Reflections The Iris Festival by Cary Johnson Howard

Reflections The Iris Festival

The Beginning

Vol. II, 2010 •$7.00

1940-1956

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Welcome to Reflections

Welcome to Reflections II - the Iris Festival The Iris Festival is indelibly etched in Sumter’s history. A celebration of H.C. Bland’s masterpiece, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, it had its beginning on the eve of World War II, in 1940. It was also a celebration of Sumter’s can-do spirit and community pride. No sooner than it started, the winds of war bore down on the world, disrupted lives and halted the Iris Festival – but only temporarily. Two years after the end of World War II, Sumter wanted to celebrate again, and that it did. During the 1940s and into the late 1950s, the Iris Festival thrived, becoming a magnificent and magical spectacle: huge parades with stunning floats, bands, beauty queens, celebrities, special events, thousands of spectators filling the streets and joining in the festivities. A future Miss America and Miss Universe participated in the Festival, a famous child TV star showed up as did a governor and future U.S. senator. There were dignitaries aplenty. And always, there was beauty and memories that will last a lifetime for those who experienced the Iris Festival throughout those years. It was truly the Golden Age of the Iris Festival. It continues to thrive and bring the

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community together in a weekend of enjoying Mr. Bland’s and A.T. Heath’s gift to Sumter. Item archivist and historian Sammy Way has again captured a memorable part of Sumter’s history with words and pictures, just as he did in Reflections I. Many of the photos in Reflections II have never been seen before. There are thousands more that generous Sumterites found in old albums or boxes and shared them with Sammy to be copied for safekeeping in our archives. We are grateful for their participation. Because of the voluminous amount of material that has been accumulated from the early years of the Iris Festival, Reflections II focuses solely on its beginnings. There is much more to come on the Iris Festival in future Reflections. It’s quite a story, especially for those of us who enjoy a walk down memory lane. In the meantime, enjoy this walk along the formative years of a Sumter treasure, the Iris Festival. Hubert D. Osteen Jr. Editor The Item

Credits

Researcher.............................................. Sammy Way Design and Layout.......................... Cary A. Johnson Sales....................................... The Item Sales Staff Editor................................................ Hubert Osteen Publisher.............................................. Jack Osteen Photos Courtesy Of.................... The Item Archives Mrs. Jane Ferris Korn Tisdale Bubba McElveen Sumter County Museum Archives Vivian Kelly Murl White Emily Kolb Barbara Burchstead Elizabeth Britton Sherry Stewart W.H. “Bill” Moore, Jr. Dr. Kay Rhoads Rusty Wilson Gladys Allsbrooks Mary Lou Achziger Shirley Garrett Cockerill Special Recognition: The Author of Reflections Would like to recognize the writings of Cassie Nicholes, Bill Moore, Item Reporters and the Photographic Genius of the late Heyward Crowson

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Table of Contents

The Beginning......................................................... 5 Swan Lake Iris Gardens.......................................... 7 1940.......................................................................... 8 1941........................................................................ 14 1942-1946.............................................................. 17 1947........................................................................ 20 1948........................................................................ 28 1949........................................................................ 38 1950........................................................................ 54 1951........................................................................ 66 1952........................................................................ 68 1953........................................................................ 74 1954........................................................................ 84 1955........................................................................ 92 1956...................................................................... 102 Diane Lawson....................................................... 104

On The Cover: Zan Lee, Margaret Orville, and the queens competing for the title of Queen Iris 1953 are photographed at the front entrance of the Elks Club which was located on Broad Street in Sumter.

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Iris Festival:The Beginning

Iris Festival: The Beginning The residents of Sumter are indebted to Mr. Hamilton Carr Bland and Mr. A. T. Heath for deeding to the city those parcels of land which became The Swan Lake Iris Gardens. The ensuing celebration of the floral beauty created there has brought local, state and national attention to Sumter. The Iris Festival has earned the title of “the South’s most colorful floral festival.” The beautiful gardens have encouraged thousands of visitors to come to our community, and they have become Sumter’s most recognizable landmark. The concept of a festival to pay homage to our gardens was conceived by J. J. Brennan, a local businessman who was very active in civic affairs. He made his idea known in a presentation he delivered to the local Kiwanis Club of which he was a member. With the support of this organization, his close friend J. Cliff Brown, and other civic clubs he was able to make this dream a reality on May 24, 1940. The Item and Reflections will look at the origin of this festival and some of the individuals who have made this civic expression of pride in their community one of the most recognizable and possibly the longest celebrated festival in the Southeast. The 1940s was a period of growth and expansion for the Iris Festival. In 1948 the event was able to obtain national coverage through the efforts of T. Doug Youngblood, owner and manager

of radio station WFIG (World Famous Iris Gardens). He convinced the producers of the popular radio program “Queen for a Day” to allow their selection to come to Sumter and participate in the festival activities, courtesy of the Iris Festival committee. By having the “Queen for a Day” participate in the celebration, Youngblood gained exposure for the community on 500 radio stations throughout the country. As the festival grew in stature and cultural significance, it attracted numerous political figures including several governors and Hollywood personalities. During the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, the event added numerous activities and garnered crowds exceeding 50,000 spectators who lined the streets to witness elaborate and colorful parades. The Iris Festival was dramatically reduced and temporarily abandoned in 1956 due to a lack of operating funds. Four years later it was reinstated and has continued to be a significant part of Sumter’s spring activities focusing on the beautiful gardens at Swan Lake. This issue of Reflections will place emphasis on what is titled “The Iris Festival: The Beginning” and will provide photographs illustrating the growth and expansion of Sumter’s floral festival.

Sammy Way Archivist/Historian The Item

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Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Swan Lake Iris Gardens In 1786 Richard Bradford built a saw mill in the Green Swamp on what eventually became Swan Lake. The story of the Iris Festival must begin with a discussion of this once marshy section of swampland. “The Pond,” as it was originally known, is located in the western section of the city and was originally little more than a swampy portion of Shot Pouch Creek. This alligator-infested marsh was purchased by Hamilton Carr Bland in 1927 and he began its transformation into a garden spot which was to include a fish pond and bird sanctuary. Bland was determined to convert this property into a place of beauty, and he worked diligently to construct small islands which allowed public access to the pond. Cassie Nicholes noted that Bland used “old magazines, newspapers, weeds, brambles, even dirt from Hampton Avenue, where paving was being done, trash—in short anything available to complete the construction of these islands.” Bland introduced numerous varieties of birds including black swans from Australia, white swans from New York and later brown Chinese geese, along with wild egrets and blue herons. Perhaps the most significant item Bland introduced to the pond was the Japanese iris, and as legend indicates this was done by accident. He made numerous attempts to grow these plants across from this home on Hampton Avenue and even consulted with

H.C. Bland

botanical experts before digging them up and adding them to clippings which were used to reinforce the pond embankments. The acid in the damp soil at the pond site proved to be the missing component, and the iris plants began to grow at a rapid rate, soon becoming one of the main reasons why large numbers of people visited the pond on a regular basis. Bland would eventually plant nearly 250 varieties of iris plants along with numerous trees, shrubs and flowers in his new garden. He later acquired the wrought iron gates, which were formerly used at the old courthouse in Augusta, Georgia, to help accentuate the entrance to the new park. When he opened his gardens to the public, reputedly flower lovers from five countries came to witness the beauty of this new facility. In 1938 A. T. Heath purchased the 70-acre pond filled with moss covered cypress trees, the original site of the Bradford saw mill located adjacent to the Bland property. Heath later gave the city the deed to the pond with the provision that it be developed under the supervision of H. C. Bland. Work was begun immediately and soon walking paths, recreation areas, tennis courts, and bird feeding sites were established. With the addition of the “Heath Pond,” Swan Lake became one of the largest and most beautiful community parks in the state.

