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Flo Snyder Neff, a World War II-era office employee at York (Pa.) Corporation, penned poetry that went to Yorkco employees on the warfront and homefront. She read her poetry at a recent Osher Lifelong Learning Institute class at Penn State York and was warmly received. Also of interest: York County poet: 'Her words helped win the war,' Part II and York County's Bob Senft, World War II vet, exemplified the Greatest Generation and World War II combat hero from York County: 'Avenged the death of his platoon leader' and All World War II posts from the start.

Flo Snyder's words of encouragement in verse form were read by thousands of men and women in uniform and in York Corporation's employ in World War II.

About five years ago, I asked Flo Snyder Neff to read her poetry at my presentation before Red Lion Area Historical Society.

Just last week, she did an encore before an OLLI class. (See three of her poems below.)

Here is how "Shop News," the Yorkco newsletter carrying her poetry, introduced the teenage Dallastown High School graduate in November 1943:

This list, found in a York County (Pa.) USO's newsletter on file at the York County Heritage Trust, provides a tongue-in-cheek account of services provided by hostesses at the Serviceman's Club and Canteen at the old York County Academy during World War II. Also of interest: Old gym bears signs of USO past and USO column attracts WW II-era memories and Just try to resist this memory-tugging photograph of northwest York, Pa. and All World War II posts from the start..

Another in a short series ( Part I and Part II) about York County's United Services Organization during World War II... .

In the fall of 1945, the USO in York welcomed the 100,000th man or woman in uniform to use its services.

Cletus Ruby of East Prospect picked up a certificate in recognition of this milestone.

The war was now over - V-J Day on Aug. 14 was the celebratory end - and the USO had adopted the new role in aiding the military in demobilization, redeployment and training of returning vets.

According to "In the Thick of the Fight:"

Servicemen, spouses and volunteers pose at York County's Pennsylvania Dutch Canteen in June 1945. Notice that on the wall at right a drawing is posted of the placement of the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima in February 1945, suggesting the famous photograph was already an American icon. George Bixler, a Marine sergeant observed the flag after it was raised after the important World War II fighting. '(I)t was like a ballgame, everyone hollering all over the place. I could just see that baby waving," Bixler, a Hanover resident, said years later. The canteen was located in the still-standing York County Academy gymnasium. The academy building on North Beaver Street, which no longer stands, served as USO headquarters. The canteen was located to the rear of the academy building. Some of the Pennsylvania Dutch drawings on the wall are visible today in the privately owned building. Also of interest: Old gym bears signs of USO past and USO column attracts WW II-era memories and Just try to resist this memory-tugging photograph of northwest York, Pa.

The USO in York County attracted young women by the thousands.

These were volunteers, no doubt lonely themselves with many eligible men off fighting in World War II. But they provided comfort to many a guy in uniform at the North Beaver Street USO buildings, nonetheless... .

The USO, United Services Organization, in the York (Pa.) area was headquartered in the now-demolished York County Academy building. The USO's dance hall and eatery, the Pennsylvania Dutch canteen, operated out of its gymnasium during World War II. The old gym still stands in the northeast corner of its former lot, now a North Beaver Street parking lot. This photograph came from the "Art Work of York," W.H. Parish Publishing Co., 1893. Also of interest: Old gym bears signs of USO past and USO column attracts WW II-era memories and Yorkblog.com leads to reverse publishing.

A photograph of the old York County Academy, part of a rare "Art Work of York" collection, reminded me of the World War II-vintage USO that operated out of there.

I adapted a section from my "In the Thick of the Fight" to tell about how things worked in those days when York swarmed with men in uniform, defense contractors, women in coveralls and other war related activity:

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):

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) ... .

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:

York County's most celebrated human trafficking case in recent years came in 1993 when nearly 300 Chinese men and women were smuggled into the United States aboard the Golden Venture. The steamer ran aground in New York and some of the men were assigned to the York County prison. There, they stayed for several years, without being charged, until released. "The way these guys bring people to the United States is not much better than slave ships in the 19th century," attorney Craig Trebilcock, who represented the captives, said in 1998. Here, legal advisers leave a York restaurant with Zheng Xin Bin, a Golden Venture passenger, shortly after Zheng was granted asylum in 1999 after a six-year wait. Also of interest: Underground Railroad museum in York would honor achievements of William C. Goodridge and When York County rolled up its red carpet to people of color and Golden Venture survivor's family escaped venom of Snakeheads.

York County has played host to three human trafficking cases in the past 20 years.

And one would have thought that York County's association with slavery ended before the Civil War when fugitive slave hunters, lawfully, crossed the Mason-Dixon Line in search of their prey.

First, we had the Golden Venture case in 1993, which was thrust on York County because it had room in its prison.

Just four years ago, South Korean women worked in two brothels in York County to pay off their transportation costs to America. (See details below.)

Recently, three people were charged with trafficking for keeping two Vietnamese women and forcing them to work at nail salons lest they be turned over to immigration officials... .

Carla Reinecker submitted this aerial view of the Cape Horn Road and East Prospect Road intersection in eastern York County. Longstown, that is, the intersection that can be located today as the crossroads between Heritage Hills Golf Resort and Wisehaven hall. She placed the photo at circa 1948. Viewers in increasing numbers are submitting historic photos to the Your Photos section of ydr.com. Other aerial photographs of interest: Just try to resist this memory-tugging photo of North York's White Oak Park and Just try to resist this memory-tugging aerial photograph of York Whitehull Airport and York Valley Inn and Playland and ... and So, can you find long-gone Springwood Park in this aerial photograph?

The York Daily Record/Sunday News' Buffy Andrews told about that special window with a special person behind it who would hand out warm candy at Manchester's Katharine Beecher Co.

It turns out Buffy wasn't the only youngster who knew about that special window.

York countian Ned Heikes sent this e-mail:

Catherine Meyer, known as the "Mother of Red Lion," was a successful community leader whose contributions were recognized publicly before women generally achieved such. Also of interest: Ma & Pa rabbit trains passing through Red Lion: 'I hope they thoroughly hosed out the cars.' and Red Lion, then and now: 'Welcome to a popular page on our web site' and Every day, York County struts its diverse architectural stuff and Penn State student renovates Red Lion Victorian-era house.

Catharine Meyer was a late-19th century/early-20th century Red Lion business woman and landowner.

She was one of York County's most publicly successful women in those days before women could even vote.

Interestingly, she was not included in the American Association of University Women's "Legacies" project in the 1980s. That project profiled prominent 19th- and 20th-century York County women.

Not all deserving people could be included in the booklet, to be sure. And the book tended to be York centric.

There's even uncertainty about how to spell her name - whether her first name is "Catherine" or "Catharine... ."

Robert N. Senft had just been inducted into the service in this August 1943 photo. He is pictured with his wife, Ethel. Senft spent much of his life in York County, Pa., mostly in Zion View, Conewago Township. (See additional photo below.) Also of interest: In the WWII fight, in York County and abroad and 'Little Johnny' called from York for Allies in World War II and Beacon helped spot whereabouts of Zion View.

York County's role in World War II was so sprawling that I thought much about how to frame it in my research for a book on that topic.

After running across a nearly full set of York Corporation newsletters, at the York County Heritage Trust's Book Blast, I had gained a record about how one influential industry, and its employees, ventured through World War II.

Then I went on the lookout for particular employees who could help tell the story.

I found a hero, Red Lion's Thomas Frutiger, who survived the Bataan Death March in the Phillippines only to die at war's end on a Japanese hell ship as they transported the lieutenant and other POWs to Japan... .

A quality control expert at York, Pa.'s Classic Caramel, now part of Camp Hill, Pa.-based Warrell Corp., checks a piece of Slo Poke candy to make sure the packaging is closed with a proper twist. Warrell also produces candy under the Katharine Beecher name - a brand that started in York County's Manchester borough. (York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News photo.) Also of interest: Katharine Beecher: 'Legacies,' Part I and York Peppermint Patties: 'York became synonymous with dark chocolate and peppermint' and OLLI's theme song: 'Don't stop thinking about learning'

An e-mailer gave this heads up:

Katharine Beecher's name appears prominently in a candy display in York Township's Cracker Barrel.

