John H. McCandless Papers

John McCandless (1920-1990) was an active Quaker and a prominent small press printer. He was born March 8, 1920, and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1941 with a degree in English Literature. He worked as a reporter and editor for the Chester (Pa.) Times from 1942-1949. He was a conscientious objector in World War II and opened his own printing press in 1958.

The Hemlock Press printed works by non-professional authors and publications of various organizations, as well as personal stationary and envelopes. The press specialized in publications of a religious, especially Quaker, or literary nature. McCandless also performed editorial work for Quaker Religious Thought, the Publications Committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends, and Friends General Conference. In addition to publishing and editing, McCandless also wrote a number of books and articles, including Yet Still We Kneel, a book of collected poems. In 1978, he began working as an independent copy-editor for various publishing organizations. He was a long-time member of the Exeter (Pa.) Meeting, a core worker in the New Foundation movement, and was involved in New Call to Peacemaking, Faith and Life Panel, and Friends Consultation on Membership. He died on February 28, 1990, at the age of 69, survived by his wife, Dorothy Mahle McCandless, and two sons, John Woolman McCandless and Christopher McCandless.