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Parr Theater Lobby - 1958 - Lancaster SC Photos

There was nothing like popcorn and a Coke at Parr Theater in 1958. And look at all that candy! We had no idea that originally, there were three candy bars in a 3 Musketeers. 

Parr Theater was owned by George Parr and entertained movie goers with news clips, full-feature films and serials. 

(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

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Main Street Damage From Hurricane Hugo - 1989 - Lancaster SC Photos

Awning, roofing and glass are seen on Main Street after Hurricane Hugo's destruction in September of 1989. 

The tropical cyclone reached Category 5 status, striking the South Carolina coast and moving inland towards Charlotte. 

Thousands of Lancaster County residents went without power for days and some for weeks. (Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)

Fred Kirby and Aaron Robinson in Washington DC - 1958

Just two Carolina boys, hanging out in D.C. 

Legendary recording artist, tv personality and cowboy Fred Kirby enjoys a baseball game in Washington D.C. with Lancaster native and Major League baseball player Aaron Robinson in June of 1958 at Griffith Stadium. The two were taking in a Washington Senators baseball game. 

Kirby, born in Charlotte, was known for his songs that he recorded for RCA in the 1930s and 40s. He was popular in The Carolinas with his show that aired on WBTV Charlotte for years. He was also seen often at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Many Carolinians may have seen him in their hometown parade. 

Robinson played for the Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers and White Sox from 1943 - 1951. He batted .297 and hit 16 home runs in 1946. His batting average that year was higher than teammate Joe DiMaggio's. He left the Yankees in 1943 to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during WW2 and returned to the Yankees after war ended in 1945.

In 1947 he helped the Yankees win The World Series. 

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The Southern 500 in Darlington - Gunsmoke actor James Arness - 1958

On September 1, 1958, Lancaster photographer Lavoy Bauknight photographed NASCAR's Southern 500 race in Darlington. At left, standing in the convertible is actor James Arness, who starred as Matt Dillon on the hit television series, Gunsmoke. 

Fireball Roberts took the checkered flag that day with Buck Baker, who visited Lancaster in 1957, finishing second. Roberts' name can be seen on his car at right. 

See below for cropped versions. 

Gov Campbell Visits Lancaster After Hurricane Hugo - 1989- Lancaster SC Photos

S.C. Gov. Carroll Campbell speaks during a press conference in Lancaster in the fall of 1989. 

Campbell visited Lancaster to view Hurricane Hugo damage and meet with local officials about financial aid for recovery. 

Hurricane Hugo stormed is way through Lancaster in Sept. of 1989, leaving destruction like no one had ever seen before. Residents went weeks without power. 

From left, is Red Hinson, Joe Shaw and Bob Mobley. 

(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive) 

Shriners Parade - 1952 - Lancaster SC Photos

 

Lancaster Shriners head down Main St. in front of The Springs Block during their parade in August of 1952. 

The group and their families headed to Springs Park for a picnic with Col. Springs after the parade.

See below for cropped versions, making it easier to see more details. 

(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

Shriners Perform Before Parade - 1952 - Lancaster SC Photos

Shriners perform in front of the Lancaster County Courthouse before their parade in August of 1952. 

Across the street where a car is seen in an open garage is where the Lancaster County building sits today.

(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive) 

Shriners at The Ellen Dean Hotel - 1952 - Lancaster SC Photos

Shriners from Lancaster and around the state gather at The Ellen Dean Hotel before their parade in August of 1952. The group headed to Springs Park for a family picnic after the parade. 

The Ellen Dean, located at 137 N White St., was constructed in 1941 and in addition to its hotel rooms, had retail stores on the ground level and an event space in the basement. 

Many Lancaster servicemen who married before departing to fight in WW2 spent their honeymoon night at The Ellen Dean. 

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(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

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Swim Team Victory - 1980s - Lancaster SC Photos

The Lancaster Swim Team celebrates a meet championship in the late 1980s. Holding the trophy is Roxanne Catoe. 

(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)

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First Baptist Children's Choir - 1953

The First Baptist children's choir poses for a group portrait in August of 1953. (Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

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Church Youth Groups Event - Part 2 of 2 - 1983 - Lancaster SC Photos

Local church youth groups pose for a portrait during an event at North Elementary in 1983.

The group was known as United Youth Ministries and would gather for devotion time, volleyball and basketball games.  

(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive) 

Here's the full view. 

Carowinds First Summer - 1973

The steamboat, monorail and main entrance are seen at Carowinds in the summer of 1973. 

The park first opened in March of '73. 

Several rides that were part of opening day still operate today, including the skytower, which can be seen at left. 

(Photo by Bobby Bell/Bell Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

The Side Porch Restaurant - 1980s - Lancaster SC Photos

The Side Porch restaurant is seen in the 1980s at 308 Dunlap Street. 

The popular lunch spot was also a catering business. 

The house still stands today, located near Discovery School, formerly known as Central School. 

(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)

Church Youth Groups Event - Part 1 of 2 - 1983 - Lancaster SC Photos

Local church youth groups pose for a portrait during an event at a local school in 1983. (Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)

This is part 1 of 2 of this photo. Stay tuned for the other half of the picture! 

  

Red Cross Swimming Instructors - 1985 - Lancaster SC Photos

Red Cross instructors and swimmers pose for a group photo at the Lancaster city pool on June 16, 1958. 

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(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

    

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Marion Sims Staff - 1959 - Lancaster SC Photos

The Marion Sims Hospital staff poses for a group portrait in December of 1959. (Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

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Ben Hogan at Lancaster Golf Club - 1950s - Lancaster SC Photos

 

The PGA Tour is in South Carolina this week! 

Michael Jordan isn't the only famous athlete to have played golf in Lancaster. In the 1950s, legendary golfer Ben Hogan stopped by the Lancaster Golf Club. 

Here, Hogan teaches a putting technique as golfers and others look on. 

The Hall of Famer won The Masters twice and also took first at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open Championship. 

He is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. (Photo by Lavoy Bauknight via The Lancaster Archive)

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Lancaster Native Julie Roberts - 20 Years Ago

 

20 Years Ago, Lancaster native Julie Roberts' song, "Break Down Here" was climbing the Billboard Country Charts. 

The ballad was the first song released from her debut album Julie Roberts. 

The song peaked at No. 18 and the album produced three singles. Roberts will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album with a concert in Nashville at Chiefs on Broadway on May 25.

Liberty Bell on Main Street - 1950 - Lancaster SC Photos

 

The Liberty Bell rings out on Main St. in 1950 as children and teens cover their ears. 

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)