I took notice.

The Beecher name is legendary in a York County that is big on candymaking... .

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:

This advertisement is among hundreds that appear in the 'York Hospital "Benefit" Cookbook,' circa 1916. The cookbook has been reprinted and available for sale at the York County Heritage Trust. The cookbook was subtitled "Home Formulary of 'Tried and Tested' York County Recipes with Hints and Helps to Good Housekeeping." In the original cookbook, color swaths were glued onto the pages of this advertisement from the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Alabastine. Also of interest: All "YorkEats: Hogmaw and such" category posts from the start and Oysters: 'Economical ... not bones or waste ...' and Mix 'You know you're a Yorker, if' with oysters. You get...

"For people who have an interest in cooking and historical data and a fascinating presentation of advice."

Thus was the dedication for the reprint of the 'York Hospital "Benefit" Cookbook, courtesy of the John Zimmerman family.

York County's John Zimmerman found the 240-page paperback book among the cookbook collection of his late wife Kathryn and realized its value to the York community... .

This cookbook, circa 1916, has been reprinted and distributed to the York County Heritage Trust (717-848-1587, www.yorkheritage.org) and (York Hospital, 717-851-3417) to sell to the public. The cookbook is packed with recipes of the day. More to come on this fascinating book in future York Town Square posts. (See below to see image about the back of the book.) Other old books of interest: York County's former Teachers' Institutes: 'Head train the hand. Hand train the head' and York County, Pa.'s 150th birthday party would have astonished founding settlers and York columnist Jim Hubley's 'Off the Record' again on the market.

Neat, but disappointing, stuff from the mailbag:

The American Revolution Center, in what it bills as the first comprehensive national survey of adult knowledge of the American Revolution, has released "startling" results.

A center release states:

Among the findings, the survey found that Americans highly value, but vastly overrate, their knowledge of the Revolutionary period and its significance. For example, 89% of adults indicated confidence in passing a basic test on the American Revolution, but only 17% actually passed the test that reviewed the beliefs, freedoms and liberties forged during the Revolution and created the United States. Beyond decrying "historical amnesia," the survey raises a more serious question: Can rights undefined and misunderstood be defended or appropriately conveyed to new generations? ...

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... .

This photo from York (Pa.) Day Nursery's Web site shows community support for the center in 1962. The nursery is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Also of interest: Samuel Small tops York, Pa. community contributor list and First Pinchot Road in York County example of Great Depression-era stimulus project and Great Depression not only pinched in York County, it punched.

Many of York County's great community institutions started during the Great Depression.

York Little Theatre.

York Symphony Orchestra.

Martin Memorial Library.

I wrote about the silver lining of the dark Depression in the blog post: "The bad, and yes, the good of the Great Depression in York County."

This year, another Depression-era community service, the York Day Nursery, is observing its 75th year. It marked an early moment for day care in nursery school form in the York area. Meanwhile, at Crispus Attucks Community Center, the social services center for the black community, Helen Thackston directed the day-care program from 1932 to 1964.

The short story of York Day Nursery:

The Visiting Nurse Association started the day care for mothers who needed to earn a second income for their family during the Great Depression... .

York (Pa.) Daily Record/Sunday News photographer Jason Plotkin captures workers as they recently put up metal poles to hold a new plywood extension atop Holtwood Dam spanning the Susquehanna River. The work is designed to increase the hydropower capacity at the dam, one of four across the Susquehanna in and around York County. Rocks often covered with water (see photo below) are exposed as part of the work on the dam linking York and Lancaster counties. Also of interest: Who was Norman Wood (of bridge fame)? and Holtwood Dam thrust into the news once again and Where exactly is the Susquehanna River's Holtwood Dam?.

The Susquehanna River has been in the news for years for a variety of serious reasons.

The Continental Congress sweated a raiding party of British horsemen so seriously that they measured the river's depth along its length in an attempt to figure where any attack would come from. That was during the Revolutionary War when the river separated York County-based delegates from the redcoats in Philadelphia. In the Civil War, the Union army burned the bridge between Wrightsville and Columbia to keep the invading Confederates from crossing.

Rafts of logs tied together swept down the river during high water on their way to market in the Chesapeake Bay.

High water swept away bridges and low water made steamboat navigation difficult.

A canal was dug to make the river valley navigable, but the dams needed to feed water to the ditch stopped shad migration.

All that is serious and place the river as a key part of regional history.

But the fun stuff is just as interesting, however improbable.

Two examples:

Participants in the York County, Pa. Teachers' Institute in the 1928-1929 school year received this notebook to write down insights gained in these city and county training sessions. (See additional photo below.) Also of interest: One-room school reunions preserve educational culture of thousands of York countians and Former Temple head product of York County schools and All school days category posts from the start..

The annual Teachers' Institute for York County city and county teachers was a longtime rite of fall.

With this multi-day in-service program for teachers came a booklet, courtesy of Dan Meckley's collection. The black-and-white notebook raises several interesting items of historical note.

First, the institute has separate dates for York City teachers and county teachers.

Part of the reason for this might have been relevant instruction for grade-level classrooms in the city versus country one or two-room schools in which all grades were grouped.

Advertisers were eager to get their messages to the recipients of the notebooks, teachers from the three-corners of York County... .

This image was used to promote Weaver Organ and Piano products made in York, Pa. This card appears to be 1920s vintage. (See sales pitch set to verse on the card's back below.) Also of interest: Junior Curators exhibit: The name of Lefty York of York, Pa., lives on and The organ: 'It is a whole orchestra in itself' and All Made in York posts from the start.

Dan Meckley III's father was an exec at Weaver Organ & Piano Co. for years before its closing in the 1950s.

So history-minded Dan III has made sure the York community has a musical legacy of that venerable's company's products at the York County Heritage Trust's Historical Society and Agricultural and Industrial museums.

Recently, Dan put forth advertising cards - actually, miniature handbills - touting the company's organ and pianos, made at its four-story factory on North Broad Street.

Some of the cards are targeted to families, who kids would make prospective users. Others were targeted to upscale market. Those in his collection addressed women suggesting that they were decision-makers on the purchase of pianos and organs... .

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:

York County, Pa., Civil War author Scott Mingus has added another book to his growing list of titles: "The Louisiana Tigers in the Gettysburg Campaign, June-July 1863." This 315-page book covers this famous Confederate brigade during the during the Gettysburg Campaign, including its two-day stay in the York area. For locations to purchase the book, contact Mingus at scottmingus@yahoo.com. Civil War book: 'When flames brilliantly illuminated the sky over the Susquehanna River' and Books probing York County in the Civil War come in strong, sudden onslaught and The Four YorkBloggers write.

In his recently published "Louisiana Tigers," Scott Mingus tells the wonderful story of Gen. Jubal Early meeting the widow Zinn in western York County's Big Mount.

"Are you goin' to destroy us, are you going to take all that we've got?" she asked Early.

Early replied: "No madam, and to give you the best protection possible, I will stay with you, with my staff, and no one shall trouble you."

Early then visited one of his brigade commanders, John B. Gordon, at nearby Farmers.

When he returned at about 9 p.m., Mrs. Zinn had saved a supper of 15 varieties of food - meats, vegetables, coffee and milk... .

York, Pa.'s Martin Library honored Emanuel A. Cassimatis for library and community involvement at a recent ceremony. The event also served as a fundraiser for the library's endowment fund, used to purchased new books. (See list of past honorees and Cassimatis' favorite books below.) The Cassimatises: 'Builders and Heroes,' Part I and William Penn Senior High School Hall of Fame honors a host of York County achievers and York's Martin Library asks community: What to do with those old doors?.