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Iris Festival 1940

A swimming contest held at Pocalla Springs was the first in a series of activities planned by the 1940 organizational committee made up of J. Cliff Brown and J. J. Brennan and many others. Brown was called upon to step in for J.J. Brennan who had become ill and was hospitalized in Charleston. Considered by many to be the most gorgeous ever held in Sumter, the grand parade consisting of 17 floats representing all of the local civic clubs and a number of merchants, nine decorated cars, 200 boys and girls riding decorated bicycles, highschool cadets, the Sumter High Band and the Drum and Bugle Corps of the V. F. W. Post of Florence, began by rolling at 6 p.m. from the foot of the overhead bridge on South Main Street, proceeded up Main, and wound its way to Municipal Park. Each float carried a prospective king and queen. The crowning of the festival royalty, Sara Harvin and Jim Harris, was officiated by H. C. Bland at Municipal Park. Decorated by friends and employees, the first-place float was sponsored by the Buttercup Ice Cream Company. Riding on the winning float were Misses Anne Kinzle, Louise Nance and Estelle Folsom. The float which finished second was

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sponsored by the Junior Welfare League; finishing third was the float representing the Carolina Coca Cola Bottling Company. The newly crowned couple would act as king and queen at the Iris Ball which began at 9:30 in the evening at the National Guard Armory. The king and queen, who were sponsored by the Junior League, kicked off the celebration by leading the grand march with the assistance of their attendants. The entertainment for the festival Ball was provided by Harry Raymond and his College “N” Orchestra from Newberry College. Playing with Mr. Raymond’s band was Sumter native William Scaffe, who began his musical career in the Sumter school system. The annual May Day Pageant at the stadium sponsored by the Y. M. C. A. was attended by an estimated 3,000 spectators. The performance featured a colorful pageant and concluded with the presentation of prizes to the outstanding bike riders who participated in the parade. The celebration was declared a huge success and plans were made to expand the 1940 “Iris Week” to make it the biggest event ever held in Sumter.

Above: The 1940 Buttercup float won first prize in the initial Iris Festival Parade, featured on the float were Ann Kinzle, Louise Nance and Estelle Folsom. The Junior Welfare League float placed second and the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. float finished in third place. Left: Aerial view of Swan Lake Iris Gardens. (circa 1940) Below: J.J. Brennan, local resident who conceived the idea of celebrating Sumter’s beautiful iris gardens.

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Previous Page: The Swan Lake Iris Gardens (circa 1940) during the first Iris week festival. Above: The decorated car sponsored by Lawson’s Pharmacy featured a young Diane Lawson.

Left: Home Furniture float (circa 1940) ridden by Edwin Boyle, Jr. and Mildred Burkett.

Right: 1940 Junior Welfare League float featuring Libba Blanding.

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Iris Festival 1941

The second annual Iris Festival was held on May 30, 1941, under the direction of the Sumter Chamber of Commerce with K. E. Ward serving as chairman. The program planned for the second festival remained much like the first which included a tour of the gardens, the parade and a ball which was held at the Armory that night. The festival parade began at 12:30 p.m. with 40 floats anticipated to participate in the proceedings. Three bands were expected, and that year the visiting queens rode in open cars. Sally Nash and Jack Raffield were selected as king and queen of the second festival. The parade proceeded down Main Street and then swung west onto Calhoun Street and disbanded after reaching the Sumter High School athletic field on Haynsworth Street. Following the parade the king and queen and the visiting queens and escorts attended a luncheon given in their honor at the Claremont Hotel Restaurant sponsored by the Junior Welfare League. Tickets for this affair were 75 cents per plate. City-wide excursions were planned for all visitors including a stop at the Swan Lake Gardens where thousands of beautiful Japanese

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iris plants were in bloom. A new addition to the festival featured a $75 cash prize being awarded to the downtown merchant who featured the most successfully decorated window display. The first place trophy in the float competition went to Home Furniture Company, with the Gulf Refining Company finishing second, Lynchburg in third and the Carolina Coca-Cola Bottling Company completing the competition in fourth place. Alpert’s Department Store won the cash prize for its unique and beautiful window display. For the first time the festival parade was captured on newsreel by a cameraman with sound equipment who came to document the pageantry. At 6:30 p.m. there was a planned pageant at Sumter High School on the athletic field. The pageant entitled “Sleeping Beauty” was performed by the elementary, junior-high, and senior-high school students in the city. Beginning at 9:30 p.m., the festival dance at the National Guard Armory, concluded the festivities. Dan Gregory and his Columbia Broadcasting System Orchestra provided the musical entertainment. The tickets for the dance could be purchased for $1.50 per couple.

Right: The 1941 winning float sponsored by Home Furniture Co., featured Miss Louise Epperson (Wilson); finishing in second place in the parade of floats was the Gulf Refining Company; third the Lynchburg Community; and fourth the Carolina Coca-Cola Bottling Co. float.

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Above: This photo represents the King and Queen of the 1941 Iris Festival, seated are Sally Nash, queen, and Jack Raffield, king, standing behind them from left, Jack Bradford, Dorothy Raffield, Louise Dawkins and Julian Rembert; the children present from left, Hubert Osteen, Jr., Lula Harriette Heath, Diane Lawson and Billy Shaw.

Right: Float representing the Sumter Rotary Club featuring Jane Ferris Korn (Tisdale). (circa 1941)

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Iris Festival 1942-1946

In December of 1941the Iris Festival organizational committee met and decided that due to the declaration of war the festival would be suspended until the end of hostilities. The Chamber of Commerce attempted to keep the festival spirit alive by inviting the public to visit the Gardens during the blooming period.

