Then & Now: Wagner’s Vincity of York

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Wagner’s 38 watercolors contained in the Views in the Borough of York & Vicinity provide an accurate window into the past as it highlights how York looked nearly 200 years ago. I have attempted to match Wagner’s various 1830 paintings with their modern Google Street Views counterparts below.

George Street, north of Main, east side

North George Street, looking south from Philadelphia Street. In the distance is the County Court House with the Count Pulaski weathervane on its clocktower. The spire in the distance is that of Christ Lutheran Church. You can find this location here.

York and Wrightsville Turnpike

Now 3103 East Market Street, this was the residence of Peter A. deBarth in the early 1800s. It was later occupied by Dr. Jacob Hay, John Smyser, and in the early 1900s, owned by Thomas Myers and his heirs. You can find the house located here.

Christ Lutheran Church

The site of this church is on the east side of South George Street at Mason Avenue. SamuelSmall II (1837-1927) attributed this William Wagner drawing to be a copy of a Lewis Miller original. It shows the second building of Christ Lutheran Church. In 1760 the cornerstone was laid for this stone church which was completed in 1762 and torn down in 1812. The present brick church was dedicated in 1814. You can find the church here.

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Here’s your chance to own some of Wagner’s work

I am currently selling 18″ x 24″ matte prints of his beautiful 1821 map of Lancaster County for the low price of $35 with free shipping and handling. It highlights the various townships, waterways, rivers, turnpikes, roads, mill sites with owner names, furnaces, and churches throughout Lancaster County.

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