Retired York County Judge Emanuel A. Cassimatis was meeting with the president of Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the International Tribunal of Children's Rights. It was the Friday following the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001.

During introductions, the president express his sympathy to Cassimatis, as a U.S. representative, for the tragedy.

"You know," he told the group, "we are all bound by a universal consciousness so that when something happens to one of us, it affects all of us."

Cassimatis told that story in receiving an award from Martin Library. This member of York's pioneering Greek family then summarized its meaning and what it says about community involvement... .

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... .

This mural in the Lafayette Club shows York, Pa., soon after the Marquis de Lafayette visited the town in 1825. Lafayette returned to York about 50 years after his first visit, when he publicly supported George Washington during trying military and political times for the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolution. This photo, capturing a scene adapted from engraver/artist William Wagner's work, is part of a story about the club in an upcoming edition of 'Spaces' magazine. Also of interest:10 years ago, York's exclusive Lafayette Club became less exclusive, Part I, Part II and Marquis de Lafayette captivates folks even today.

For a club that has long been private and mysterious, York's Lafayette Club - and particularly the townhouse where it operates - has seen much history.

P.A. Small, York's leading businessman of the 19th century, lived here.

Gen. John B. Gordon stopped there to give a speech touting the gallantry of the Confederates then invading York in June 1863.

The deed for the townhouse was lost on the Titanic... .

The Women's Club of York exhibits a style in architecture and interior fixtures common in the Victorian Age. Here, an angel-shaped sconce is on display at the organization's East Market Street building. (See additional photos of Victorian-era buildings in York, Pa., below). Also of interest: Women's Club of York: 'No one knew it really looked like this' and York County civic, service groups fighting for lives and Author: 'York's streetscape features almost every style and era of American architecture'.

For all of its assets, York County - particularly the York area - has a branding problem.

Its historic and cultural resources, though considerable, are not as high-profile as Lancaster County's Amish and Adams County's Gettysburg Battlefield and Dauphin County's Capitol.

The York area's two most significant historic moments - adoption of the American Revolution's Articles of Confederation and World War II's York Plan - are significant, indeed. But they're not likely to capture the imagination of tourists, much less local residents... .

In this York Sunday News photo from 1958, York (Pa.) Little Theatre's Jean Farlow makes noted screen actor Cameron Mitchell appear 40 years older for his part as the William Jennings Bryan character in "Inherit the Wind." A photo of the production was part of a York County Heritage Trust exhibit opening this week. Other posts of interest: Former York countian-turned-screen-writer Laurice Elehwany: How to make it as a writer and Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out and Many national stars first performed on YLT's stage.

Paper covers the exhibit cases that are part of the York County Heritage Trust's "From Artists to Athletes: A History of Entertainment in York County."

The Trust's Junior Curators, a group of budding exhibit overseers, will unveil their handiwork starting on Friday, with the exhibit running through Oct. 30.

But a label near one of the covered cases serves as a reminder about one of York County's leaders in the entertainment field - probably the most honored actor ever from the county... .

Ball Mason jars, around for 125 years, can be used for many things. In this Kansas City Star photo, tea lights flicker in the jars. In fruit- and vegetable-rich York County, Pa., the jars remain staples for canning, their use for decades. Background posts: 21st-century Victory Gardens might morph into Stimulus Gardens and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts and Pennsylvania Dutch-speaking York County residents often conversed with German POWs and Jamaican fruit pickers worked York County orchards in World War II .

Five brothers named Ball started production of fruit jars in 1884, with John Mason's 1858 invention in mind.

Three years later, they moved their plant to Muncie, Ind., and their Ball Mason jars became a standard part of American homes.

This 125th anniversary of the jar brings to mind time of a government snafu when canning was most needed - the days of World War II... .

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? ... .

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:

In this York (Pa.) Daily Record file photo from 2005, June Grove is seen in Brogue's St. Luke Cemetery. Her ancestors are buried there along with Revolutionary War veterans George Keener, 1757-1841, John Stermer, 1760-1855, Henry Tome, 1754-1846. Background posts: 'Painting pastor's' work survives devastating southeastern York County blaze and On York County parks, Susquehannocks and carved river rocks and How many Amish have crossed the bridge from Lancaster to York County?.

Information in a post on fellow blogger Joan Concilio's Only in York County site gives a possible explanation for why the Chanceford Township village of Brogue is often called The Brogue.

The short answer is that it was a shortened version of someone saying "I'm going over to the Brogue Hotel," a landmark there for years.

But where did the village name of Brogue come from?

June Grove knows more about the Chancefords (which includes Lower Chanceford Township) than anyone... .

This monument is not readily available to the public because it stands near the Box Hill Club within the confines of the gated Regents' Glen community in Spring Garden Township. It's been there since the 1920s. Background posts: Glatfelter, Morgan Smith head industrial legacy list and The real big York County house that little false teeth built and Chocolate Bliss? Tooth shining flavors 'cooked up' in York.

The variety of tree known as the white oak has loaned its name to many things around York County.

White Oak Park, a hangout north of York, stood amid a stand of such trees. White Oak School was a one-roomer near Hametown in southern York County.

White Oak Plains was an area running from present-day Regents' Glen near the Country Club of York and extending toward Indian Rock Dam... .

Walter Cronkite, who died last week speaks on April 21, 1998, in York. He appeared at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center as part of the Junior League's "In The Spotlight" series. Background posts: Hedy Lamarr's visit to York long remembered and Presidential visits to York listed and All famous visitors to York from the start.

Sure enough, he was, courtesy of the Junior League of York's "In the Spotlight" speaker's series.

That series drew Cronkite and a host of other luminaries here.

That list includes:

In this 2004 York Daily Record file photo, Nellie Scott of York Township goes through a scrapbook from her service overseas as nurse in World War II. Background posts: Women's history posts from the start and World War II posts from the start and York County people posts from the start.

Diane Fessler, author of "No Time for Fear, Voice of American Military Nurses of World War II, noticed a York Town Square post about local nurse Nellie Scott, who died in 2008.

"I wish I'd been able to interview her along with the 200 nurses included in the oral histories in the book," she commented.

That comment served as a reminder how often nurses played a role in York County - and national - history... .

Mount Wolf's Ciara Coombes danced to kick off the York County Heritage Trust's Civil War Celebrity Tea, part of Patriot Days activities in 2006. Patriot Days 2009, last weekend, kicked off this year's Civil War observances. Numerous such events today-Sunday are part of observances of the 146th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Background posts: Site places readers in the footsteps of the Civil War in York County and beyond and Poster highlights the life of a Civil War soldier and Hanover Civil War story stop: 'Mother Loses Two Sons to War'.

The calendar this year - the 146th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg - coincides exactly with the calendar in 1863.

That means that July 1 this year is a Wednesday, and that is the day fighting began. On Saturday, July 4, 1863 - Independence Day - a defeated Confederate army retreated toward the Potomac.

So, a particularly packed lineup of events in both York and Adams counties is scheduled this weekend.

Here's the list, courtesy of the York Daily Record/Sunday News:

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? ... .

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

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

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

Hal Colston, a York native who has become a leader in the anti-poverty movement in Vermont judges greens in a February 2008 cookoff. The event took place at Hannah Penn Middle School, where he attended before matriculating to William Penn Senior High School. Background posts: All celebrities posts from the start and All York County people posts and William Penn: People mag features York native Hal Colston as a 'Hero Among Us.'

The recent high school graduation season provided an impetus to gather links to national achievers who received their sheepskins from York County secondary schools.

These are just a few of hundreds and hundreds.