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Iris Festival 1947

The Iris Festival would make a spectacular return in 1947 as the city and the nation were eager to put the memory of World War II behind them. The Sumter Chamber of Commerce continued to be in charge of festival activities with the Junior Chamber responsible for directing the parade which again began at the overhead bridge on South Main Street and then proceeded to Calhoun Street. The 1947 edition of the festival began with an impressive air show at Shaw Field. The entire base was opened to the public courtesy of Colonel T. W. Blackburn, base commander; those attending were treated to an exciting exhibition of flying led by Col. Francis Gabreski, a World War II ace who was responsible for shooting down 29 enemy aircraft. A group of aces put their speedy P-51 fighters through a number of maneuvers for the thousands of spectators attending the exhibition. The Air Force also brought the latest jet aircraft, the P-80, to Sumter primarily for the festival. Sumter businesses closed their doors at five o’clock to prepare for the Iris parade.

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The sponsors expected a large number of floats, decorated cars, and six or more bands. The parade was led by the Ninth Air Force Headquarters band and 500 marching Air Force members. The parade was followed by a beautiful pageant at the Municipal Ball Park. The pageant was performed by the public schools and featured the crowing of the king and queen of the Festival, Frank Singleton and Lou Ann Baumann. The winning float was sponsored by the Elks Club and ridden by the Festival King and Queen, Frank Singleton and Lou Ann Baumann. The Festival committee expected only a few iris plants to be open due to the unseasonable weather. Thousands of visitors were expected to participate in tours scheduled at Swan Lake and Dunndell Gardens which was located 10 miles west of Sumter off the Columbia highway. The festival was attended by a number of dignitaries including Governor J. Strom Thurmond, Representative Charles Cuttino, Councilman Styles Marshall and Hubert D. Osteen.

Above: Float sponsored by the Buttercup Ice Cream Co. (circa 1947) Right: Photo taken from the roof of the old Sumter Post Office on the corner of Caldwell and South Main. One of the several marching bands and visiting beauty queens pass in front of what was then Jim’s Waffle Shop. Below: Miss Rosa Weinberg (Schwartz) one of the many local beauties who participated in the (circa 1947) Iris Festival Parade.

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The Japanese Iris in full bloom just prior to the beginning of the 1947 Iris Festival. Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 23

Above: Float representing the Carolina CocaCola Bottling Co. of Sumter participating in the circa 1947 Iris Parade. right: The Edmunds High School band leads the Iris Parade down Main Street (circa 1947). The photo was taken from the top of the Dixie Life Building located on the corner of Main and Liberty Street. Below: Float representing the Esso Refining Company photographed in front of the Sumter County Courthouse during the 1947 Iris Parade.

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Above: The 1947 float representing the Sumter Elks Club won first place in the professional class competition. The float was decorated in purple and white representing the school colors of Sumter High School during that era. Riding on the float were Queen Iris, Louanne Baumann and her King, Frank Singleton; the attendants were Jane Ferris Korn (Tisdale), Bobby Morrow, Jackie Benton, Marcella Hanna, P.G. Reynolds and Ann McLean. Left: Queen Iris of 1947 Miss Lou Ann Baumann.

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Iris Festival 1948

The 1948 Iris Festival made arrangements for the “Queen for a Day” winner to come to Sumter and participate in the festivities. This popular national program was heard over 500 stations nationwide over the Mutual Broadcasting system from Hollywood. This promotional coup was conceived by T. Douglas Youngblood, manager of WFIG, a local Mutual Broadcasting Station, and also the chairman of the committee in charge of preparations for the Iris Festival. Youngblood was able to arrange for the “Queen for a Day,” Mrs. Melvyn Benninger and her husband to be flown from Hollywood, Calif., to Capital City airport in Columbia. The couple was then transported to Sumter via a private plane, a Beechcraft “Bonanza” owned by A. T. Heath where they would be the guests of Mayor and Mrs. Edwin Boyle during their stay. The entire reception group enjoyed a delightful dinner later that evening at Frank’s Edgewood Café located on Pocalla Road. The Benningers were accorded a tour of Swan Lake Iris Gardens and the Dunndell Gardens by members of the Poinsett Garden Club, Garden Makers Club, and the Sumter Garden Club. Directed by William Hodge and assisted by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the 1948 parade was held on May 27. The parade began at 3:45 p.m. starting at the foot of the overhead bridge on South Main Street and proceeding down Main Street to Warren Street to Washington, then Broad Street to

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the Municipal Ball Park. The parade included 200 Shaw personnel led by Col. P. K. Morrill, commanding officer of Shaw Air Force Base. The Shaw contingent also included several military vehicles and an honor guard. Several bands and numerous floats participated in the hour-long procession. At the conclusion of the parade, it was announced that the Carolina Coca Cola Bottling Co. float, which featured a huge replica of the world, had won first prize. The 4-H Club float was awarded a second-place finish with Lawson’s Pharmacy float being accorded third place. Eighteen young ladies representing communities from across the state vied for the title of Queen Iris. Earlier in the day they attended a luncheon provided by the Sumter Lodge of the Elks. Governor Thurmond took the opportunity to praise the citizens of Sumter for the extravagant show and commended them for expanding the festival. The governor noted that “Sumter is always in the front, and it is typical for Sumter to put on such a fine festival.” Miss Margaret DuRant, a 21-year-old from Hemingway, was crowned the 1948 Queen Iris at a “gala coronation ball” held at the Sumter Armory. Miss Betty Ruth Smoak, representing Walterboro, was named runner-up by a panel of judges that included Bernard Siddall, J. Clarke Hughes, Mrs. Bessie Boykin, Mrs. Ruth Sanders and Miss Priscilla Shaw. The announcement was made at 11 p.m. with the crowning done by Sumter’s special guest, Mrs.

Stella Benninger, “Queen For A Day” from Hollywood, Calif. The decision was broadcast by T. Douglas Youngblood over the WFIG airways. The second post-war Iris Festival was concluded on schedule despite the continued threat of rain. The crowd in attendance was estimated to be in excess of 20,000. As the crowds began to return to their homes, the Iris Festival Committee began to plan for the 1949 festival, vowing to make it the biggest and best to date.

Right: United States Marine Corps. band from Parris Island in Beaufort, marches down Main Street during the (circa 1948) Iris Festival Parade. Below: Passing in front of L.F. Scott’s Esso station on South Main Street is the float representing Carolina Power and Light Co. which participated in the 1948 Iris Festival Parade.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 29

Above: The Carolina Coca Cola bottling Co. was awarded first place in the professional float division during the 1948 Iris Parade; finishing second was the float representing the 4-H Club; and third place went to the float representing Lawson’s Pharmacy. Left: The massive crowd which viewed the 1948 Iris Parade leaves for home after the last float has passed their viewing point. The spectators are near the foot of the South Main bridge and the B&H Gulf Station #1 which can be seen in the background. 30 • reflections • Volume 2

Above: The awardwinning Camden High School Band marches in front of what was the Manhattan Restaurant during the 1948 Iris Parade. Right: Float representing the Sumter Merchants Association passes by the Claremont Hotel which was once located on the corner of Bartlette and South Main during the 1948 Iris Parade.

