Ray's Flowers After Hurricane Hugo - 1989 - Lancaster SC Photos

Ray's Flowers' windows are seen blown out after Hurricane Hugo's destruction on Main Street in Sept. of 1989. (The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive) 

Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1955 - Lancaster SC Photos

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce float heads north on Main Street during the 1955 Christmas Parade. 

This image was created by Lavoy Bauknight, whose photography studio can be seen across the street. 

At right is City Drug, a pharmacy that attracted many customers who craved a grilled sandwich and fountain drink. 

The intersection of Main and Arch streets is just out of the picture to the right, past the B.C. Moore sign. 

We're not sure what's going on at the bottom of the photograph. Maybe the boy is getting fussed at for running out into the street too much to get candy! 

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

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)

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) 

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)

Lancaster Christmas Parade - 1964 - Lancaster SC Photos

Wow! Those parade-goers standing on top of Williams Drug are getting an outstanding view of the Lancaster Christmas Parade in 1964. 

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)

Christmas on Main Street - 1976 - Lancaster SC Photos

That Lancaster Bakery sign has us wishing we could get a gingerbread man cookie! 

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. 

PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE

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

Fran's Faithful Finds

Many thanks to Fran's Faithful Finds at Thirty-One Gifts for being a sponsor on The Lancaster Archive!

Check out the latest offerings on her site, including bags, totes, coolers and more at:

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Main Street Looking North - 1956 - Lancaster SC Photos

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. 

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Sponsor - The Lancaster News

 

Many thanks to The Lancaster News for being a sponsor on The Lancaster Archive! 

Get the latest news at their website. 

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)

PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE

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)

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. 

PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE

(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 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)

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)

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. 

PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE

(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive)

Main Street Looking South - 1954 - Lancaster SC Photos

 

Taylors Grocery Store is seen at the corner of Main and Dunlap streets, looking south, in June of 1954. 

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. 

 

PURCHASE A PRINT HERE

 

(Photo by Lavoy Bauknight/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/