The Yorktowne Hotel

When the Yorktowne Hotel reopens, it will serve as a hub of York County artists, through commissioned pieces, local partnerships, and grant funded projects. Meet the local artists being featured over the next several days, and consider supporting the York arts community in your holiday shopping. Now more than ever, #ShopLocal. ________________________... Phyllis has been a full-time weaver for over forty years, with weavings hanging in private homes, offices and in The Visions of the Susquehanna collection at the Zimmerman Center. She has concentrated on this type of wall hanging since the early 1990s and sold work at craft shows such as Long’s Park in Lancaster, PA and American Craft Council shows. Meet all the artists here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist.

Bid Project: FF&E The Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection is opening the bidding & registration process for FF&E. The hotel is designed by R.D. Jones, and FF&E will be purchased by Bray Whaler on behalf of York County Industrial Development Authority. Full scope consists of 123 guestrooms, ballroom, meeting room, pre-function areas, rooftop event space, and lobby bar. All interested manufacturers: to receive the registration form and to receive future bid documents by conta...cting Bray Whaler via website www.braywhaler.com or e-mail at [email protected] and [email protected], due back by no later than Wednesday, November 25th. All vendors who complete the registration process will receive a bid package based on their requested item type on the registration form. Registration opens today, Wednesday, November 4th. The initial package release will happen on Monday, November 9th, then distributed within 48 hours of completing the registration form thereafter. Bid packages will contain an ‘Instructions to Bidders’ document with further information on the bidding process.

Mary Lucas Smith, longtime housekeeper at the Yorktowne Hotel, passed away peacefully in her sleep last week. Any former co-workers and friends are invited to her memorial service: Eberly's Funeral Home in Dallastown. Friday, October 16th at 10:00 AM for a celebration of life - Message from her beloved Granddaughter, Heather Klinefelter

At yesterday's YCIDA meeting, we once again welcomed the York College of Pennsylvania project based learning students for their semester updates. While this year looked a bit different with virtual presentations, students presented concepts for the retail space and the restaurant space in the hotel. This partnership with York College continues to strengthen, welcoming students this semester from both hospitality and mass communications.

1950's style room at the Yorktowne Hotel: This style was rented all the way into the 70's and a few into the 80's until the conversion to the "Yorktowne Motor Inn." At that time, 1 floor of the hotel was reserved for college dorms, and another floor was reserved for truck drivers. Photo credit to Hayman Studio

In February of 1989, Governor Robert P Casey, First Lady Ellen Casey, and a nearly 50-member entourage visited York County. On Thursday and Friday nights of their visit, the notable party stayed at the Yorktowne Hotel. In an interview with the York Sunday News, Judy Wimmer, hotel rooms manager, noted that "Being in the business for 20 years, you try to treat every guest like they're special... but when you get a visitor who's so notable, you can't help but get a little excited."

The Yorktowne Hotel was actively used during the Second World War. In 1941, "radio news commentator Graham MacNamee spoke at the Yorktowne" and referenced his speech in his "Defense for America" Broadcast. Some famous women, including Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and actress Hedy Lamarr visited the Yorktowne to encourage patrons to buy war bonds.

During renovations in 1992, Kinsley Construction, Inc workers found a stack of papers in the wall near the bellman's station. They found (3) 1931 Texaco Pennsylvania maps, a 1932 Pennsylvania Road Map, 1928 and 1933 Train Schedules for Baltimore, York and Harrisburg, and 4 Yorktowne postcards from the 1930's.

When pin-up model and American actress Lana Turner visited the City of York during her performance in "Murder Among Friends" at the Strand Theater (Appell Center for the Performing Arts), her stay at the Yorktowne hotel was unforgettable for more reasons than one. Rumor has it that when Lana Turner retired to her room one night after a show, a silver pitcher landed on her foot and broke the star's toe. The York Sunday News reports that "Despite the broken toe, Miss Turner performed... both nights of the production." This infamous pitcher has since been sold at a Yorktowne Celebrity Auction.

Did you know? Yorktowne guests have always been welcome to bring their furry friends along when they visit our historic Hotel. Check out this photo of Yorktowne guest, Brandon Buoymaster, and his adorable companion, Wrinkles the dog. - October 1995

#TBT The Yorktowne is known for excellent service and delicious food! Check out this photo of former Yorktowne chef, Brian Thibault, cooking up some breakfast for Yorktowne guests. York Sunday News October 1995

Employee Spotlight: Brad Baer, General Manager of the Yorktowne in 2005, attended Northern Arizona University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science. When asked about the keys to his success, the 36-year-old manager said "people." He explained further that the expertise and continuous training of his staff make the hotel successful. His parents, Curtis and Sherry Baer, are two of his most influential mentors. He told the YSN that managing the Yorktowne was a "dream come true."

#TBT In April 2002 the Washington Times gave a shoutout to the Yorktowne Hotel. "The Commonwealth Room, the hotel's AAA four-diamond restaurant, offers fine dining in a sophisticated setting that would fit in with the Washington dining scene"

Yorktowne Hotel update! Replacement terra cotta pieces have been delivered, which will be placed on the exterior of the building in the coming weeks. Check out the before and after!

Employee Spotlight: We would like to honor Yorktowne employee Johnny Bupp for his service to our Hotel and its guests. This photo was featured in the York Sunday News on April 16, 2006. Johnny Bupp worked in the valet department for 44 years

#TBT In 2003, the The Wall Street Journal featured the Yorktowne Hotel as one of the top 13 places across the country to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner outside of the home. Other notable restaurants include the Vidalia in Washington, D.C., The Oak Room in NYC, and Le Cafe in New Orleans.