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Above: Mayor and Mrs. Edwin B. Boyle greet Mrs. Stella Benninger (selected Queen for a Day in 1948) and her husband Melvyn from Hollywood, Calif. arrive at the Sumter Airport. Also present to greet the first Queen for a Day to participate in the Iris Festival are from left Ernest Stroman, Billy Lynam (pilot), Mr. S.L. Roddey, and T. Doug Youngblood. Below: Miss Johnston, Frances Helford, one of the many queens who competed for the title of Queen Iris in the 1948 festival.

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The award winning Rock Hill Band marches past one of Sumter’s most famous landmarks, the Claremont Hotel, during the 1948 Iris Parade.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 33

Above: Queen Iris of 1948 Miss Margaret DuRant of Hemingway rides on the City of Sumter float during the 1948 Iris Parade. Below: Sumter World War II veterans simulate the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima on a float used during the 1948 Iris Parade.

34 â&#x20AC;˘ reflections â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 2

Right: A float created out of a wrecker truck from Sumter’s most recognizable automobile repair centers, Tom Evans Garage, passes in front of L.F. Scott’s Esso station during the 1948 Iris Parade. Below: The third prize winning float in the professional class division representing Lawson’s Pharmacy passing the Claremont and Scott’s Esso station during the 1948 Iris Parade.

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Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 37

Iris Festival 1949

The 1949 Iris Festival Steering Committee decided after their first meeting to form what became known as Iris Festival, Inc. due to the rapid expansion experienced over the first nine years of the festival’s existence. The committee consisted of T. Doug Youngblood, president; J. Clarke Hughes, vice president; W. M. Hodge, 2nd vice president; Robert E. Graham, treasurer, and Ed Atkinson, secretary. The festival was scheduled to run for six days instead of the one day observed during the first Iris Week. The committee made contact with Hollywood in order to secure a “Queen for The Day” and Mrs. Betty Anderson from Needles, Calif., was selected to travel to Sumter to assist with the festival. It was also announced that Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Dunn, the owners of Dunndell Gardens, would open their gardens to the public for the first time since 1947. Ed Atkinson, serving as parade marshal, announced that the parade would begin at 3:30 p.m. on May 19. Twelve military and high-school bands marched along with a large number of floats prepared by several businesses and civic groups. Under the direction of the Sumter Chamber of Commerce and headed by Deuward Bultman Jr. the parade was scheduled to last an hour. Following the parade which began at the foot of the John Bossard Britton Memorial Bridge, the citizens of Sumter were treated to a concert at Swan Lake by the 60-

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piece Marine Band from Parris Island. The nationally famous Chris Cross, playing his singing saxophone along with his 16-piece band featuring Linda Gray, provided musical entertainment at the “Queen’s Ball” held in honor of the visiting queens who competed for the title of Queen Iris 1949. The 1949 festival saw the opening of the swimming pool at the Elks Club. Surrounded by rubble tile walk the pool measured 105 feet by 45 feet and featured a green tile lip. The cost was estimated at $40,000 and received a stamp of approval from the American Red Cross and the State Board of Health. James and DuRant were the architects with L. C. Garrison serving as general contractor. The newly constructed pool allowed the Iris Committee to introduce a water carnival featuring the Elk’s Club aquatic team and the University of South Carolina swim team. The crowd attending these aquatic activities was estimated to be in excess of 2,000. During the water carnival a bathing “Queen” was selected for the first time in festival history. Miss Doris Avant, “Miss Summerton,” was selected as bathing queen and would later add the title of Queen Iris to her list of accomplishments. Miss Avant would be crowned by the “Queen for a Day” from Hollywood, Mrs. Betty Anderson.

Above: Visiting queens competed for the title of Queen Iris 1949 won by Miss Doris Avant, Miss Summerton (top row 5th from the right). The photo was taken at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Right: The large crowds wait patiently for the 1949 Iris Parade to move from the South Main overhead bridge to their viewing point which is located on the corner of Canal and Main Street. Below: The Carolina Coca-Cola Bottling Co. float which featured their slogan, “Refreshment through the Years 1949.”

Volume 2 • Reflections • 39

Above: The 1949 Iris Festival introduced a new pageant competition entitled King Neptune’s Daughter. This competition was held at the newly opened Elks pool. The 1949 winner of this pageant was Miss Doris Avant who also was later crowned Queen Iris of 1949. Left: Miss Doris Avant riding the City of Sumter float in the 1949 Iris Parade. Below: 1949 Hollywood’s Queen for Day Betty Anderson accompanied by six young ladies in waiting.

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Right: Miss Doris Avant, Miss Summerton posing in the swimsuit that she wore enroute to winning the coveted title of King Neptune’s Daughter in 1949. Below: Iris Festival 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Howard Anderson representing Hollywood’s Queen For A Day at a luncheon at the Dunndell estate. Dr. Ralph Dunn is on the left. Bottom of Page: A creative automobile float representing the Sumter Aluminum Awnings Company (circa 1949).

Volume 2 • Reflections • 41

Above: Visiting queens take time out from pageant activities to visit The Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Left: T. Doug Youngblood who served as moderator for the Queen Iris competition announces the winner (Doris Avant) of the 1949 competition. Below: The 1949 competition to determine the winner of the title, King Neptune’s Daughter.

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Above: The 1949 competitors for the title of Queen Iris and the Queen for a Day are introduced to a massive crowd at the newly opened Elks pool. Right: Doris Avant in her Queen Iris attire shortly before the competition began. Miss Avant would win both the titles of King Neptune’s Daughter and Queen Iris for 1949. Below: Several visiting Queens competing for the title of Queen Iris 1949 take the opportunity to visit the Swan Lake Iris Gardens.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 43

Right: Betty Anderson and her husband are greeted at the Sumter Airport by a member of the Iris Festival Committee. Mrs. Anderson from California was selected to serve as the second Queen for a Day. Below: The Queen for a Day dines at one of Sumter’s local restaurants with members of the Iris Festival committee. Bottom Of Page: Silver Center one of the numerous floats entered in circa 1949 Iris Parade.

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Above: Queens competing for the title of Queen Iris 1949 pose for a group photo at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Right: Individuals who served as judges during the King Neptunes Daughter Pageant pause and compare their notes on the contestants. Below: Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Dunn providing Mrs. Betty Anderson, Queen for a Day and her husband with a tour of the Dunndell Gardens. Also in the photo are Mrs. W.E. Bynum, T. Doug Youngblood and members of the Iris Festival committee.

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left: Evelyn Hazel, Miss Laurens, was selected as Miss Queen Azalea in 1949. She also participated in the competition for Queen Iris during the 1949 festival.

Right: The winning float from the 1949 parade was sponsored by the Elks Club and featured members of their aquatic swim team.

Left: United States Marine Corps Band provide musical entertainment at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens for the large crowds attending the 1949 Iris Festival. (circa 1949)

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Left: Mayor and Mrs. W.E. Bynum greet Mrs. Betty Anderson and her husband at the Sumter Airport in 1949. Mrs. Anderson was selected the National Queen for a Day and would participate in several Iris Festival activities. Below: One of the numerous marching bands which performed for the large crowd attending the 1949 Iris Festival.

