The bell was a replica given to South Carolina by the U.S. government and now sits on the statehouse grounds in Columbia. The event seen here was part of a national campaign promoting U.S. Savings Bonds.
This image is looking south on Main and the Coca-Cola sign at left is near the intersection of Arch and Main streets.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)
At right is Mac's Lunch, which was located at the intersection of Main and Arch streets. Mac's was known for their burgers and more.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
This December 1976 image shows downtown at Christmas, looking north. The Hyatt Theater is seen at left and The Springs Block is at right.
Look at those two guys in the truck. Clearly, they knew they were having their picture made!
Did you know, the Lancaster Bakery sign can now be seen inside the Shops on Main antique mall on Main St.
(Photo by Bobby Bell/Bell Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
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The No. 1 song in the land was Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel". Gas was 29 cents a gallon and portable, black-and-white TV sets had just hit the market.
This is one of those classic images we could look at for hours. Lancaster's Main St. is seen looking north in this amazing photograph captured by Lavoy Bauknight.
The former J.C. Penney at the intersection of Main and Arch streets can be seen at left. Playing at the Parr Theater is The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring Jimmy Stewart, directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock.
Look closely to the left and you'll see a promo poster for Johnny Concho, starring Frank Sinatra. To the right side of Main is Lancaster Drug, Robinson Cloud and Collins & Dunn.
What else do you see in this picture?
A cropped version is below.
By the looks of those bell-bottom pants at the corner of Main and Gay streets, no doubt it's the 1970s.
Hyatt Cinema, Jewel Box and Williams Dept. Store are just a few places that can be seen in this classic, Christmas image, looking north.
It was made from the top of the former JC Penney building at the corner of Main and Arch streets. This is a fun one to zoom in on to see all the details.
(Photo by Bobby Bell/ Bell Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
The Mullis Brothers parade entry heads up Main St. during the 1961 Christmas Parade.
Taking a look at the kid in the back window at left, we're thinking he's not sure what is going on! A fun time though for sure.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Who's ready for candy?
Children and adults wait for the start of The Lancaster Christmas Parade in 1960.
Kids often moved to the front of the line in hopes of getting candy, which was thrown from floats during the parade.
See below for cropped versions, making it easier to see faces.
(Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Editor's Note: Thanks to Mary Lee Barton for naming some of the people in this photograph.
"I see Harry Melton and his boys. Bernice is standing behind them.
On down the line is Betty Ross Hinson Carter and her mother Trudy Hinson. Then down the line is Karen Kirk Hatcher sitting and her mother Grace Kirk standing behind her. Great memories."
Sarah Deese Funderburk also added:
"Lynette and Arlene Lawson center front seated."
Children wait for the Lancaster Christmas Parade to start in Dec. of 1959 on Main St.
Many children flocked to the front of the line to get a clear view and have a better chance of catching candy from people in the parade.
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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Miss Heath Springs, Patricia Cauthen Ussery, is seen in the Lancaster Christmas Parade as the Heath Springs High School cheerleaders and band follow behind in 1964.
Look closely and you'll see people in the windows above.
Playing at the Parr Theater was Youngblood Hawke.
Do you see Harper's Five & Dime?
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(Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
A mule-drawn buggy heads south on Main St. near the intersection of Main and Arch streets during the 1954 Christmas parade.
The building seen in background is where The Spirit of Lancaster mural is seen modern day.
Playing at the Parr Theater is Hondo, which was released in 1953 and starred John Wayne.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Looking down the street, Kimbrell's, Belk, Parr Theater and more can be seen.
1954 was the last year the globe lights seen in this classic photo were used on Main St.
(Photo by Lavoy Bauknight/The Lancaster Archive)
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It looks like a scene out of a movie.
The 100 and 200 blocks of Main St. are seen, looking south, in June of 1954.
"Mr. Sandman" was one of the top songs that year. The Lancaster Cafe location is across the street from the former Kimbrell's Furniture location.
What else do you see when you zoom in and look around?
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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
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Thanks to all the sponsors who make sharing hundreds of celebrated images from our hometown's visual history possible!
Belk's storefront is seen on the south 100 block of Main St. in March of 1955. This location would be on your left if you were traveling north on Main St.
Today, it's a city park.
Did you know?
The founder of Belk's, William Henry Belk, was born in Lancaster.
He opened the first store in Monroe in 1888.
Belk's was one of the first stores in the country to offer returns if a customer didn't like their item after taking it home.
What's your favorite memory from shopping downtown?
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Back then, this corner was home to Stewman's B.F. Goodrich Tires and Batteries.
Today, Cooper Furniture is across the street from this location on Main St.
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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Back in 1954, this location was a Goodyear Tire store and also sold appliances.
Located at the intersection of Main and Gay streets, it's also home to Downtown Craze Salon, located at the front.
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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Cruising Main St. was popular in Lancaster from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Here, traffic is seen on the 100 and 200 blocks of Main St., looking south in 1982.
Drivers would circle the blocks to see who was downtown and catch up with friends in the parking lots.
Lancaster
became well known for its weekend, downtown scene. Teens from Rock Hill,
Chester, Monroe and other towns in the region would drive to Lancaster
to cruise Main.
(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)
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