THE LANCASTER ARCHIVE
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.
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
New Sponsor - Fran's Faithful Finds at 31 Gifts
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Central School Chorus - 1970 - Lancaster SC Photos
The Central School Chorus poses for a group photo during a PTA meeting in April of 1970.
Seen in this picture are:
Joe Shaw Jr, Jennifer Rose Delgobbo, Frances Ellis, Terry Sears Chandler, Tina Thomas Davis, Libby Sweatt Lambert, Sheila Randall Gates, Stuart Love and Kevin Threatt.
Cropped version can be seen below, making it easier to see faces.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Post 31 Baseball Team - 1959 - Lancaster SC Photos
The Lancaster Post 31 baseball team poses for a group portrait in June of 1959. See anyone you know?
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
View more sports images on this site.
Sponsor - The Lancaster News
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Horseshoes at Buckelew Park - 1956 - Lancaster SC Photos
Young boys play horseshoes during a picnic at Buckelew Park in July of 1956.
What's your favorite memory of Buckelew Park?
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Earl Cunningham at North Elementary - 1992 - Lancaster SC Photos
Lancaster High graduate Earl Cunningham signs autographs for students at North Elementary in 1992.
The slugger was selected in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in the 1989 Major League Baseball draft.
Did you know?
Cunningham and South Carolina Gamecocks baseball coach Mark Kingston were teammates on the Cubs' minor league team in Peoria, Ill in the 90s.
Today, Cunningham owns his own business in Columbia and gets back to Lancaster often.
(Lancaster News photo via The Lancaster Archive)
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
LHS Band Room - 1970 - Lancaster SC Photos
A fisheye view of the Lancaster High School band room seen during a tour of the new building following a dedication ceremony in August of 1970.
The room is now home to Learn TV. (Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive)
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Sponsor - Blackmon Trust
Many thanks to Blackmon Insurance Group for being one of the sponsors that makes The Lancaster Archive possible!
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)