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Above: The National Queen for a Day Mrs. Betty Anderson and her husband are greeted at the Sumter Airport by a delegation of Iris Festival dignitaries. From the left are Billy Lynam (pilot), Mr. J.A. Raffield (City Manager), E.H. Moses, Jr., Barney Williams, Algie Holland, Mayor W.E. Bynum, The Andersons, Mrs. Bynum, Evelyn Hazel, Margaret DuRant, Gwyn Shelor and T. Doug Youngblood. Right: Mrs. Betty Anderson, the National Queen for a Day, is shown crowning Doris Avant as Queen Iris for 1949.

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Right: Mr. and Mrs. Anderson (Queen for a Day) dance at the traditional coronation ball held at the National Guard Armory during the 1949 Iris Festival. Bottom of Page: The massive crowd which attended the 1949 Iris Parade disperses for home after the last float has passed them. Below: The U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island provided evening concerts at Swan Lake during the 1949 Iris Festival.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 49

Above: Mr. and Mrs. Anderson share conversation with Mrs. Strom (Jean) Thurmond at the 1949 Iris Festival. Governor Thurmond and his family were frequent visitors to the Sumter community during the Iris Festival. Below: The visiting queens who are competing for the title of Queen Iris 1949 pose for a group photo with their hostess Miss Sumter at the Sumter National Guard Armory.

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Above: This photo taken in 1949 features several prominent dignitaries of the 1949 Iris Festival dining at the Manhattan Restaurant. Those persons in the photo are from left Gwyn Shelor (Miss Dixie 1949), Howard Anderson, Mrs. W.E. Bynum and Mrs. Betty Anderson (Queen for a Day). Right: Miss Winnsboro, Marian McMaster, rides in one of the numerous convertibles provided by Sumter’s automobile dealerships in the 1949 Iris Parade.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 51

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Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 53

Iris Festival 1950

The 1950 Iris celebration was scheduled to be the largest ever and the five-day festival ran in conjunction with the celebration of Sumter’s sesquicentennial. After an invitation had been extended to former residents of the city the celebration began May 17. Henry H. Shelor and T. Douglas Youngblood served as co-chairmen for the festival and the sesquicentennial. The celebration featured a garden day, a historical pageant, an air show, parade, queen’s ball, burial of a time capsule, the unveiling of a portrait of Gen. Thomas Sumter, a water carnival, the selection of a King and Queen of Iris, an open house at Shaw Air Force Base, and a Coronation Ball. The 1950 Iris Festival featured a Queen for the Day, Mrs. Vene Thompson of Long Beach, Calif. She and her husband traveled to Sumter and participated in numerous festival activities. While in Sumter the Thompsons resided with Mayor and Mrs. W. E. Bynum. Ruvelle of Sumter outfitted the visiting queen, with Stubbs Brothers providing clothing for her spouse. The 1950 festival marked the third consecutive year that a national “Queen for the Day” participant would be feted in the city. The 1950 Iris Festival parade consisted of 121 units which began their procession at 3:30

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p.m. from the foundation of the overhead bridge on South Main Street. In conjunction with the Iris Festival pageantry, the city planned a historical pageant which related the 150–year history of Sumter. This lavish production took place at Riley Park with hundreds of students and citizens involved in the numerous presentations. 1950 marked the largest Iris Festival parade to date. Estimates state that over 30,000 people witnessed the 70 minute procession. The parade featured 28 queens representing diverse communities, all vying for the crown of Queen Iris of 1950. The coronation took place at the Edmunds High auditorium with the Coronation Ball following at the Swan Lake Pavilion. Martha Stikeleather, a sophomore at Florence High school, was selected as Queen Iris during the 1950 Iris Festival. Miss Mary Frances Bass, from Timmonsville was selected the 1950 Neptune’s Daughter. William Dennis was named King Iris. Sonny Dunham and his 17– piece orchestra featuring vocalist Patty Ryan provided musical entertainment at the water carnival and the Coronation Ball. The festival was judged an outstanding success. Plans immediately commenced for the 1951 festival.

Right: Float carrying Cub Scout Pack 332 sponsored by the Elks Club (circa 1950) Iris Parade.

Left: Contestants in the 1950 King Neptune’s Daughter competition being evaluated by the judges at the Elks Club pool.

Right: The Polka seen with a facsimile of the old Sumter Courthouse in the background from the historical pageant staged by the Sumter Community Theatre during the 1950 Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 55

Right: Queen Iris 1950 Martha Stikeleather, Miss Florence.

Below: Mayor W.E. Bynum proclaims the 1950 Iris Festival and Sesquicentennial celebration watching are from left, Deuward Bultman, Jr., Traugott Kern, T. Doug Youngblood, and City Manger J.A. Raffield. Facing Page: Photo of Doris Avant Queen Iris of 1949 that was used as the cover for The State Magazine announcing the coming 1950 Iris Festival.

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Volume 2 • Reflections • 57

Above: Float sponsored by Sumter Merchants Association featured Miss Sumter and her court. Left: Queen Iris 1950 Martha Stikeleather and King Iris William Dennis. Photo taken during the coronation ceremony held in the Edmunds High Auditorium which is now Patriot Hall.

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Above: Riding on the World Wide Communication float during the (circa 1950) Iris Parade were from left Annette McLeod (Kennedy), Vivian Covington, Dolly Hughes, Eleanor Poulos and Deloris Ravene. Right: Visiting queens competing in the 1950 Iris Festival dine with their escorts at Jim’s Waffle Shop.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 59

Left: Doris Avant, 1949 Iris Queen, attending the 1950 Iris Festival to cede her crown to the 1950 Iris Queen selection. Below: The U.S. Marine Corps band from Parris Island, one of the 14 marching band units to participate in the 1950 Iris Festival Parade.

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Above: Former Mayor and Mrs. Edwin Boyle driving a two-horse surrey in the 1950 Iris Parade. Right: Float representing the city service clubs. Queens riding on the float are Madeline Ducom, Betty Jo Smith, Shirley Garrett (Cockerill) and Virginia Baker.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 61

Right: Miss Sumter, Sydney Anne Huskey, the host queen of the 1950 Iris Festival.

Left: A group photo of the Sesquicentennial pageant performers taken on the infield of Riley Park in 1950. Below: The iris plants in bloom at Swan Lake Gardens.

