Where are you from? A small town in Idaho? A large city in Illinois?
York, Pennsylvania.
More specifically, Eastern York, which is comprised of Lower Windsor Township, East Prospect Borough, Yorkana Borough, Hellam Borough, and Wrightsville Borough.
Eastern York is home to many families who have resided there for generations. Their kids attend Eastern York Schools from elementary to high school, and when they try to use college as an escape route from the town, it normally doesn't work in their favor. Why? Believe it or not, Eastern York has a small bit of charm. Regardless of whether or not you like living here, it is your hometown. For the past, however, many years, you have made the best of it. Even though it's not the most exciting place to live, your roots will still be planted here. Let's take a look at all of the things that make someone an Eastern York native. (Disclaimer: as a local, using the term "Eastern York" sounds a bit weird. However, to anyone who isn't from here, it's the best way to summarize the area without being too specific.)
So you're from Eastern York? Congratulations. You've survived many years of being called a "river rat" and "redneck," even if you're far from either of those things. You probably know someone with the last name Livelsberger. If you live in Wrightsville, you always know when the firehouse gets a call. You also know how to get from one part of the district to another at least two different ways. You've also found love in high school, but it probably didn't last. You probably know someone who has lived in Buttonwood and are very familiar with the name Emig.
How else do you know you're from Eastern York? You've obviously heard of Barry's Country Food Store, and probably even know someone who has worked there. Heck, you probably still shop there if your dad did. You also know at least one person who is a volunteer firefighter or EMT, or someone who works at Rutters, Sheetz, or Turkey Hill. You know that there is at least one pizza shop in each of the five boroughs. You or your kids have probably done a fundraiser with Sue's Subs. You also know where to get Half Nuts popcorn. You can remember when the Royal Farms was built, and, admit it, you were totally pumped for it to open. Lastly, You know what Jim Mack's is and someone who has worked there.
You've probably been on a date to the York Fair, Jim Mack's, or the York Galleria. You've also witnessed kids drive their tractors to school. Your school colors were more than likely blue and gold, and you know at least one person who attends either York College or Millersville University. You also know that you're from Eastern York if you pass corn or wheat on the way to school. Your family receives either the Community Courier or the Merchandiser each week.
You are aware of yearly local events such as the Bridge Bust, the Polar Plunge, Heritage Days, the Hellam Yard Sale, and Craley Days.
If you're a more recent graduate of Eastern York High School, you know when the Krazies come out, and that football games are the place to spend your Friday nights in the fall. You're proud to be a golden knight, but claim to hate your school. You probably went to Canadochly, Kreutz Creek, or Wrightsville (aka, Can-a-broccoli, Kreutz Geek, and Wrongsville). You've attended homecoming at Wisehaven and prom at the Eden Resort. You also know that the EYARC was the bomb after school when you were little. You also know that Chromebooks aren't the best computer choice in the world. You can get all of the high school sports news you need from the Knights Krazies's Instagram or Twitter feeds. You know what the "Lancer" is, and you probably own one. As a student, you've taken a field trip to the Susan Byrnes Center to learn about growing up and healthy eating. Popular sports events include the Battle of the Bridge, Black Out games, and the infamous Columbia vs. Eastern football game. You are probably used to seeing Black Out shirts around the school, as well as "Cancer Sucks" shirts in various colors. You are also well aware that when a student, teacher, or an alumni member gets terribly sick, the school rallies together and becomes an unbreakable family.
Lastly, landmarks to Eastern York natives include the Shoe House in Hellam, John Wright Restaraunt (where, no, you cannot take your prom pictures due to a wedding), Sam Lewis State Park, and High Point. You've been to Sam Lewis at least one time, and know that the best way to see two counties at once is to climb to the top of High Point, the local scenic vista.
Regardless of which part of Eastern York you call home, it is a significant piece of your life that will remain with you forever. Sure, you may get lucky and find yourself somewhere more satisfactory, but you can never change where you came from.
