World War II rocked small towns across York County
Still on York New Salem, officially known as New Salem Borough.
While looking at a list of those killed in World War II a few years ago, I notice several from that borough on the list.
OK, many towns sustained heavy losses in World War II, as did York County overall with a count of 570 or more.
But the names coming from York New Salem did not strike me as the German names generally found in that part of York County… .
To be sure, William J. Rohrbaugh was one of at least five to die from the borough.
Consider the names of the other four men from New Salem who died in uniform: Joseph Latrovich, Edward L. Matyas, John Tittnick, Frank E. Zyak.
It’s a small sample, but I’m wondering if the nearby Glatfelter paper mill attracted Eastern European families and a pocket settled in York New Salem.
Any insight out there?… .
The number of from the borough who men died could have been more. York County veterans listings just cite the residence of some of those who died as York County, no town.
Five from a small town like New Salem is a lot. The impact the war had on some towns throughout York County should never be overlooked.