Just consider this a history lesson from the blogs:

Cassandra Small, who wrote about the Confederate occupation of York in 1863, will come to life at a Civil War symposium at York College. Terry Latschar will take on her character. The free public event starts at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at DeMeester Recital Hall in Wolf Hall, York College. Scott Mingus and Dennis Brandt will also present. Photos courtesy, York County Heritage Trust. Background posts: All Civil War posts from the start and Cassandra Small's, James Latimer's Civil War letters from York will 'never be forgotten' and Burial site reportedly found for rebel officer who occupied York.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you see something with June Grove's name on it, you know the research is sound.

So, her latest work is certain to move York County historical enterprise ahead.

Columnist Lori Badders wrote about Grove's latest work in the Weekly Record, circulating in the southern part of York County.

Grove's research is concentrated in that area.

Badders wrote:

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

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

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

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

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 ... ,

June Lloyd wrote the book on a form of fraktur used to illustrate York County, Pa., birth and baptismal certificates in the 1700s and 1800s. A sample is found on the her book's cover. "Faith and Family" is available at the York County Heritage Trust. Background posts: PS Harrisburg grad school: 'Set my feet even more firmly on the path into the world of Fraktur' and The Four YorkBloggers write and Nature had its way with short-lived York Furnace Bridge in southeastern York County

Former York County Heritage Trust Archivist June Lloyd is looking for folks who have early American birth and baptismal certificates.

She compiling a database of these works of fraktur, known as taufscheine.

June told an audience at the Heritage Trust's Second Saturday program over the weekend that she has records of 1,500 such certificates and regularly adds to that total as she learns of them.

The following is a sampling of the points she made on this Pennsylvania Dutch (German) practice of commissioning such art to mark these important passages:

Costume designer Ann Roth, a Hanover native, created this sketch for Meryl Streep for a scene in "Mamma Mia!" Hanover Area Historical Society President James E. Schuman shows off the sketch, which was part of an exhibit of Roth's sketches at the Warehime-Myers Mansion in Hanover. Background posts: York County's Ludwig family produces two national headliners and Area loom makes costumes for Hollywood and TV show box set 'Terry & the Pirates' to be part of a museum exhibit someday?.

Hanover native Ann Roth began her career as a scenery painter for the Pittsburgh Opera.

But her gift for costume design was ready and waiting. And she's still designing years later.

So says a short bio of the famed designer on MakingOf.com, a Web site offering viewers a look at how movies are made through the eyes of the makers.

MakingOf.com is featuring the first of three scheduled Ann Roth videos... .

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

Her name was Aline Rhonie Hofheimer and later Aline Rhonie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But she survived.

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

The William Penn Senior High School boys ....

... and York Catholic's state title runs are detailed in forthcoming York Daily Record/Sunday News' books. For details on these books or accompanying DVDs, visit www.inyork.com/booksales. Background posts: Will Autumn Lau gain top area basketball scoring record? It's possible. and Red Lion's Scott Fitzkee ranks as York/Adams Greatest Athlete and Other YAIAA-related posts.

A York Daily Record/Sunday News editorial put the recently passed local basketball season into perspective:

"This has been one of the best YAIAA hoops seasons in recent memory. Today, the York Catholic girls are playing for another state championship, potentially the team's fourth in a row. To reach the title game, York Catholic had to beat another YAIAA team, Delone Catholic.

Saturday night, the William Penn boys will play for a state title; the city team hasn't played for a state championship since 1949.

York County could have two state championship basketball teams, a remarkable achievement.

... We can all take some pride in the accomplishments of these student-athletes. And we can learn some lessons from them... .

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... .

Propaganda posters, as they were then called, helped sell patriotic ideas during World War II. This poster promotes Victory Gardens, but the posters ranged from loose lips sink ships to recycling themes. (See additional poster below.) Background posts: 20 questions and answers to prove your York County WWII smarts and Pennsylvania Dutch-speaking York County residents often conversed with German POWs and Jamaican fruit pickers worked York County orchards in World War II .

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

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

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

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

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

The York Plan is Exhibit A on the homefront.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former Hanoverian Ann Roth's photograph is seen next to a sketch from 'The English Patient.' She earned an Oscar for her costume work in that film. The Hanover (Pa.) Area Historical Society will display some of Roth's sketches in March at the Warehime-Myers Mansion in Hanover. Background posts: York County continuing ed classes offered for matures who love to learn and Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here and Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out.

The Hanover Area Historical Society is exhibiting sketches by famed costume designer Ann Roth this month.

In so doing, the society is taking a step the 20-something historical groups throughout York County should emulate: Embrace popular culture as part of the historical enterprise.

Communities throughout York County have produced dozens of celebrities... .

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?

Northeastern's Autumn Lau (42) celebrates after scoring her 2,000th point against Dover in early January. She has since become the leading girls' scorer in York County's basketball history. Background posts: York athlete series: 'Arguably the best girls' volleyball player the area has ever seen' and Red Lion's Scott Fitzkee ranks as York/Adams Greatest Athlete and 'When people are looking back into Pa. basketball history ... it's great'.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News story told of Autumn Lau's record-breaking basket against West Perry last week in simple fashion:

"The Northeastern senior converted a bank shot in the paint from the left side to pass 2006 Fairfield graduate Lauren Beckley for the top spot on the YAIAA girls career scoring list. Lau put 20 on the board in the winning effort to increase her career total to 2,275 -- 17 points ahead of Beckley and 113 behind boys career leading scorer Jacob Iati, who set the record playing for York Catholic last season."

Will she pass Iati's mark of 2,388?

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?

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

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

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

Here is the vote of the readers:

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... .

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... .

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Rachel Witmyer, member of a committees that founded the forerunner to Memorial Hospital is seen in this 2005 photo with Ruth Kammer, left, and Memorial CEO Sally Dixon. Witmyer died this week at the age of 97. Background posts: York's Memorial Hospital eyes site at different compass point, Well-known doctor, York, Pa.'s Edmund Meisenhelder, beat back flu and East side Memorial Hospital formerly on west side.

Dr. Rachel Witmyer was part of the team responsible for opening West Side Osteopathic Hospital in 1945.

That hospital was a successor to Edmund Meisenhelder's West Side Sanitarium and a forerunner of Memorial Hospital.

She had opened her own practice seven years before. And other female doctors had preceded her in York County.

Dr. Martha Bailey of Dillsburg was one.

Ruth Kammer's "Inside West Side" names at least two other early 20th-century female osteopaths: Emma E. Donnelly and Rachel E. Walker.

Florence La Rose Ames' "That Sovereign Knowledge," a history of York Hospital, lists Elizabeth G. B. Cannon as an intern in 1939.

So, at least a handful of women had been practicing medicine around the county for years.

But not enough to prevent an incident that dismayed Witmyer one day soon after West Side opened... .

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.

Educational publishing house WorldScapes has released a book on Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne called "In her Stride." Background posts: Vilma Garcia-Jones remembered as prime spokesman for Latinos in York County, Who were most prominent 20th-century sports heroes in York and Adams counties? and Stetler Dodge transition indicative of other York-area changes .

In a recent post, I suggested that horticulturalist and York Imperial Apple developer Jonathan Jessop should be placed on the list of York County luminaries begging for more research.

Now, I'll take one off.

Loretta Claiborne is one of the important people on that York Town Square list who has long deserved a book-length treatment of her life. The Special Olympian earned a Disney movie a few years ago... .

R.R and Blanche Chronster Vanderer were living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941. At that time, Blanche Vanderer, a York County native, had been a Hawaiian resident for many years. (See video below of a 2008 Pearl Harbor observance in York County, video by Paul Kuehnel of the York Daily Record/Sunday News). Background posts: Pearl survivor: 'We need to prevent attacks of that nature', Giving news, sports junkies their fix and Bataan survivor persevered as POW.

"We were so used to planes in the air and gun shooting that I always said we would never know the real thing if it would ever happen," Blanche Vanderer wrote from Waikiki after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

The York native's letter of events on Dec. 7, 1941, appeared in her hometown The Gazette and Daily about a month later, delayed while the censors worked through their stack of outgoing correspondence.

