'll get a chance to hear first hand about those colorful Murals of York by attending free tours starting Saturdays through Labor Day.

I've used these 18 large-scale murals and more than a dozen mini-murals regularly as illustrations in this blog and in the York Daily Record/Sunday News. They do a wonderful job of telling York County's story - from wars to everyday life and show how the community has advanced in including minorities as part of that narrative. (See below.)

Representatives of the York County Heritage Trust, curator of the large-scale panels on the walls of buildings will conduct the tours... .

Don Robinson of Delta's Old Line Museum is seen near one of four remaining cottages built by Welsh quarrymen. (For additional photographs, see below.)

The YDR's Melissa Burke and Paul Kuehnel recently wrote about and photographed the rebirth of the nearly dead southeastern York County village of Coulsontown.

Fourteen years ago, the YDR's Marianne Clay painted the town, near Delta, before this "renaissance." So, here goes the story of another of York County's unsung landmarks (search for "unsung" on this blog and you'll discover the others):

The York Charrette gets high billing in the mural "Civil Rights Heroes of York" . Some believe the 1970 charrette headed off a third summer of violence forecast by a series of stabbings at William Penn High School.

When it comes to school violence, York County history immediately points to a machete-wielding madman and a troubled teen who launched attacks in separate incidents in Red Lion schools.

But school violence hit the county long before these 21st-century assaults, elevated again because of the assault this week at Virginia Tech.

In early April 1970, William Penn High School and all city schools shut down. The closure occurred after the stabbings of three students at the high school... .

Dorothy E. King talks with an audience at Holocaust Remembrance Day at York's Temple Beth Israel Sunday. The playwright is a native of York.

Dorothy E. King's play "Mr. Dr. Lehrer Friend" highlighted Holocaust Remembrance Day observances at York's Temple Beth Israel on Sunday.

The York native's production parallels the experiences of Jews and blacks under oppression and brings in Bamberg, S.C., as a location. Bamberg was the home of many black families who came to York to work in factories in the 1920s and 1930s.

King's appearance in her hometown may pique interest in a dramatist who history will fondly remember... .

This mural, part of the York County Heritage Trust's Murals of York series, traces William C. Goodridge's life from bondage to freedom as a prominent part of 19th-century York County life. Goodridge may have temporarily left town during the Confederate campaign of 1863, but his business operated until 1865. This large panel is on a West Market Street building.

No question freed slaves living north of the Mason-Dixon Line had to be concerned about kidnappers who would carry them back into bondage.

A York Sunday News story details the life of Kitty Payne finding freedom, who was freed in 1843, moved to Adams County, was kidnapped and transported to Virginia, and eventually returned to Adams County.

When the Confederates crossed the Mason-Dixon line in the Pennsylvania Campaign of 1863, they did not discern between freedman and fugitives... .

Someone asked where they could get a copy of the "Making History" and "Black History" special publications that the Daily Record/Sunday News has produced. (See histories).

"Making History" tells the story of Crispus Attucks Community Center's first 75 years, and "Black History" profiles achievers with links to York County.

Copies can be picked up at Crispus Attucks Community Center or YCCAR's office. Educators may call Kelly Barnett, York Newspaper Co.'s NIE coordinator, at kbarnett@ync.com.

I will have copies with me at a booksigning at Borders set for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 24. I'll be joining six other local authors at Border's Whiteford Road store in York, and welcome the chance to talk. Seven signers.

Or hand out free special publications on local history... .

Helen Reeves Thackston reads to children at Crispus Attucks Early Learning Center, which she headed from 1932-1964. A park in York is named in honor of Helen Thackston. Thackston Park. Thackston deserves a place in any history of York County.

In a column Sunday, I outlined three York Daily Record/Sunday News special sections that tell about the history of undercovered York County communities:

-"Making history," the story of Crispus Attucks Community Center.
- "Black History," profiles on achievers with links to York County.
- "Women's History," short stories on up-and-comers and veterans from the county's past.

Ten thousand copies of each are being distributed to classrooms participating in Newspapers in Education. For details, see my column: York's words of wisdom, and much material from the publications is available at www.ydr.com/history.

To give a flavor of some of the content of the publication, the following three poems come from "Making history":

Leonard Pitts Jr., whose column appears regularly in the York Daily Record/Sunday News, speaks before a full house at Crispus Attucks.

Syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts proved to be as thought-provoking as a speaker as he is as a writer in a recent speech in York. See Pitts gets them talking.

His comments drew a standing ovation at York County Community Against Racism's annual meeting. See YCCAR.

I've broken out a couple of main points below, followed by an edited text of his speech.

Provocative point: I was 19 years old and I liked my anger. If we are honest with ourselves, most of us will admit that there is something empowering about being angry, about being the righteous person who has been done wrong. Being the victim feels good. I also liked the guilt I saw in Dave. Because when you’re angry, seeing guilt in those you’re angry at validates you, confirms you in your sense of being the injured party, the victim.

As I say, I was a teenager and so, a little shortsighted. I didn’t understand that anger is a corrosive thing... . But ultimately guilt is as much a corrosive as anger. After all, anything that makes you feel guilty you will eventually resent.

Incisive excerpt: You know what? Sometimes, history hurts. We need to understand that truth and make peace with it. We all want to partake of history when it makes us feel good, when it flatters our national pride. We have no problem bearing witness for the D-Day invasion and believing this says something about us as a nation. Bearing witness for Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill and believing this says something about us as a nation, bearing witness for the Marshall Plan, the moon landing, and the First Amendment and believing these things say something about us as a nation.

We are less inclined to bear witness for slave catchers and men in white hoods, for voting rights violations and restrictive housing covenants, less likely to want to believe that these things, too, say something about us as a nation. But they do.

Provocative conclusion: If you are an American, can you stare into that picture and know that you are heir to a history that is pain and promise, trauma and triumph and you can’t choose the one and ignore the other. You are not heir to part of the story. You are heir to the whole story.

James Cameron told me that once, in Israel he saw an inscription that said, “To remember is salvation. To forget is exile.”

“An oppressed people,” he told me, “find their strength and identity in remembering their passages.”

Will you help me bear witness for that?

His speech follows:

This is a section of the panel painted by artist H.L. Leopold as part of a 1950s York County Courthouse expansion project. The York County Heritage Trust is assuming ownership of the painting.

So, the York County Heritage Trust is the recipient of another Mural of York. Well, it's kind of an unofficial Mural of York.

The organization already oversees the 18 large-scale panels and numerous Cherry Lane mini-murals.

This time, it's the mural that pleased visitors to the York County Courthouse for years. It shows various county iconic people and scenes: Declaration of Independence signer James Smith, steamboat builder John Elgar, and surveyor Thomas Cookson, among others... .

The York Daily Record/Sunday News has published a special section on Crispus Attucks Community Center history for use in York County NIE classrooms. Newspapers in Education delivers the Daily Record into classrooms, and often supplements these newspapers with special products to enhance learning. Making History at CA is one such publication. If you want copies for educational use, please contact me at jem@ydr.com. To see these CA profiles, click here. Another such publication is at bottom of this post.

At any given moment in York/Adams, a lot is happening on the history scene. (See previous post on upcoming Leonard Pitts speech.

Consider:

- Scott Mingus Sr.'s new book, "Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg Campaign," may be purchased from Borders, Barnes & Noble, or amazon.com. A sequel covering Antietam is due out in May. Mingus' "The Gordon Expedition," detailing the Confederate movement through southcentral Pennsylvania before the Battle of Gettysburg, is due out later this year... .

Leonard Pitts Jr., will be the featured speaker at York County Community Against Racism’s fifth anniversary meeting March 3. The meeting runs from 9:30 a.m. through lunch, and Pitts will meet with young people at 1 p.m. Call 718-2260 for tickets. Pitts is a nationally syndicated columnist for the York Daily Record/Sunday News.

A large gathering attended the official opening of the exhibit "A Rich History of Black Artistry in York County" over the weekend.

With some exceptions, the exhibit at Bradley Academy's Community Gallery brings together the work of contemporary black artists. The work was collected from the Crispus Attucks Community Center, the York County Heritage Trust and other locations around town.

The exhibit runs through Saturday, March 3 at the Springettsbury Township gallery.

Various upcoming news involving black history:

Since 1925, The Yorktowne Hotel has anchored the corner of East Market and South Duke Street. This postcard shows the hotel before 1959, when the courthouse expansion took down the building separating the two.