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Above: Local beauty Queens welcome visitors and contestants to Sumter in 1950. The queens are from the left Nell Mitchell, Bobbie Wilson and Pandy Bessinger.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 63

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Volume 2 • Reflections • 65

Iris Festival 1951

The 1951 Iris Festival began with an Open House at Shaw Field in observance of the second annual Armed Forces Day. The celebration included a number of activities highlighted by a spectacular air show including a number of modern aircraft utilized by the U. S. Air Force. The festival committee planned a historical pageant to be performed at Riley Ball Park chronicling the settlement of the Sumter community. The festival featured a golf tournament at Sunset Country Club, boat races at Ashwood Lake, a parade, a 15-bout boxing card at Riley Park, an Aquatic Carnival and a gala Coronation Dance. Sumter schools were closed at 12 noon on May 24 for the Iris Parade. The 1951 parade featured 65 units including 29 amateur and professional floats, 15 beauty queens, 11 bands and a large number of visiting dignitaries. The procession began at 2:30 p.m. at the foot of the Bossard Britton Bridge and proceeded up North Main Street to Calhoun Street, then turned west onto Washington Street, south to Liberty Street where all units except those carrying the festival queens dispersed. The parade was witnessed by a crowd estimated in excess of 25,000 spectators.

66 • reflections • Volume 2

The winning floats were announced at the conclusion; the Elks Club, Coca Cola and Reeds Jewelers captured first, second, and third in the professional division; Sumter Garden Club, Lincoln High School and the YMCA finished in that order in the amateur group. Camden was selected as the winning band followed by Brookland-Cayce and Timmonsville. The last night of the festival witnessed the crowning of Miss Conway, Joyce Perry, as Queen Iris and Charleston’s Rachel Newton as Daughter of Neptune. Both young ladies received their crowns at the Coronation Ball held at the Shrine Club. Queen Iris received her crown from PFC. Charlie Clark, Sumter’s first soldier to return from Korea. Miss Newton, who also received her award in the swim suit competition that evening, entertained the audience by admitting that she didn’t know how to swim! King Iris, Charles Rowland II, was also selected by a secret committee consisting of Sumter residents. The coronations brought the festival to a conclusion as those in attendance were treated to musical entertainment by Sully Mason’s Band for the remainder of the evening.

Left: 1951 Iris Festival Queen Joyce Perry receives a ring from Warner T. Warner, one of the many gifts she acquired for winning the coveted title of Iris Queen. Below: Float representing Service Clubs of Sumter featuring Henrietta Curtis and her sister Emily Curtis (Kolb). Bottom of Page: Float carrying Brownie Troop 2 (circa 1951). Front row from the left are, Kay McCracken (Rhoads), Kay Allen, Cathy Bryan, Blanche Mayes and Barbara Stafford. Second row from the left Betty Kennedy, Sandra Hinson, Lucy Tucker, third row from the left Nancy Ingram, Jane Curtis, Carol Joyce Thomas and Elizabeth Gaillard.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 67

Iris Festival 1952

Plans were announced for the 1952 Iris Festival which was to commence on Monday, May 19. The festival featured tours of Swan Lake and the Dunndell Gardens. A musical pageant entitled “The Story of My Country” was presented by the students of the city schools at the Edmunds High auditorium. The 12th annual Iris Festival also featured a golf tournament at Sunset Country Club, bicycle races, selection of a Queen Iris and Neptune’s Daughter followed by a Coronation Ball. It was announced by the committee that Governor and Mrs. James F. Byrnes would attend a festival luncheon; they were to be joined by U.S. Congressman and Mrs. John J. Riley, of Sumter, and also several prominent elected state officials. An additional highlight to the festival was the appearance of radio and TV child–star, Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders. Festival president T. Doug Youngblood announced that this attraction was made possible with the cooperation of the Mutual Broadcasting System; Benson was booked especially to benefit the thousands of children who followed Bobby’s adventures over the nationwide network. The young celebrity arrived via a special Eastern Airlines flight and officially opened the festival activities while he toured several stores in the community. While in Sumter he was the

68 • reflections • Volume 2

guest of the Mayor and Mrs. W.E. Bynum. Benson crowned the Queen of Iris at the Coronation Ball in addition to making several appearances within the community. An estimated crowd of 50,000 spectators lined the sidewalks and city streets of Sumter to witness the 12th annual Iris Festival Parade on May 22. Winning first place in the professional division of the competition was the Sumter Chamber of Commerce followed by the Sumter Merchants Association and the Carolina Coca– Cola Bottling Co. In the non-professional division the Charleston Rod and Reel Club won first prize, the Red Cross float finished second, and the U.S.O. float captured third place. At the conclusion of the festival, queens representing two areas of competition were officially crowned. Miss Polly Rankin Suber from Whitmire, was named “Daughter of Neptune” and Miss Gloria Mitchell from Laurens, was selected the 12th Queen Iris. The festival concluded having witnessed the largest crowd ever assembled in the Sumter community. The city was honored with the presence of Governor Jimmy Byrnes and Mr. and Mrs. Strom Thurmond, along with numerous state and local representatives. The festival was judged a resounding success.

Right: 1952 Queen Iris Gloria Mitchell shortly after her coronation. Below: Float representing the Sumter Elks Club featuring Mack McInnis, a future member of the S.C. Legislature and circuit court judge. Bottom of Page: Float representing the various civic clubs passes in front of the world famous Mayflower Restaurant located on North Main Street during the 1952 Iris Parade.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 69

Above: Hollywood child radio and TV star Bobby Benson entertains children at the Sumter Elks Club during the 1952 Iris Festival. Right: Child star Bobby Benson talks to T. Doug Youngblood and one of the visiting Iris Festival judges prior to the beginning of the 1952 Iris Parade.

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Above: Hollywood performer and childstar Bobby Benson, a special guest of the Iris Festival Committee, being entertained by its members prior to the beginning of the 1952 Iris Festival. Left: The Camden High School Band which placed first in the marching band competition during the 1952 Iris parade. This unit was awarded a $125 first prize for placing first in the competition.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 71

left: One of the numerous floats that participated in the 1952 Iris Festival Parade featured Diane Lawson, Molly Ariail and Jeanne Lawson who would become Queen Iris in 1955. The F.E. Gibson Insurance Agency, the famous Mayflower Restaurant, and the Sumter County Courthouse can be seen in the background.

Right: Float representing Harvin Packing Company featuring the1951 reigning Miss Iris Joyce Perry who would crown her successor at the coronation ball held at the conclusion of the festival.

Left: The fourth place marching band representing Eau Claire High School from Columbia won a $25 cash award during the 1952 Iris Parade. Facing Page: The visiting Queens gather in front of the Elks Club during the 1952 Iris Festival.

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Volume 2 • Reflections • 73

Iris Festival 1953

The Iris festival of 1953 began with a mammoth 108-unit parade on South Main Street, then proceeded down Main to Calhoun Street before turning west to Washington then south to Liberty Street prior to dispersing at the corner of Washington and Liberty Street. Barnes Boyle, serving as parade marshal, had managed to assemble 18 bands, of which three were military bands, 12 professional floats, 30 clowns, a motor-cycle brigade, horseback riders, 33 amateur units and several convertibles carrying visiting and local dignitaries. The 28 visiting queens vying for the title of Iris Queen were greeted by Zan Lee and a

74 • reflections • Volume 2

number of local beauties. Miss Lee had been crowned “Miss Sumter” of 1953 and was representing Sumter as official hostess of the festival. In addition to the festival parade those visiting Sumter for the Iris Festival were treated to a production of “The Mikado” by the Sumter Little Theatre and a number of bicycle races in the Anne Park section of Sumter. Miss Marilyn Smith of Charleston was crowned the 13th Queen Iris and Renee DuRant of Florence was named “Daughter of Neptune” at the Elks pool.