A sampling of other observations:

With fewer jobs and companies pinching, labor unrest erupted around York County during the Great Depression. When a dispute struck a town, everyone was affected including spinoffs to the cigar-making industries, the Consumers Cigar Box Co. (seen here in this York County Heritate Trust photo). Background posts: York County cigars: 'They contained a vast amount of nicotine', Windsor: Home of 'stately old houses that may appear to be miniature castles' and Red Lion's Ebert Furniture: From bedroom suites to gunstocks.

The recent Black Friday trampling of a young employee at a New York Wal-Mart store by rushing shoppers makes one wonder how that could ever happen.

Well, it happened it York County in 1934 under different circumstances.

And it wasn't deadly.

But it hurt, and it was women who were trampled... .

For years, this marker designated the site where Jonathan Jessop developed the York Imperial Apple. With construction of Apple Hill Medical Center on that site, the state Horticultural Association-sponsored marker has been moved inside the medical complex. It sits in obscurity today in the area, quite naturally, of the center's coffee shop. Background posts: Who were York County's most influential citizens?, Research needed to unearth Underground Railroad in York County and 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts.

The 1968 book "Greater York In Action" tells the oft-repeated story about how the York Imperial Apple came into being.

In the 1820s, Quaker orchardist/clockmaker Jonathan Jessop received a seedling from a Hallam-area tree that had produced apples that kept all winter on the ground under a blanket of snow.

Jessop grafted a stem from this seedling onto another tree on his Springwood Farm in York Township.

He carried the tree to the Friends' Yearly Meeting in Baltimore and from there members brought the tree to Virginia.

The apple original was known as Jonathan's Fine Winter and later was changed to "Imperial of Keepers" and "York Imperial."

So Jessop became largely known for his role in development of Imperial apples.

That's where this story, which no doubt needs verification and corroboration, has stood for years... .

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:

This is the cover art for blogger Scott Mingus' forthcoming "Flames Beyond Gettysburg: The Gordon Expedition." Here, artist Bradley Schmehl captures the burning of the Wrightsville Bridge in late June 1863. Mingus is one of many productive members of the York County historical community. Background posts: Solomon Meyer 'forsook the publishing business and betook himself elsewhere', Best of yorktownsquare.com, 2007 and Resources for York/Adams history junkies increasingly posted on Web.

'Local history scene is a busy one' said the headline on my recent York Sunday News column providing a sample of good work going on in York County's historical community.

The column went beyond all the books and publications that people are putting out... .

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... .

Sarah Palin was the last candidate to set foot on a York County stage in the election 2008 season. Here, she speaks to a crowd on Oct. 31 at the York Expo Center. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is seen at right. (See photo of Barack Obama's visit to York below.) Background posts: Hillary Clinton apparently closer to middle than Obama in minds of York County Dems, York-area woodcarver made life-size JFK statue. But where is it now? and Bobby Kennedy spoke to Foremen's Club in York about labor racketeering.

The canon is sealed on candidate visits to York for Election 2008.

Chelsea Clinton was the first dignitary to stump way back in April when her mother was still a candidate.

Veep candidate Sarah Palin was the last, appearing Friday, Oct. 31. Joe Biden was the only candidate among the four presidential and vice presidential entries not to show.

Here's the complete list of visits by candidates or their families:

York County School of Technology is not used to full houses at its home varsity football games. Here, a faithful few observe Vo-Tech's team as it faces off against Delone Catholic in October 2008. The program gained the spotlight for a moment in the early 1990s when two girls played football. (See below.) Background posts: Presidents visit York, alive and via funeral trains, Unusual valve gave steam whistle prominence in World War II and Northeastern last York/Adams public school to field football team.

Should perennial loser York County Technical School, known for years at York County Vocational Technical School, continue to field sports teams?

York Daily Record/Sunday News sports writer Frank Bodani probed that question as part of his 22-part Greatest Athletes series.

Tech athletic director Rob Caruso seemed to settle the question: ...

This is the cover of a Visiting Nurse Association history put forth by VNA Home Health, Wellspan. The booklet includes a history and numerous photos of VNA's 100 years of operation. Background posts: York's Wonder Women: The stories of four more movers and shakers, Prostitution in York busted during World War II and York County WWII nurse: 'You know, it was the biggest war ever, and they needed nurses'.

"York's first visiting nurse makes house calls on a bicycle, her skirt undoubtedly flapping in the wind."

That's how I started my entry for 1908 in "Never to be Forgotten" on the Visiting Nurse Association, an organization started to address the health needs of the poor in York.

Now, parent Wellspan has published a booklet in connection with the 100th anniversary of this ride. The book contains historical facts about VNA and is loaded with photos.

The colorful former York Corporation/Borg-Warner plant on West Philadelphia Street in York is home to Buchart Horn/Basco Associates. (See how that crane or a similar overhead crane was operated in photo below.) Background posts: York, Pa. made big, heavy things - and was immensely proud of it, Carriage house dome: 'What's there will last for 100 years ... 200 years' and 'Little Johnny' called for Allies in World War II.

The 445 W. Philadelphia Street complex often just referred to as Borg-Warner was in severe disrepair in the 1990s.

Long ago, the two air conditioning/refrigeration plants known as "The Yorks" consolidated at the Grantley site, best known today as York International and Johnson Controls... .

This painting, owned by the York County Heritage Trust, was one of 16 that became part of the 1927 celebration marking the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in York County. Given the war conditions, scarce food and high costs might have meant that the woman and toddler were not as nourished as they appear in the painting. An upcoming York College class will study food, disease and their impact on early York County. Background posts: "York's Central Market sells steak ... and sizzle," and Demolished Red Lion Grange Hall still tells tale of changing York County and Lighthouse marks site of landmark Dover Township soft pretzel stand.

York College is offering a course on how food, health, disease and accidents affected the life span of York countians.

The course, titled "Voices from the Past: A History of York County, 1730 - 1930," picks up pioneers as they first legally settled west of the Susquehanna River and follows their ancestors until just before the Great Depression... .

Former York countian and now world-famous artist Jeff Koons created this artwork. Anne Lampe, director of the Demuth Museum in Lancaster, might have broken the code with her explanation: 'The Hoovers are such a social commentary piece. Here are these machines that were made to supposedly alleviate a housewife's chores, but have we really liberated women?' Background posts: Proposed 'Creation of a Nation' museum name glib, but lacks grounding, York County native Jeff Koons' work raises question: But is it art? Part I, Artist Jeff Koons came back to York for a show and Jeff Koons' sculpture brings record for a living artist's work

The display of artist Jeff Koons' work at Versailles, France, has again raised sentiments in his boyhood home of York County about why his art is such a big deal.

One detects dismay and sometimes anger that he gets recognition for work that seemingly anyone can do... .

Nellie Scott, far left, is seen with other nurses waiting to board a train to treat wounded military men in Italy in World War II. Background posts: A short test of your women's history knowledge, Civil War nurse: 'Dogs of war in our midst' and 'Her words helped win the war'.

She might have been the first Army nurse from York County to enlist in World War II.

That was Nellie Scott's reputation during her lifetime and after death, which came Aug. 31... .

A large crowd listens to big band music over the weekend at Dills Tavern, part of Dillsburg's175th anniversary festivities. The tavern serviced the plentiful passengers on the Harrisburg and Baltimore Turnpike, as they passed through the notch in the mountains. Background posts: Franklintown second cousin to neighboring Dillsburg, Flag expert: 'I was interested in my nation's heritage', Dillsburg's Jane Alexander pioneering county woman in state politics

The York Daily Record/Sunday News story (8/23/08) called Dillsburg York County's
"wild child."

The 175th-anniversary celebration over the weekend was, indeed, a bright moment in the northwest York County borough.

The wild child comment brings to mind the most celebrated wedding of a townsman - or townswoman.

Anne Dill, 24 years old and the beautiful widow of a descendant of the town's founder, married the distinguished clergyman and Declaration of Independence signer John Witherspoon... .

