Life moved at a steady pace, with bustling markets, family-owned shops, and local businesses forming the backbone of the community. The town’s industrial roots were still strong, with factories and mills providing employment for many residents.
The streets were filled with the sights and sounds of everyday life: children playing in the parks, families gathering at local cinemas, and the iconic red buses trundling along the cobbled roads. Avenham and Miller Parks were popular spots for leisurely strolls, while the newly built Preston Bus Station began to hint at the town’s future development.
The late 1950s also saw a rise in social activities, with dance halls and music venues drawing crowds eager to enjoy the latest rock 'n' roll hits. Preston North End remained a source of local pride, with fans flocking to Deepdale Stadium on match days.
This was a time when community spirit thrived, and the town’s historic buildings and landmarks stood as proud symbols of its resilience. In the following collection, we take a nostalgic look at Preston in the late 1950s through a series of archive images.
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3. Enclosing a photo of St Michael's and All Angels, Ashton, Preston, Scout Camp at Scorton in 1958. Left standing Eric Botham, Brian (do not know, me kneeling, cutting the hair of Stan Sharples. These three boys grew up together and were boyfriends of mine. I married Eric Botham as he asked me to write to him when he went into the Army. We did our courting by letter when he was in Malaga. We married in 1959 and will celebrate St Michael's School, not bad going. Pat Botham, Ashton-on-Ribble
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4. Brunswick Street, Preston 1958 A view looking north. Brunswick Street was built in the early 19th century and demolished 1958-59 to make way for the new Avenham high-rise flats. The old Gas Works on Avenham Lane can be seen in the distance. Copyright Lancashire County Library and Information Service. www.lantern.lancashire.gov.uk/
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