Left: The winner of the 1953 King Neptune’s Daughter competition was Miss Renee DuRant who is posing in front of the Sumter Elks pool. Below: Miss Sumter Zan Lee and Iris Festival officials greet visiting festival queens at the entrance of the Elks Club during the 1953 Iris Festival. Bottom of Page: A 1953 float representing Sumter Little Theatre announcing their performance of “The Mikado” a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta performed for the enjoyment of the many visitors to Sumter during the Iris Festival.

Volume 2 • Reflections • 75

Right: A float featuring Miss Sumter, Zan Lee and her court in front of the Sumter County Courthouse during the 1953 Iris Festival Parade.

Left: Miss Marilyn Smith of Charleston is photographed at Swan Lake Iris Gardens after being named the 13th winner of the title of Queen Iris.

76 â&#x20AC;˘ reflections â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 2

Above: Miss Martha Orville poses with the Queens who are competing for the title of Queen Iris 1953 at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Miss Orville was asked to substitute for the 1952 Iris Queen Gloria Mitchell due to Miss Mitchell having to undergo serious dental surgery which negated her appearance in order to crown her successor. Left: Float sponsored by the US Air Force Auxiliary Air Patrol a participant in the circa 1953 Iris Festival Parade.

Right: Miss Mullins rides in one of the numerous convertibles provided for the visiting Queens during the (circa 1953) Iris Parade.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 77

Left: Float from Shaw Air Force Base honoring the airplane mechanics who are stationed on the base. It was one of the many floats with military themes that participated in the 1953 Iris Parade.

Right: The Sumter High School Marching Band leads the 1953 Iris Festival Parade down Main Street. Below: Martha Orville and Zan Lee with the contestants competing for the crown of Queen Iris 1953.

78 â&#x20AC;˘ reflections â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 2

Right: Miss Martha Orville, substituting for Queen Iris of 1952 Miss Gloria Mitchell, and her mother pose for photographs at Swan Lake Iris Garden during the 1953 Queen Iris competition. Below: Float representing the outboard motors enthusiasts passing in front of the Sumter County Courthouse during the 1953 Iris Parade.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 79

Right: One of the unique floats entered in the circa 1953 Iris Parade featuring “Little Queen Bee.” The float was powered by a possible lawn mower engine.

Left: Area beauties competing for the title of Queen Iris 1953 assemble on the grounds of the Elks Club.

Right: Miss Sumter 1953 Zan Lee is escorted by a local policeman while she crosses from the Bland Gardens to the Heath Gardens.

80 • reflections • Volume 2

Left: Miss Sumter Zan Lee and the reigning 1953 Iris Queen Martha Orville escort Henry Shelor into the Elks Club where they will attend a prepared luncheon. Below: One of the 18 marching bands that participated in the 1953 Iris Festival Parade.

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections â&#x20AC;˘ 81

Right: Miss Martha Orville, reigning Queen of 1953 who presided over the coronation of Queen Iris 1953 for Miss Gloria Mitchell who was unable to attend the festival due to dental surgery. Left: Miss Sumter Zan Lee and the reigning 1953 Queen Martha Orville pose for photos on the grounds of the Sumter Elks Club.

Below: Zan Lee, Miss Sumter of 1953, standing at the entrance of the Iris Gardens with her court of local beauties who were on hand to greet the visiting Queens competing for the title of Queen Iris 1953. The hostess queens from left sitting: Molly Ariail, Llwayne Onley, Shirley Shelton, Margaret Anne Hill and Barbara Bruce. Standing from the left: Patsy Warmoth, Marion Orcutt, Carol Knight, Hazel Hill, Carolyn Nooney, Sara Wimberly and Carol Ann Conway.

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Miss Sumter, Zan Lee standing in front of the wrought iron gates brought to Sumter by H.C. Bland to decorate the entrance of the Iris Gardens. These gates originally stood on the grounds of the Augusta, Ga. courthouse.

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Iris Festival 1954

The 1954 Iris Festival was considered possibly the largest attended festival in the history of the event. Local police estimated the crowd attending the parade to be in excess of 50,000 spectators. William H. Stevenson, Jr., a local attorney and a member of the local Jaycees, served as parade marshal. The parade was estimated to be three miles long and took one hour and 30 minutes to complete. The 14th festival was scheduled to last four days and included the traditional coronations of Queen Iris and Neptune’s Daughter, in addition to the celebration of “H. C. Bland Day,” a performance of the operetta “H. M. S. Pinafore” at the Little Theatre, a street dance, Telephone Day, boat races at McLeod’s Landing seven miles south of Manning, and “Garden Day” which featured tours of the Swan Lake Gardens throughout the day. H. C. Bland was honored by the city and the Iris Festival by being accorded the title of Honorary Mayor, the first citizen to be given this honor. Everyone was in agreement that this honor was a fitting tribute to the man who was responsible for creating the magnificent Swan Lake Gardens. William H. Revill, groundskeeper of the gardens, was also

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recognized and presented a watch by Mrs. A. D. Alcott, president of the Sumter Council of Garden Clubs. Perhaps the most singular event ever planned to coincide with the Iris Festival was the city telephone service being converted to a dial system, a $900,000 operation completed by the Sumter Telephone Company. “A seventeen year-old beauty from Manning was crowned Queen Iris of 1954 at the annual Iris Festival Coronation Ball which was held at the Sumter-Lee-Clarendon Shrine Club” was the headline that announced the selection of Miss Marian McKnight. This selection was in essence the beginning of a series of awards that would propel Miss McKnight to the title of Miss America. Horace B. Curtis, a 26year-old from Sumter, was selected to serve as “King Iris” by a secret committee. T. Doug Youngblood, president of Iris Festival, Inc., served as master of ceremonies. At the Elks pool Miss Frances Allen Lindstedt of Holly Hill was selected as “Neptune’s Daughter”. The 1954 festival was considered by many Sumter residents to be the largest and most memorable celebration to date.

Left: Float sponsored by The Elks Club ridden by The Elks Centers King and Queen of 1954. Below: Photo illustrates how the Japanese iris were planted near the shoreline of Swan Lake.

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Left: One of the numerous bands that performed during the 1954 Iris Festival. The musicians appear to be taking a break between musical sets. Below: One of the many Iris Festival Queens preparing for the circa 1954 Queen Iris competition.

Below: Photo of the Iris Gardens in bloom illustrating the wide range of plants that could be found at the Gardens.

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Right: Queen Iris of 1954, Miss Manning, Marian McKnight. Below: The 1954 Iris Queen hopefuls gather near the front entrance of The Elks Club.

