Only in York County

Today I’m going to do something a little bit different. Instead of sharing reader stories or memories, as I often do, I’m going to share reader requests for memories.

These are all topics that people have contacted me about, asking who else remembers them. I’d love to hear your comments on any of these using the methods at the end of today’s column!

• Reader Anita, who called from North Carolina, wanted to know what people remember of former shoe-shine places in York. She recalls one called Rufus two doors down from Futer Bros.
• Doug wrote that a family member of his who grew up in downtown York during the 1930s and ’40s talks about home life from back then and her walks downtown to The Bon-Ton’s book department and the Flamingo Restaurant, as well as Hudson Hosiery.
• An unnamed reader asked, “I would like to know the names and locations of public schools that were part of York City Schools in the mid-1950s.”
• Joann Rudisill wants to know about the old bowling alleys in York. “There was one that had duck pins in the city and a bowling alley on South Pine Street,” she wrote.
• Brenda Dunnick wants to know more about Playland and a hotel with a deep pool on East Market Street. We’ve certainly talked about Playland in the past, but I’m always glad to hear more!
• From Myra Doughty, I heard, “What about the Hub Store?”
• Gini Hamme wants to talk about the Chantiles Parking Lot, on the corner of Philadelphia and Beaver streets, where the White Rose is now located. This is cool because I know some of the descendants of the Chantiles family, including one of my daughter’s former sixth-grade teachers, and we’ve shared memories from other Chantiles family members in the past.
• Reader Gwen noted, “J.M. Fields was my family’s company (my great-grandfather was the founder). I’m really only discovering this part of my family’s history now – I’d love to hear any other stories you folks have!”
• And Georgia Heilman wants to know “Do you have info on the Arch Street one-room school?”
• Rick is interested in the west-end farmers’ market in York. I’m guessing that was the former Carlisle Ave. Market where DreamWrights theater is now!
• And Sis James wants to know more about Howe’s and Julius’ dairies.
• Finally for today, Charlie Waltmire remembers when there were two ballparks in the York area – White Oak Park by the Masonic Home and the White Rose park, which was where the Viking AA field is now. Does anyone else remember these?

I’m really looking forward to hearing your memories on these many topics!