New owners of the venerable Yorktowne say they will keep the landmark as an operating hotel. See anchor sold.

There can be no better news to York and efforts to revitalize the downtown.

For some, the Yorktowne represents a nostalgic site where famous people have stayed for decades. See Tiny Tim.

For others:

It is the night out of the decade in the Commonwealth Room. It's the wedding reception venue for an only child. It's an overnight part of First Night York festivities. It's the regular meeting place for Rotary or Lions clubs.

It, well, embodies everything that's good about York.

For Voni Grimes and others in the black community, it represented the pinnacle of success, as he expressed in my November 2006 column:

Myrtle Legotte, left, and Mary Sims use the key to identify community achievers during the unveiling of the 'Civil Rights Heroes of York' mural in 2005.

An unsung mural of York does not appear on the side of a building, as do the 18 panels in the Murals of York program.

"Civil Rights Heroes of York" is a three-panel, life-size mural that is often on display at events around town.

Through March 3, it's part of Bradley Academy's exhibit: "A Rich History of Black Artistry in York County.

I worked with Bradley Academy officials to identify art by black artists or depicting black people in York's past.

The exhibit impressively brings together works from collections at Crispus Attucks Community Center, York City Human Relations Commission, York County Heritage Trust, private collections and current artists... .

Tenor saxophonist Tim Warfield, a 1983 William Penn High School grad, has toured with jazz legends and recorded CDs on major labels. Background post: Musician Bob January dies and TV show box set 'Terry & the Pirates' to be part of a museum exhibit someday?.

York County has been home to scores of noted players in the arts and literature world.

Perhaps the best known is Cameron Mitchell, born in Dallastown in 1918.

Cameron Mitzell, later Mitchell, starred in more than 90 films during a four-decade career.

His best-known role today is that of Buck Cannon on NBC's "High Chaparral."

He was joined by another York native in one or more episodes of "High Chaparral."

John Baer a journeyman actor from York, listed that show as one of his credits.

Craig Sheffer, a York Suburban grad, is another high-profile entertainer from York.

He starred in about 10 Hollywood films starting in 1985, including "A River Runs Through It" and "The Program."

More achievers in the arts and entertainment, excerpted from "Never to be Forgotten:" ...

The York theater group Dreamwrights' current production contains brief historical observations about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. http://www.dreamwrights.org/index_files/NightBefore.htm

Unless I missed it in the rapid-fire dialogue in "The Night Before Christmas," the actors covered the fact that Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa, but never mentioned that he was from York.

Then known as Ron Everett, Kwanzaa’s founder graduated from William Penn High School in 1958... .

G.A. Mellander and Carl E. Hatch provided this compilation showing Lincoln's loss in York County 1864 presidential voting.


Jeremiah S. Black, former U.S. attorney general and secretary of state, stood before members of the Keystone Club in Philadelphia in 1864.

The respected York resident was on the Democratic stump in the heated election of 1864. Their candidate, George McClellan, was flailing in his bid against Abraham Lincoln's reelection. Much was at stake; indeed, the outcome of the Civil War. According to Jennifer L. Weber's enlightening new book, "Copperheads," the Dems were generally calling for the country to be reunited.

A Lincoln victory would keep the country prosecuting the war.

"As political pamphlets flooded the North, those from the Democrats resorted again to virulently racist argument," Weber wrote.

That was Black's tact in Philadelphia:...

David Rusk was not the only provocative speaker at the York City Human Relations Commission's 25th Annual Frederick D. Holliday banquet this week.

Retired York City Schools administrator Julia Hines-Harris stated point blank that Holliday, former city schools superintendent, did not commit suicide inside a Cleveland school in 1985.

After his seven-year stint in York, Doc Holliday, respected by many in York, left Pennsylvania to head schools in Plainfield, N.J., and then Cleveland.

Harris provided several arguments to support her view, including:

Early in a speech this week in York, consultant David Rusk provided a provocative statistic:

York County had 499 slaves in 1790.

Morgan State's Debra Newman Ham has pointed out that York County ranked second to Philadelphia statewide in number of slaves and number of freed slaves. (For a sampling of this York native's work, just Google her name.)

Why would York County rank so high? ...

Carl E. Hatch, the York County history professor, profiled in the last post ("York County historical community will miss Carl Hatch"), provided wonderful primary source material that researchers and writers will use for generations.

