Welcome to The Lancaster Archive, a preservation website featuring historic Lancaster SC photos from 5 photographers spanning 7 decades. Scroll down to begin viewing the latest photos, click on the keywords to view by subject or use the search box below to find images. The Lancaster Archive is a division of Columbia SC Photographer Travis Bell / Creative, LLC.
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Will You Consider a Donation?
There are hundreds of hours spent on reviewing, preserving, restoring and digitizing our hometown's visual history.
We appreciate donations to The Archive, which help us continue these efforts.
Please find below a button that makes it easy to donate to The Archive.
Will you consider a donation of $10, $25 or $50? Your donation helps bring hundreds of celebrated, Lancaster images to life.
Donate $50 and receive a free, 8x10 print of any image on this site.
Donate $75 and receive a free, 11x14 print of any image on this site.
After making a donation, scroll to the bottom of any page on this site and fill out the contact form. Please use the form to let us know which print you would like and the address you'd like it mailed to. Your print will arrive in 10 days or less.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 803.312.2942.
Thank you! -Lancaster Archive Staff
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Main Street Christmas Looking North - 1970s - Lancaster SC Photos
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)
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Mullis Bros. Auction Car in Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1961 - Lancaster SC Photos
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)
Sponsor - Builders Supply
Monday, December 19, 2022
Waiting for Christmas Parade - 1960 - Lancaster SC Photos
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."
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Miss Lancaster High in Christmas Parade - 1959 - Lancaster SC Photos
Miss Lancaster High, Sandra Williams, waves to the crowd at the intersection of Main and Arch streets during the 1959 Christmas Parade.
Children can be seen in the background standing on a car to get a better view. At right is the former post office.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
See below for cropped images, making it easier to see faces.
Children Waiting for Christmas Parade - 1959 - Lancaster SC Photos
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.
VISIT THIS LINK TO PURCHASE A PRINT
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Laura Smith Dancers Meeting Clown Before Christmas Parade - 1960
Dancers at Laura Smith's School of Dance meet with a clown at Smith's studio before heading over to the Lancaster Christmas Parade in 1965.
(Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Miss Heath Springs in the Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1964 - Lancaster SC Photos
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?
Visit this link to purchase a print
(Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Mule-Drawn Buggy in Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1954
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)
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Main Street Looking South - 1954 - Lancaster SC Photos
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)
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Recording Artists and More - 2022 - Lancaster SC Famous People
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Johhny Roscoe During LHS Practice - 1993 - Lancaster SC Photos
LHS head coach Johnny Roscoe talks with his team during a 1993 practice. Roscoe, who was the Bruins' coach and athletic director for 21 seasons, took LHS to two state championship appearances in Columbia in 1989 and 1990.
He left Lancaster in 2005 and two years later became the head coach at Northern Guilford High School in North Carolina.
While at NGHS, he won four state championships.
Roscoe won over 300 games during his career.
After retiring from coaching, he and his wife, Jane, moved back to Lancaster county, were they live now.
(Photo by Travis Bell/The Lancaster Archive)
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Boy Scouts Day - 1962 - Lancaster SC Photos
Lancaster Boy Scouts pose for a group photo during National Boy Scouts Day in Feb. of 1962.
VISIT THIS LINK TO PURCHASE A PRINT
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Springs Plant Baseball Team - 1924 - Lancaster SC Photos
The Lancaster Springs Plant baseball team poses for a group photo in 1924.
The textile leagues were a big part of Southern culture in the early to mid 20th century. Most games were played on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Some of the men present in this classic photograph are:
Manager Turner Morton, M.L. Beckham, Grady Bolin, Chiny McDonald, Harvey Barfield, future U.S. Rep. Dick Richards, Tom Stewart and Thurlow Pittman
VISIT THIS LINK TO ORDER A PRINT
(Dick Richards Archive Collection via The Lancaster Archive)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Will Brice Punting in NFL - 1999 - Lancaster SC Photos
Lancaster native and LHS graduate Will Brice punts for the Cincinnati Bengals in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers on September 26, 1999.
Brice also played for the St. Louis Rams.
He played college ball for The University of Virginia.
In 2010, the Cavaliers retired his jersey. In 1995, Brice became the first specialist from UVa to be named a first-team All-American.
He was named all-ACC four times. His punts that pinned Florida State inside their own 10-yard line four times in 1995 were part of a team effort that dealt the Seminoles their first-ever, ACC loss.
(Photo by Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Lancaster Motor Company - 1954 - Lancaster SC Photos
Lancaster Motor Company is seen in September of 1954. The popular car dealership, which sold Chevrolet models and more, was located on Market St. near the intersection of Market and Gay streets. Many
Lancaster families bought their first car here during the economic boom following World War II.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Please Welcome Our New Sponsor! Janice Mathis State Farm
The Lancaster Archive is pleased to welcome Janice Mathis State Farm as a sponsor on our site!
Janice is a second generation State Farm agent so she can help you find the policy that works best for you.
Give her a call for more info or visit https://janicemathis.com/