Jen German heads the list of all-time best Dallastown Area High School athletes. Where does she rank on list of greatest York County prep athletes? Background posts: Who is rightful owner of area boys' basketball scoring record?, Northeastern last York/Adams public school to field football team and 'When people are looking back into Pa. basketball history ... it's great'.

A current 22-week York Daily Record/Sunday News series story opines about Shannon Bortner Werner, Dallastown Area High School class of 1998: "She is arguably the best girls' volleyball player the area has ever seen." ...

York educator Victoria Lyles achieved much, and one of her lasting legacies is her involvement in the founding of York Twinning. Background post: YLT + YSO + 75 years = A1 entertainment, Many national stars performed on YLT's stage and 'Weekly Reader's' founder Eleanor Johnson.

York Little Theatre's Julie Aiken is finishing up work on a book marking York Little Theatre's 75th annversary being celebrated this year.

She came across a woman who seemed to be making things happen across the community in the 1930s through 1950s - Victoria Lyles.

Among other things, Julie found that Victoria Lyles worked with Rabbi Alexander Goode on teaching tolerance in York City schools and was instrumental in desegregating York's schools.

"Do you have any further information about this amazing woman?" she wrote... .

Camp Ganoga athletic director Don Roehm leads Boy Scouts in exercises in 1921. Scouts trooped about three miles into the isolated camp on the bank of the Big Conewago Creek near Strinestown after disembarking from the trolley in Manchester. This York County Heritage Trust photo was published in the book "On My Honor, 70 Years of Scouting in York & Adams Counties." The Big Conewago is the symbolic divide between northern York County and the other two-thirds of the county. Background posts: Monica Goodling proves that all roads lead to York, Part of Elm Beech still visible and Northern York area strawberry part of Neapolitan county.

Monica Goodling, in the news recently for her practices in hiring federal prosecutors, lived in a region where northern York County met southern York County.

In a forthcoming York Sunday News column, I tell about the Conewago Creek region where she lived and how at least intra-county cultures met on its banks.

The column follows:

This moment in June 2005 marked two milestones. It was the 10th anniversary of the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center. And Ellen Dye, right, was the 500,000th student to pass through its doors. Susan Byrnes, left, founded the center, located in the former D.E. Stetler Dodge dealership on South George Street, York. They stand in the dealership's showroom. For State Rep. Steve Stetler, appointed state revenue secretary to replace Tom Wolf on Nov. 12, 2008, is a descendant of D.E. Stetler. Background posts: Often forgotten: Achievements of those whose names appear on facades, Horn Farm: 'A very special living history memorial to those hardy ancestors' and Susan Byrnes: Putting a health passion into action.

The story of Stetler Dodge provides a quick lesson of change in the York area.

D. E. Stetler founded the company in 1914 as a charter dealership for Dodge Brothers automobiles.

The butcher from the Newberrytown area of York County later moved his dealership to York. In 1923, he built the South George Street dealership that operated downtown until 1990. His three grandsons then moved the business to the outskirts of the city near Route 30. Downtown car dealerships just could no longer make it in York - or most anywhere.

Just this week, Stetler Dodge officials said they have sold the dealership, one of about five charter Dodge dealers still operating, to Jack Giambalvo... .

This panel, part of the Murals of York series, shows the Central Market, one of at least three murals that celebrates York County's agricultural prowess. The murals can be used as an effective tool to teach county history. Free walking tours of the murals, courtesy of the York County Heritage Trust, are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday until Aug. 30. The tours start at the gift shop behind the Colonial Courthouse, West Market Street, York. Background posts: Don't know much about York County history? Part I, Part II, and Civil rights heros stand out at Bradley exhibit.

The Murals of York can served as a classroom teaching tool.

That's what I told teachers recently in a continuing education course on York County history, offered through Millersville University.

I then provided an overview of county history using the murals, as described in the following York Sunday News column, to be published on July 25: ...

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:

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... .

After 50 years of practicing law, Jane Alexander's longtime law office is filled memorabilia and 26-year occupant Jake 'the Jerk.' The bird is known to ask: 'May I help you?' Background posts: Who are York County's most influential citizens? - Part II, List growing of high state officials hailing from York County and Strange pairings could help raise funds in York.

York County's second female state legislator has decided to call it quits in Harrisburg.

Bev MacKereth, a four-term Republican legislator, is taking a position as the executive director of the York County Human Services Department.

Interestingly, in a legislative world of long terms, York County's first female state legislator also served a relatively short time... .

An Associated Press photographer captured Whitney Metzler of Dallastown during the women's 400 Individual Medley event at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials. Metzler went on to finish in eighth place at the Olympics. Metzler is now an attorney in York. (See photo below.) Background posts: Lineup full of stars with York County links, Olympic gold medalist Scott Strausbaugh another achiever with Dover links and Who were the most prominent York County athletes of the 20th century?.

York County has produced many star athletes, but not that many Olympians in recent years.

There were those decades that weightlifters from York Barbell were kings of that sport. About 40 lifters, coaches or trainers with ties to York Barbell went to the Olympics, and earned 11 gold medals.

And, according to the York Daily Record/Sunday News sports department, Hans Gerhard Boetzelen won a silver in 1932 in rowing (double sculls).

And Robert Sohl won a bronze in 1948 for the 200-meter breastsroke.

And Linda Myers picked up a fifth and seventh places in 1972 and 1976, respectively.

Recently, the county has produced two medalists.

Scott Strausbaugh picked up a gold in canoeing in the 1990s.

And the most recent participant, Whitney Metzler, finished eighth in swimming in 1996.

Now, Whitney Metzler is back in York... .

Charlotte Halpin and others from C.B. 'Red' Klinedinst's bike shop pose outside the store at 113-117 S. Duke St. in York, circa 1950. Now it appears the shop's days are numbered. Background posts: Cyclist uses legs on York County rail trail, York County rail trail extension to follow canal towpath and Downtown thrived in post-World War II York.

York County's rail trail system has revived interest in local cycling.

But county residents were taken to cycling 100 years ago, as evidenced by the establishment of C.B. "Red Klinedinst's" shop, still in operation.

Those were days when bike races on the track at the York Fairgrounds were well attended.

Back then bikes meant bicycles, not Harleys... .

Brad Smith, dressed as a Confederate corporal, took part in the 2005 dramatization of York's surrender to rebel forces in June 1863. The re-enactment is scheduled again this year, along with a panel presentation on the occupation of York and other Patriot Days activities. Background posts: The Four Bloggers write, Panel to explore pre-Gettysburg rebel occupation and Pro/Con: Should York's leaders have surrendered to the rebels?

The York-area's link to the Civil War has been the topic of extensive research and writing in the past five years.

For decades, the best book-length references on York County in the Civil War - and particularly Jubal Early's occupation of York in the pre-Battle of Gettysburg days of 1863 - came as chapters in W.S. Nye's "Here Comes the Rebels!" and Edwin Coddington's "The Gettysburg Campaign."

So in preparing remarks as moderator for Wednesday evening's panel discussion on Confederate occupation of York (7 p.m., June 25, York County Heritage Trust), I inventoried some of the work done on the Civil War since about 2002.

There's a lot... .

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:

This is one of hundreds of propaganda posters designed to raise morale and reinforce defense themes during World War II. Many were colorful and attractive, undertaken by name-brand artists. But this one caused a stir. Background posts: "Little Johnny" helped win the war, The bomb: 'And yet it helped win the war', and Katharine Beecher made candy in World War II.

Propaganda posters appeared in York County and across America in high-traffic areas during World War II - schools, factories, offices and store windows.

As I stated in my history of York County in World War II, "In the thick of the fight," these posters reminded Americans why they were fighting and what the fight was for.

The posters were designed to raise morale. But this particular poster "Wanted! For Murder," raised a ruckus... .

