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.
Saturday, May 29, 2021
New Book About the Lancaster Bakery
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Free Movie Day at Midway Theater - 1955 - Lancater SC Photos
All images ©COPYRIGHT The Lancaster Archive.
Children gather at Midway Theater for a portrait on June 13, 1955. It was free movie day at the cinema, which was located on S. York St.
Movie posters can be seen in the image, including Crashout, Revenge of the Creature and Killers.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
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Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Cruising Main - 1982 - Lancaster SC Photos
Cruising Main St. was popular in Lancaster from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Here, traffic is seen on the 100 and 200 blocks of Main St., looking south in 1982.
Drivers would circle the blocks to see who was downtown and catch up with friends in the parking lots.
Lancaster became well known for its weekend, downtown scene.Teens from Rock Hill, Chester, Monroe and other towns in the region would drive to Lancaster to cruise Main.
(Photo by The Lancaster News via The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
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Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Brownies at Lancaster & Chester Railway - 1955 - Lancaster SC Photos
Brownie Girl Scouts, leaders and other children pose for a group photo before going on a ride on The Lancaster & Chester Railway in May of 1955.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Aerial of Lancaster Square and More - 1983 - Lancaster SC Photos
Sponsor
Many thanks to Matt Buys Classic Cars for being one of the sponsors that makes The Lancaster Archive possible!
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Buckelew Park Day Camp - 1966 - Lancaster SC
See anyone you know? Children show off their artwork during a day camp at Buckelew Park in June of 1966.
(Photo by Lee Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Bobby Bell's Birthday Party - 1947 - Lancaster SC Photos
Bobby Bell, seen at bottom holding ball, and his friends pose during his 5th birthday party on Oct. 18, 1947 at 408 Chesterfield Ave. in Lancaster, S.C.
In front, Ned Gregory.
First row, left to right, __________, Terry Gardner, Freddie King, Katherine Funerburk, Tommy Duncan, Bobby Bell, Jack Gregory, Jimmy Tindal, ___________, Ann Funderburk, Keenan Ezell.
Second row, _________, Judy Doby, ________, Gordon Plyler, ____________Pat Mitchell, Millon Plyler, Randy Hunt, Jane Duncan
Third row, __________, Bunny Cooper, Sally Ann Caskey, Susan Caskey, Sammy Huey, ___________, Jane Shillinglaw, Charles Love, Bo Mullis, Ralph Davis, Benji Shillinglaw.
Fourth row, _________, George Carnes, ________, __________, ___________, __________, Francis Bell, Luther Williams, _____________, Jack Carnes, _____________, Molly Small, Susan Barber.
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Sunday, April 4, 2021
Easter Egg Hunt - 1962 - Lancater SC Photos
Children and adults pose for a group picture in front of The American Legion building on the Lancaster County Fairgrounds during an Easter egg hunt in April of 1962.
See below for cropped versions.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
WLCM Radio - 1953 - Lancaster SC Photos
WLCM Radio is seen in 1953 at 103 Catawba St. The call letters were a tribute to Springs Cotton Mills, which at the time, was the world's largest cotton mill.
The station went on the air on November 26, 1951 and featured local hosts, shows, music and breaking news.
For decades, listeners tuned in on icy or snowy winter days when school principals would drive the roads early in the morning to make sure they were safe to drive on. The principals would then call the station to let the host know to announce regular school start times or a delay.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
The Shops on Main
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
First Baptist Construction - 1954 - Lancaster SC Photos
First Baptist Church is seen under construction in January of 1954 on Market St. A closer look shows men working at the bottom of the steeple and up inside of it. The new building opened its doors with a dedication service on Sept. 9, 1954.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Springs Park Roller Skates - 1996 - Lancaster SC Photos
Some images have an amazing story.
This one has many.
Vintage roller skates are seen on the wooden floor of The Springs Park skating rink in 1996. The rink had been closed for years by the time this photograph was created.
It was just one of many activities and rides that entertained children and adults at the park for decades.
Did you skate at the rink?
What are your stories?
What do you remember?
(The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Monday, March 15, 2021
Brooklyn Springs Elementary - 1969 - Lancaster SC Photos
Maybe that's your car down there.
Brooklyn Springs Elementary is seen in April of 1969. The future property of Second Baptist Church can be seen at top left.
See below for cropped version of this image that shows SC 200 and more.
(Photo by Lavoy Studio/The Lancaster Archive/Image on File with Travis Bell Photography)
Builders Supply
Thanks to Builders Supply for being one of the sponsors that makes The Lancaster Archive possible.
Builders Supply. A Great Place to Work!