It has been said that students of history ride on the shoulders of researchers who have gone before them.

In my historical and journalistic work, I refer regularly to the York County presidential voting assessment put forth by Hatch and co-author G.A. Mellander. Their work posited that York County voters have eschewed extremes, voting for presidential candidates who are closer to the middle... .

It's interesting the work you do on a snowy day can pay off when it's hot months later.

In December, the York Daily Record/Sunday News' Ted Sickler and I went through tubs of material at Crispus Attucks Community Center telling about that organization's 75th anniversary.

We organized the photos and stories into a series of 30 profiles about the organization that has long so successfully served the recreational and social needs of minorities in York.

The profiles have been running in the York Sunday News Viewpoints section since March. They will end in the fall at about the time that CA is planning a major event.

We have the complete set online, headlined 75 years of Crispus Attucks. ...

Autobiographies should be part of a person's reading list.

Sometimes in passing, they provide memorable moments that add to understanding.

I had one of those wonderful flashes in reading Carrie H. Ford's "Service to His Glory." Ford, longtime French teacher in the York City School District, became better-known for following her late-in-life second calling -- that of a missionary to Liberia for 17 years.

In 1994, the North Carolina native wrote about graduating from York's William Penn Senior High School in 1930.

She graduated as an honor roll student, she wrote, the first black student to do so. And she was the first black person to speak at York High's commencement.

Shiny golden nuggets there... .

York accepted what D.C. rejected.

That story with that theme was told in this week's York Sunday News, and it's one of my favorite stories from York County's past.

It involves renowned singer Marian Anderson performing at William Penn High School before a mixed-race audience. It happened in 1941, two years after she was rejected at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. She subsequently performed at the Lincoln Memorial to wide acceptance.

Interesting. Some question York's enlightment on racial issues, but, in this case, York accepted Anderson at a prime venue after D.C. rejected her... .

An e-mailer was curious about the history of a friend's house.

How could she determine who previously lived in the house? she wondered. ...

I’ve run across some interesting stuff in preparing a series of vignettes telling the larger story of York’s Crispus Attucks Association.

First, I didn’t know other Crispus Attucks groups existed at the time of the local center’s founding. Lancaster, for example, had such a center named after the martyr - a black man - who died with four others in the Boston Massacre, in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

And I had never heard the genesis of York's CA center. Before the center was founded in 1931, two struggling charitable groups were devoted to the needs of the black community. That community was growing because Southerners were coming north for jobs in pre-Depression America.

Two black senior statesmen in York -- Voni B. Grimes and Ray Crenshaw -- received accolades Sunday at an Eastern Star tribute.

Grimes was involved in the founding of Access-York, the York County Parks System, the Cyber Center and, in one of his most remarkable achievements, served as governor in this region's largely white Lions district.

Crenshaw was the first black mayoral candidate, has served on the York City Council and the city school board, headed the NAACP and has been a leader at Crispus Attucks for more than 30 years.

Yet speakers at the tribute lamented that few young people at the Voni B. Grimes gym or Crispus Attucks Center would know about the accomplishments of these two community leaders... .

A Pennsylvania college student, working on an independent study project, recently wrote seeking information on the Ku Klux Klan. Her primary interest was the hate group's activities in the Hanover area.

The Klan's attraction to York County goes way back, and hate groups became particularly evident in the past 15 years in response to unfortunate racial incidents .

The Hanover area suffered through a Klan march after a racial disturbance in its Center Square in 1991. A couple of years ago, the racists swept into York on several occasions in the aftermath of homicide trials for the white men who killed a black woman in 1969.

These were not York County's finest hours. But one county Klan story should bring satisfaction to many.

In the 1980s, Albert P. Lentz, leader of York County's White United Party, was prone to saying Hitler was a great man and other such nonsense.

Well, when Lentz died of a heart attack in 1992, his body wasn't discovered until two weeks later.

Popular guy.

The following is a summary from "Never to be Forgotten" about Klan activity in the county through the decades:

Maya Angelou, Hank Aaron, Luther Vandross and Rosa Parks were among the many deserving greats profiled at a black history fair Tuesday at Crispus Attucks Community Center.

Perhaps exhibits on these famous achievers were expected.