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RIGHT: T. Doug Youngblood presides over the crowning of Queen Iris of 1954 at Swan Lake. Below: Queen Iris of 1954, Miss Marian McKnight with the first and second runner up. Horace Curtis was selected as King Iris 1954. Following her coronation a ball was held outdoors at the Swan Lake Garden Pavilion.

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Left: Miss Frances Allen Lindstedt from Holly Hill receives a memento from Betty Lee Holman signifying her selection as King Neptune’s Daughter in the 1954 Iris Festival.

Right: Miss Marian McKnight, Queen Iris of 1954, later won the titles of Miss South Carolina and was also crowned Miss America in 1957.

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Left: Frances Allen Lindstedt, Miss Holly Hill, was the 1954 selection for the title of King Neptune’s Daughter. Below: Betty Lee Holman, Miss Sumter, and Marian McKnight who is wearing the robe and carrying a scepter which signifies her selection as Queen Iris for 1954. Facing Page: A collection of photos taken during the 1954 Iris Festival.

Below: The McLean Equipment Co. float ridden by Miss Mary Lou McLean (Achziger) during the 1954 Iris Festival Parade.

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Iris Festival 1955

The 1955 Iris Festival proved to be memorable as a local girl won the title of Queen Iris for the first time in the festival’s fifteen-year history. Miss Jeanne Lawson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Perrin Lawson, a freshman at Columbia College, was also a finalist in the Daughter of Neptune swimsuit competition. She was joined by the newly elected president of the Sumter Junior Chamber of Commerce, Ansley Hurst, Jr., who was crowned King Iris. Robin Williamson from Conway captured the title of “Daughter of Neptune” in a competition held at the Sumter Elks Club pool. A large crowd gathered in the downtown area to witness a 98-unit parade, the third largest in festival history. The procession consisted of 19 bands, 21 visiting queens in convertibles, 11 professional floats, two baton-twirling units, a horse brigade and a number of amateur floats. The band from Winyah High in Georgetown took top honors followed by Andrews High and Latta High School. Reeds Jewelers was awarded first prize in the professional float

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class, the Pepsi Cola float was second and the Authorized New Car Dealers float won third place. In the amateur division the Elks Club float took top honors followed by the Danner Paint Company and the American Red Cross in third. The parade made its way up Main Street to Calhoun where it turned left and continued until it reached Salem Avenue where it dispersed. Music was provided by a number of military bands including the U. S. Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps from Washington, D. C., the Ninth Air Force Band from Shaw Air Force Base, the 101st Airborne Division Band, the 291st Army Band from Fort Jackson, and the Parris Island Marine Corps Band from Beaufort. In addition to the beauty pageants, the fiveday event featured bicycle races, square dances, the Queen’s Ball featuring the music of Bruce “Bubbles” Becker and his band and a number of garden tours. The 1955 Iris Festival proved to be one of the most successful on record.

Right: King Neptune’s Daughter, Miss Robin Williamson representing Conway. She won the title during the 1955 swimsuit competition. Below: Several of the contestants who were participating in the Neptune’s Daughter competition. (circa 1955). Jeanne Lawson, soon to be Queen Iris, is number 28.

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Right: Miss Robin Williamson, posing near the Elks pool shortly after winning the title of King Neptune’s daughter during the 1955 Iris Festival. Below: Competitors pose before the Iris judges, each hoping to win the coveted title of King Neptune’s daughter. Facing Page: The beauties competing for the title of Queen Iris 1955. The three at the front are not eligible. They are, Vivian Horne, Miss Sumter, Marian McKnight, Queen Iris of 1954, and Iris Kornegay, South Carolina’s Maid of Cotton.

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Left: The Queen Iris hopefuls dining on the grounds of the Elks Club with their escorts. Below: Float representing the Reeds Jewelry Store ridden by several of Sumter’s local beauties. This float entitled “The Pink Elephant” won first place in the professional division.

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Right: Float sponsored by the new car dealers of Sumter County passing in front of the Sumter County Courthouse during the 1955 Iris Parade.

Left: A float sponsored by the Elks Club celebrating Sumter’s relationship with its neighbor Shaw Air Force Base. This float won first place in the amateur division.

Right: This float sponsored by Sumter County is being ridden by the 1954 Queen Iris and her court.

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Left: The 1955 Queen Iris Miss Jeanne Lawson represented Columbia College; however, Miss Lawson was a Sumter resident. Below: Swan Lake in full bloom as the 1955 Iris Festival gets underway.

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Right: Miss Sumter 1955, Vivian Horne, served as the hostess queen during the 1955 Iris Festival. Below: Miss Sumter Pageant was held at the McLaurin Junior High Auditorium prior to the 1955 Iris Festival.

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Right: A float sponsored by Shaw Air Force Base during the circa 1955 Iris Festival illustrating the coming of jet aircraft to this facility. Below: Visitors to Sumter take time out to walk through the Iris Gardens which were in full bloom during the 1955 Iris Festival.

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Left: Queen Iris of 1955 Jeanne Lawson poses with her newly selected King, Ansley Hurst, Jr. Below: Float representing the Swan Lake Iris Gardens featuring Queen Iris 1954 Marian McKnight and her court.

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Iris Festival 1956

Sponsored by the Sumter Jaycees, the selection of the King and Queen Iris was held at the Sumter, Lee and Clarendon Shrine Club. T. Doug Youngblood was selected to serve as the pageant’s master of ceremonies. Beverly Parker from Conway was selected Queen Iris for 1956 with J. J. Waters Jr., selected as the seventh King Iris. For the first time in festival history a Junior Grade King and Queen were named with Tuppy Snow and Ginger Cuttino being selected. Neal Compton and his orchestra provided the music for the ball which signaled the end of

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festival activities. There was no mention of a parade in 1956; it was reported in the writings of Cassie Nichols that “the lack of funds forced the city to abandon the Iris Festival temporarily.” During the ensuing years of 1957 to 1960, the city celebrated Iris Day, encouraging city residents to visit and participate in family picnics at the gardens. Sumter continued to support Shaw Air Force Base by turning out in large numbers to visit Shaw’s Open House during the next four years.

Left: Queen Iris 1956 Miss Conway, Beverly Parler shortly after receiving her crown and scepter.

Right: Photo taken at the coronation ball showing Queen Iris 1956, Miss Beverly Parler of Conway and King Iris the seventh, J.J. Waters, Jr. The couple were taking time out from dancing in order to pose for the photograph.

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Iris Festival Diane Lawson

Many Sumter residents have had a strong connection to the Iris Festival. It could be said, however, that Diane Lawson practically grew up participating in this annual event. Her father, the former owner of Lawson’s Pharmacy, sponsored a float featuring Diane in

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several of the festival parades. This collection of photos pays tribute to Diane Lawson and others who have made contributions to the Iris Festival, making it an integral part of our community.

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