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.
5. Fulwood County Secondary School, Preston, 1958. Instruction from the expert, Miss Hilary Peet, physical education mistress, who plays netball for Lancashire and who is also a member of the County swimming team.
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6. Waverley Park Open Air Swimming Baths, Ribbleton, Preston 1958 The facility closed in 1979
LEP
7. Coffin Cart, Preston September 11, 1958. This horse drawn coffin cart, kept since 1931 for sentimental reasons by Mr. John Titterington, Undertaker of Frank Street, Preston is to be broken up. He bought it in 1920 and until 1931 it was used for delivery of coffins to private houses. Then motor vehicles took it's place. Here it is making it's last journey - to the scrap yard.
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8. West Cliff, Fishergate, Preston 1959 Houses on the east side of West Cliff, off Fishergate Hill. Built mid-19th century. These propertys faced the prospect of demolition in 1959 to make way for General Post Office sorting office, but are still standing.
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