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... .

Hands still bandaged, Principal Norina Bentzel embraces prosecutor Edward A. Paskey after a York County, Pa., judge sentenced William Michael Stankewicz to 132 to 264 years in prison. Stankewicz was sentenced for his Feb. 2, 2001, machete attack on Bentzel, members of her staff, and students at North Hopewell-Winterstown Elementary School. (See photo of assailant below.) Background posts: All school posts from the start and York County's most notorious crimes and 16 York County Good Samaritans honored with Carnegie Medals since 1906.

Heroic former Red Lion Area School District principal Norina Bentzel appeared on nationally televised Biography Channel's "I Survived ..." this week.

Bentzel fended off the machete-wielding madman William Stankewicz in 2001, minimizing an attack that left two teachers and 11 children injured, but none killed.

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... .

Abe Amoros, York's first Latino city councilman and a top official in the Pennsylvania's Democratic Party, is seen in his role as president of the York City Little League Board of Directors during groundbreaking ceremonies in 2005 for two regulation Little League fields at York's Allen Park. Background posts: Delma Rivera, 'Legacies,' Part II, York Spanish Council organized 33 years ago and First York City Latino councilman temporarily state's top appointed Dem.

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

Cassandra Morris Small experienced the Confederate occupation of York in late June 1863 and wrote letters to a cousin giving an account of the horrors of the invasion. She will be among the people discussed in an upcoming panel exploring the rebel invasion. Background post: Tale of a headless soldier, Headless soldier regains its noggin and Years after Civil War, (a) Longstreet steps onto York County soil.

For years, the York area virtually ignored its Civil War history.

The wrenching surrender to the invading Confederates overshadowed the hosting of a Civil War hospital, community support of a large basic training camp and the courage of the thousands of fighting men who served and the probable hundreds who died... .

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:

The noted artist Othmar Carli restored this fire-damaged painting in the Women's Club of York. The historic building will be featured in an upcoming issue of Spaces magazine, published by the York Daily Record/Sunday News. York County, Pa., civic, service groups fighting for lives, A short test of your York County women's history knowledge, York's Wonder Women: The stories of four more movers and shakers.

The last York Town Square visit to the Women's Club of York building told about its owners' plans to renovate the fire-damaged structure.

The owners have nicely tackled some of the main public areas, as the following story from "Spaces" indicates:

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... .

The Confederate raid on Chambersburg on July 30, 1864, resulted in the fiery destruction of more than 500 buildings. It was a retaliation, the Confederates argued, for similar Union action on Virginia soil. To celebrate its Civil War heritage, Chambersburg sponsors an annual series of Civil War lectures, including an annual Lincoln Symposium May 16-17. Background posts: Mayor of York, Pa.: 'We are no longer unprotected' , Was York's surrender justified? and Rebel invaders put off by earthy Pennsylvania women.

People sometimes think the Confederate burning of Chambersburg and the rebels' occupation of York happened in the summer of 1863.

The rebels actually torched Chambersburg in the summer of 1864, something they threatened to do in York during their Gettysburg campaign the previous summer.

The same general extorted threatened to burn York and consummated the act in Chambersburg... .

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:

Retired Gettysburg residents President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, were patrons of Thomas Bros. Country Store and Museum in Biglerville, Pa. Photos of the Eisenhowers are placed around the store. Background posts: Gettysburg's Ike and Manchester's Henry, Book gives positive view of forgotten Gen. Jacob Devers and Little-known facts about Hex murder trial emerge.

As a Gettysburg resident, Dwight D. Eisenhower was often seen in and around York and Adams counties during post-presidential years.

He played local golf courses and was known to use the York Airport.

He and his wife, Mamie, regularly visited Marion Harbaugh's Thomas Bros. Country Store in Biglerville in northern Adams County... .

The Cottage Hill College, north of the Codorus Creek in York, Pa., served as a woman's school for about 30 years starting in 1849. The building is believed to have been leveled about 1900. But a vestige of the ornate structure remains - Cottage Hill Road. Jim Rudisill writes in "York, Since 1741" that tuition cost $25 in 1856 and five months of board cost $55. Background posts: Little Jimmy's someday might draw big crowd, Girls touched down in York, Pa., to touch up and Fairmount fit for Roger, Anita and Pongo, Perdita.

The north side of the Codorus Creek has always fascinated me.

Officials continue to peck away at improving that area, overlooking the Northwest Triangle project.

Little Jimmy's Park is being renovated. The Fairmount area of North Beaver looks a lot better. Habitat for Humanity has rehabbed houses near the Jefferson School... .

Historical artist Robert Griffing painted this scene of the capture of Mary Jemison. A print can be scene in the Glatfelter Memorial Library in Spring Grove, Pa. George Glatfelter II donated the print in 1998. Glatfelter paper owns the land where the Jemison family homestead stood in Adams County. 'The White,' Deborah Larsen's historical novel based on the life of Mary Jemison, was the region's 'One Book, One Community' choice in 2005. Background posts: 400 years ago, John Smith explored Chesapeake Bay - 1 of 20 iconic images, American Indians' carvings almost forgotten treasure and Project uncovers hidden American Indian mural.

York/Adams most celebrated direct link with the American Indians that inhabited the region west of the Susquehanna and east of South Mountain happened 250 years ago. (John Smith is not believed to have made it as far as future York County in 1608).

In 1758, Indians captured 16-year-old Mary Jemison in western York County.

French and Indian War hostilities led to a raid in what is now Adams County that led to the Indians carrying away Mary's family... .

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: ... .

Sears offered an option to girls and women separated from their nylons during World War II: anklets. A decade later, Sears moved from this crowded West Market Street location in York, Pa., to a sparkling new store in the York County Shopping Center. Background posts: Just try to resist studying this memory-tugging photograph and York scored another first: Wal-Mart's entry into Pa.

My York Sunday News column on the old York County Shopping Center in Springettsbury Township sparked a round of nostalgic e-mails.

The messages contained a common denominator: The smell and taste of those grilled Sears hot dogs still make mouths water... .

York (Pa.) Ice Machinery Corporation, later York Corporation and today owned by Johnson Controls, served as a catalyst for the York Plan. Yorkco chairman William S. Shipley headed the York Manufacturers Association, which promoted the sharing of machinery and manpower to land large World War II defense contracts. Here, condensers are lined up on Yorkco's shop floor. Background posts: York made big, heavy things and was immensely proud of it, The bomb: 'And yet it stopped the war' and 'Her words helped win the war'.

Continuing the series of iconic photos - photos that capture layered moments - from York County, Pa.:

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... .

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... .

The Women's Club of York met at 228 E. Market St. from the Women's Club of York for decades. But the organization that once topped 600 members declined fewer than 100. The club couldn't pay the bills, so it sold the ornate building to private residents and received a free lease and utilities for 10 years. The Women's Club is not alone in addressing a dwindling membership. Background posts: Restoration planned for fire-damaged Women's Club, York's Wonder Women: The stories of four more movers and shakers and Histories attempt to fill blanks in women's, black history.

I wrote the following community trend piece that appeared as a York Daily Record/Sunday News editorial on March 20, 2008:

Afew weeks ago, a headline related sad news:
"Saying their goodbyes/After 84 years, the local Quota Club disbanded last year."

Such stories are becoming all-too common.

Longtime community organizations, unable to recruit new members, dissolve... .

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... .

Kathryn L. Fourhman's bio lists her as Pennsylvania's first female coroner. And she's known locally as author of a book about her experiences as a coroner: "Death is a Funny Thing." She is one of 50 women feted in 'Legacies,' the 1984 American Association of University Women. Background posts: A short test of your women's history knowledge and Mildred and Russell Chapman, 'Black History Profiles,' Part I.

The York Daily Record/Sunday News continues to work its way through the 50 women celebrated in AAUW's "Legacies: Remembrances of York County Women."

