Charlie Duke On Hyatt Cinema Marquee - 1972 - Lancaster SC Photos

The marquee at Hyatt Cinema reads "Welcome Home Charlie. The Godfather. Marlon Brando." 

Nearly 20,000 people gathered to celebrate their hometown hero, Charlie Duke on May 26, 1972. 

Hundreds of military and high school band members, beauty queens, floats and state and national dignitaries were on Main St. that day. 

(Photo by Dave Yarborough via The Lancaster Archive) 

Charlie Duke Day Parade - 1972 - Lancaster SC Photos

53 years ago today, nearly 20,000 people gathered to celebrate their hometown hero with a parade for astronaut Charlie Duke. The Lancaster native had just walked on the moon a month earlier as a part of Apollo 16.

Mayor Reece Funderburk declared May 26, 1972 "Charlie Duke Day". Hundreds of military and high school band members, beauty queens, floats and state and national dignitaries were on Main St. that day.

To the left of Duke is his wife Dotty, who is looking down at one of their sons. 

(Photo by Dave Yarborough via The Lancaster Archive)

Miss Lancaster Pageant - 1962 - Lancaster SC Photos

The Miss Lancaster Pageant is seen in April of 1962. 

Pictured are Sandra Hegler, Dianne Love, and Cecelia Yoder.

(Photo by Lee Studio via The Lancaster Archive)

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May Day Celebration - 1950 - Lancaster SC Photos

With that crowd, this classic image looks like it could have been made at a Major League Baseball game, but it's definitely Lancaster. 

Hundreds pack the seats at the former Lancaster High School stadium in May of 1950 for the annual May Day celebration. 

This field was located near the intersection of Wylie and York streets where the Wylie Street Pool is today. 

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

(Photo by Lavoy Studio via The Lancaster Archive) 

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Santa at Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1960 - Lancaster SC Photos

Santa rides north on Main St. during the Lancaster Christmas parade in 1960. 

This photograph was made at the intersection of Main and Arch streets. 

The former post office building can be seen behind the crowd.

(Photo by Lavoy Bauknight via The Lancaster Archive) 

Below are cropped versions, making it easier to see more details. 

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)

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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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)

Belk's Swimwear Fashion Show - 1956 - Lancaster SC Photos

 

Models show off the latest Jantzen swimwear during a Belk's fashion show at Lancaster High School on April 4, 1956. 

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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)

Red Rose Festival - Lancaster, SC

 

Miss Lancaster Crowned By Miss America - 1965 - Lancaster SC Photos

Miss America Vonda Kay Van Dyke crowns Miss Lancaster, Linda Culp, during the Miss Lancaster pageant in 1965. 

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(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)

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Lancaster Telephone Company Booth at Home Show - 1959 - Lancaster SC Photos

The Lancaster Telephone Company booth is seen during the Lancaster Home Show on April 24, 1959. 

Purchasing a colored phone back then was a big deal and so was getting a second phone for the kitchen (See the marketing poster at bottom left). 

The Home Show was an opportunity for locals to view the latest products from businesses like Friedman's Jewelers, BC Moore, and Belk.

(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)

Kilburnie Yard Sale - 1984 - Lancaster SC Photos

Kilburnie looked a little different back in 1984 when it was downtown. 

Here, a yard sale gets underway in an effort to raise funds to save the house. 

If you look closely, there's a No Trespassing sign on the left column. 

After being moved and fully restored, Kilburnie the Inn at Craig Farm has welcomed guests from all over the world. 

(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive)

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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)