Junior Curators exhibit: The name of Lefty York of York, Pa., lives on
The Hippodrome, one of downtown York’s many theaters in their early 20th-century heyday, is example of stories told in a Junior Curators’ exhibit unveiled this week at the York County (Pa.) Heritage Trust. (Update: The exhibit has been closed.) Background posts: You maybe didn’t know it but … they’re from York County – Part II and TV show box set ‘Terry & the Pirates’ to be part of a museum exhibit someday? and Young curators produce York Fair exhibit: ‘A Fair of Our Own’.
Maybe it was meant to be.
Big league pitcher James “Lefty” York lived his later years in York, Pa.
He was in the majors for a cup of coffee with the Philadelphia Athletics and Chicago Cubs covering parts of two seasons, 1919 and 1921. He compiled a 5-11 record in 42 games.
The Arkansan would be largely forgotten to history, except that Junior Curator Alex Daugherty has resurrected him as part of “From Artists to Athletes: a History of Entertainment in York County” exhibit at the York County Heritage Trust… .
And his baseball glove and spikes.
Good catch, Alex.
The name of Lefty York of York, Pa., lives on.
And so do many other artifacts of the local music, theater and sports scene, thanks to the work of six young curators.
For example, a pages of music for “An Ode to York County, 1927, the work of composers L.C. Stein and M. M. Snyder, is displayed. It describes York with “rolling hills” and “clear blue skies.” That’s about right.
And an ornate Weaver Reed Organ, a two-peddled, 10-stop pump organ, has been carefully transported from storage for public display.
The Weaver Organ Company of York, Pa., crafted the organ. The company, operating from 1870 through the 1950s, offered the slogan: “First organ musically,” and “Strongest organ, mechanically.” And that’s about right.
In addition to Alex Daugherty, Derek Butler, Kevin Hildebrand, Katlyn Landes, Scott Mokris and Morgan Rouscher put together the 250 E. Market St. exhibit. It can be viewed during normal Heritage Trust hours.
If they’re searching for a project next year, here’s a suggestion:
The curators could show off some of the York countians who have achieved on the national stage – and field. There are many who became well-known in American sports and entertainment history – Cameron Mitchell and Craig Sheffer and Vic Wertz and Chris Doleman.
Not to take anything away from James “Lefty” York.
Here is a refresher of other artists, actors and athletes from York/Adams or linked to this region:
– Hanover native Ann Roth explains how she designs costumes for Hollywood.
– John Baer among York countians to star on big screen.
– Memorial service for noted musician Bob January set for, well, January.
– Cameron Mitchell, Craig Sheffer, Dixie Chick born here
– York County, Pa.’s Cameron Mitchell agonized over career choice
– Bomb group seeks Cameron Mitchell’s WWII info
– Stand-in stole show in YLT’s “Inherit the Wind”
– Former York countian-turned-screen-writer Laurice Elehwany: How to make it as a writer
– Young Alan Alda performed along the Codorus? Researcher checking that out
– Many national stars first performed on YLT’s stage.
– DJ to The Drifters and Charlie Thomas of York, Pa.: ‘You guys have a hit record’.
– York native Steve Zirnkilton’s ‘Law & Order’ voice known to the world.
– York County’s Ludwig family produces two national headliners.
– Don’t forget Del McCoury on list of York County’s celebs.
– Jeff Koons’ sculpture brings record for a living artist’s work.
– Add another to list of entertainers with York links.
– Former NFLer and York countian Lincoln Kennedy has not forgotten his roots.
– Names of stars from York County with pro sports links just keep increasing.
– Lineup full of sports stars with York County links.
– Braves super scout Paul Snyder about retirement: ‘I’m content’.
– All York County celebrity posts from the start.
*Photo above courtesy York County Heritage Trust.