The newspaper updated bios of Sister Gilmary Simmons, Nellie Leber Longsworth, Kathryn L. Fourhman and Mildred K. Binder.

All four achievers were alive at the time "Legacies" was published in 1984, and their stories had expanded with their many activities... .

Anna Dill Gamble, one of York County's most accomplished 20th-century women, is the topic of a question in a women's history quiz put forth by the York Daily Record/Sunday News. Read on to learn more about her. Background posts: OLLI's theme song: 'Don't stop thinking about learning' and York County Civil War hero grandmom of Gore Vidal.

Test your history knowledge on this quiz about women who achieved on the local and national level (answers below, too):

Harry Flinchbaugh of Red Lion's Flinchbaugh Cigars was a hands-on owner. His factory, along with scores of other cigarmakers, helped Red Lion and other York County communities prosper in the first part of the 20th century. Red Lion may have claim to the top cigarmaking community. "Red Lion: The First 100 Years" notes that the peak number of factories in the borough between 1880 and 1930 was 150. (York County Heritage Trust photo.) Background posts: Cigarmaking Red Lion on top of York County and Red Lion's Ebert Furniture: From bedroom suites to gunstocks.

York County has long put forth products that attract so-called sin taxes.

We have brewed beer in York, distilled whiskey in Foustown and rolled tobacco in Red Lion and scores of other locations throughout the county... .

Katharine Beecher Candies has moved its decades-old manufacturing operations from Manchester to Cumberland County. The owner and namesake was one of the top businesswomen in York County in the 20th century, and her accomplishments will be part of an upcoming course of county history. Background posts: Katharine Beecher: 'Legacies,' Part I and York author's works adapted to the big screen: 'Legacies,' Part Last.

Question 1: This York countian's sculpture brought $23.6 million at auction in New York.

Question 2: This woman was so sweet her candy circulated to all parts of the world.

Question 3: This York countian met a friend 3 different times on 3 different beaches in the South Pacific in World War II. Who was the York countian and who was the friend?

I used these three questions (answers below) to introduce a course I will be teaching on famous people from York County ... .

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: ...

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... .

"My Weekly Reader," that children's newsletter so familar to millions was the brainchild of a York County educator, Eleanor Johnson. Background posts: Katharine Beecher, 'Legacies', Delma Rivera, 'Legacies' and One-room memories flow from readers' fingertips.

In the 1920s, York County educator Eleanor Johnson was concerned that students did not know what was happening in the world - "not a flicker."

That was the seed that started the children's newspaper "My Weekly Record."...

Delma Rivera and her husband, Edwin, were among the pioneering Puerto Rican families to settle and achieve in York County. Background post: York Spanish Council organized 33 years ago, York Springs a town in change, but what's new?, and Katharine Beecher, "Legacies," Part I.

"Legacies," AAUW's booklet on achieving 20th-century York County women, is an artifact in itself.

When viewed as a whole, it shows that most women achieved in the workplace in those days through their work in social or community service, teaching, nursing or libraries. Indeed, some believe this is still the case today. (Candymaker Katherine Beecher, profiled previously, was an exception.) ...

Katharine Beecher started a small candy company in the 1930s. Defense contracts in World War II helped her company, as it did many York County businesses. Katharine Beecher's son, Henry Beecher, kept the business in the family for 22 years after his mother's death in 1952. In 1974, he sold the factory's assets to Pennsylvania Dutch Candies. Today, that company, now in Cumberland County, carries the Beecher name on some product lines. Background posts: "Little Johnny" called for Allies in World War II and Edith Barber: 'She wanted to save humanity'.

A small road called Butter Mint Lane in Manchester explains the product made in the factory on that road.

Manchester was where Katharine Beecher Candies operated for decades before owner Pennsylvania Dutch Co. arranged for its move to Camp Hill in 1999.

Katherine Beecher, who started the business in her kitchen in 1930, became one of the most visible female industrialists in York County in the middle years of the 20th century... .

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... .

Elizabeth Marshall was York's first elected female mayor and member of city council. She was a recent mugging victim in her beloved city. Background posts: Images capture hope for racial harmony and Rainmaker's visit indicated much awry in York.

A news story this week told about the assault on former York mayor Elizabeth Marshall.

Marshall, who was not seriously injured, vowed to not let the incident take over her life... .

Edith Barber, a community leader and mentor to many York women, died in November. "I cried for a half hour this morning when I heard that she had passed," Daisy Myers said. Background posts: Histories attempt to fill blanks in women's, black history and Daisy Myers: Rosa Parks of the North.

In the early 1980s, the American Association of University Women published a booklet recognizing a sampling of women who had achieved in York County in the past century.

Edith Barber, who died in November, was on that prestigious list.

Rivertownes PA USA helps promote Wrightsville, Pa.'s many attractions. Here, Claire Storm, Rivertownes' president in this 2003 photograph, surveys one of the town's stone kilns. Background posts: York County, Pa., Civil War hero grandmom of Gore Vidal, Wrightsville's overlooked attractions and Absorbing photo and overlay shows locations of six Susquehanna bridges.

Wrightsville is a lot like Dover.

More goes on in those turnpike towns than one would think... .

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 1927-vintage band hall housed the Zion View Band and myriad of other Conewago Township community activities until the 1980s. Most recently, it was home to the York County Racing Club. (See additional image below.) (Courtesy, Norma Bear Gates)

Ask anyone around before 1940 about the Zion View Band Hall, and you'll get a story about the night that hall's furnace exploded - or, as they say in Conewago Township, "blew."

In "More about ...the way it was," Norma Bear Gates tells about the memorable event during the Zion View Business Show in 1940... .

Greg Vojtanek brings acting experience to his role with the York Revolution. Central York High School's Mark Zortman is keeping a running list of those with national acting credits. Background posts: Hanover native Ann Roth explains how she designs costumes for Hollywood and Many national stars first performed on YLT's stage and York native Steve Zirnkilton's 'Law & Order' voice known to the world and Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here .

Greg Vojtanek, marketing manager for the York Revs, is bringing Hollywood experience to make each home game an event.

Vojtanek appeared in "Princess Diaries II," as George, the lip reader. He was also in a deleted scene (available on DVD) in "Raising Helen," as a security guard/stage manager. He had a brief walking scene with Kate Hudson.

He has appeared in commercials and soap operas before switching to promotions in organized baseball.

"I just said, 'I think I want to work in baseball.' I don't know why. I have no idea what came over me," he told the York Daily Record in a recent story.

He is another in a long line of people with York links to work as actors on stage or screen.

Mark Zortman of Central York High School keeps a running list of those who have gone on to big things... . (This supplements past posts on this blog.) ...

York County's Hinkey Haines and Babe Ruth teamed up in 1923.

Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson and former lefty Ken Raffensberger appeared in a York Daily Record roundup of athletes who touched York County in some way.

The 2006 story provides an impressive list of links between the world of sports and the county of York:

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... .

Monica Goodling did not leave deep, lasting memories on many in York County.

But York Daily Record/Sunday News reporters continue to develop the portrait of the former York Haven-area woman who has been part of proceedings probing the Bush administration's firing of U.S. attorneys... .

The American War Mothers monument in York, right, rear, honors those who served, died and achieved in World War II. It is an overlooked York County landmark.

A photograph published with my column on Sunday, 'A Memorial Day tour of, well, memorials,' brought a nostalgic response from a reader.

Linda Just wrote about my tour of York's military statues, particularly Penn Park's American War Mothers marker: ...

York Haven-area native Monica Goodling is surrounded by photographers as she took her seat to testify before the House Judiciary Committee about what she knows of the motive behind the firings of nine U.S. attorneys. But reality TV has given her a run for the local spotlight, as York countians have shown prowess on the screen. Background posts: Background posts: Monica Goodling proves that all roads lead to York County, Clinton, Obama at Messiah College: Still stopping short of stepping on York County soil and About Monica Goodling: 'She'll come through this.'