York’s famed Factory Whistle and its concert – then and now
Linked in/Neat stuff: Brodbecks Community Band/Harley ‘Knucklehead’
Remember these days when whistlemaster Don Ryan operated the York Factory Whistle in the narrow hallway at New York Wire? Well, that’s just one of many changes in the annual Christmas morning concert in recent years. Here is some of this evolution: New York Wire Cloth Factory Whistle to New York Wire Factory Whistle, East Market Street. Now, it’s York Factory Whistle at Metso Minerals, Arch Street. The whistle ran on steam for decades. Now it runs on compressed air, an easier, less expensive energy source to gain and work with. And the whistlemaster has exchanged his frock-like garb and helmet for a tuxedo … . Also of interest: Check out these stories and photographs about the York Factory Whistle.
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Here’s the new scene at Metso, Christmas tree and all. A reader wondered whether the public could see Don Ryan performing live at Metso’s plant – either at rehearsals or the 12:05 a.m. Christmas Day concert. The short answer is no – because of limited space and company policy. But you’ll be able to hear it. Here’s another change. The concert will be live streamed for the world to hear on their digital devices. But one thing isn’t new. Don Ryan will be at the helm, where he’s been for decades. Oh, here’s another constant. It’s the same whistle. To see this vaunted instrument, check out: Mocking Bird Steam Whistle.
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Other neat stuff from all over … .
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Gettysburg battlefield in the news
@BarackObama signs bill to expand @GettysburgNMP battlefield http://t.co/SBZGyPj7zc @theeveningsun @NatlParkService
— Mark Walters (@walt_walters) December 20, 2014
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Community bands: Karl Steger, director of the Brodbecks Band, will speak on town bands in southern York County at the Glen Rock Historic Preservation Society’s monthly meeting on Jan. 27.
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Ron Kesselring is from Hanover, and he’s know for riding speedy vintage motorcycles. He rides them well – such as this 1941 Harley-Davidson – breaking land speed records. Read more: Harley ‘Knucklehead.’
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History Mystery: Click on the like, comment or share buttons to engage with today’s quiz.