And I was familiar with lesser-known luminaries — Air Force Gen. Daniel “Chappie" James, the first black four-star general; Dorie Miller, ship's cook third class, who manned a gun during Japan’s Pearl Harbor attack; and Ben Carson, the surgeon who made history with the succcessful separation of siamese twins.

But I had never heard of aerospace engineer Lonnie Johnson of Los Angeles... .

John Hartman’s skyscraper, home of Futer Bros. Jewelers for years, has caused revealing conversations in York since its completion in 1850.

As outlined in the last post, Hartman built a six-story building about three years after former former slave William C. Goodridge completed his five-story Centre Square structure.

John Vincent Jezierski, who wrote the authoritative “Enterprising Images, The Goodridge Brothers, African American Photographers, 1847-1922," indicates that Goodridge purchased property from Hartman in 1845.

So, the two businessmen did business with each other. But perhaps the relationship soured... .

The news that Futer Bros. Jewelers is closing its downtown York store casts a spotlight on one of York’s most historic buildings.

Futer Bros., at the southeast corner of Continental Square, has been located in what has been known as the Hartman Building since the 1930s.

John Hartman built his six-story building on the southeast corner of Continental Square in 1850.

Three years earlier, former slave William C. Goodridge had built his five-story emporium — York’s first “skyscraper" — at the northwest corner of the square.

An often-told story suggests that a competitive Hartman intentionally built his structure a story higher to trump Goodridge ... .

Lenny Moore, famed Penn State and Baltimore Colts running back, is coming back home when he appears at York Sports Night.

The annual event is set for Jan. 25, 2006, at the old Central York High School, 300 E. Seventh Ave., North York. The autograph session will be at 6:15 p.m., and the show starts at 7:15 p.m.

Moore has strong family ties to York, as attested to by the following excerpt from “Almost Forgotten," my book on black history in York County:

A gratifying part of doing journalism and history is pulling past research from the file and putting it into play today.

I had researched the York charrette, a major community forum in 1970, for a paper as an American studies graduate student at Penn State.

The paper compared the York Gazette and Daily’s and The York Dispatch’s coverage of the charrette.

The Gazette was coming at it from the left and the Dispatch from the right. Interestingly, both newspapers, in coverage and in opinions, treated it as a major event which wasn't perfect but brought forth good things.

I suppose it wasn’t surprising that the newspaper found merit in the eight-day assembly. York was riddled with racial woes and faced a third summer of unrest, unless someone put forth a solution.

My conclusion was that the Dispatch liked the charrette, and the Gazette and Daily liked it a little better.

My York Sunday News piece on the charrette follows:

Our editorial board believes that recent state tourism efforts to highlight York County black history on the Web were sparse, so we provided some additional possibilities in the editorial in the York Sunday News on Dec. 4.

In researching the editorial, I spent a delightful hour confirming some of the material I would write about.

I visited North York’s Lebanon Cemetery, the largest black cemetery in the county. I wanted to confirm that prominent physician Dr. George Bowles was laid to rest there, and a car tour was more interesting than calling the Heritage Trust for the information. I’ve been to the cemetery several times before and thought I remembered his marker.

A trip through Lebanon provides a lesson in black history. One sees markers for prominent families — the Kearses, Montouths, Chapmans and Sweeneys. Gladys Rawlins, the founder of Green Circle, was laid to rest there.

I then drove to Crispus Attucks Community Center to view the beautiful artwork posted there. It had been six months since I was last there, so I wanted to make sure the photographs, drawings and paintings were still on display.

During my visit, I ran into CA President Bobby Simpson, and he told me about big plans for a celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary in March.

I frequently take little tours of noteworthy sites in Central Pennsylvania. There’s nothing like viewing these sites first hand. The tour last week was an hour well spent and added to the following editorial:

I wrote an editorial titled "Don't celebrate York's surrender" for the York (Pa.) Daily Record on Nov. 25.

The editorial (see below) shows how history and journalism can squarely meet.

Also, I tried to keep in mind that students of history who practice journalism sometimes can come off as snooty... .

Rosa Parks' death is a reminder of the accomplishments of York County resident Daisy Myers.

She's sometimes referred locally as "Rosa Parks of the North" for her and her family's perseverance in the face of racial violence in Levittown, Bucks County, in the late 1950s.