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.
17. Mrs. E.H. Kirkham, Proprietress of the Ashtonia Shop, Lane Ends, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston 1958. Ashtonia was a sweet shop and confectioner on the corner of Blackpool Road and Tulketh Brow. The shop also had an American-style milk bar, including a number of tables for serving hot and cold drinks. The owner of the shop, Mrs E. Kirkham, is shown in Ashtonia in this photo taken in 1958.
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18. Photo Neil Cross Edwin Chesters, 77, held the British title for weight lifting in 1960 Preston Strength Team 1959
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19. Brookfield Housing Estate Shops, Preston 1959 Showing the premises of J.&J. Dilworth newsagent, Norman Theobald and Southworth's
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20. Dr. Barbara Moore, Preston 1960 Preston Police Constable A. M. Macphee on escort duty, is seen talking to Dr. Barbara More in Preston during her long distance walk from John O' Groats to Land's End. British Pathe' filmed her arrival in Lands End. Watch Here Photo: A. Willacy Dr Barbara Moore (22 December 1903 14 May 1977) was a Russian-born health enthusiast who gained celebrity in the early 1960s for her long-distance walking. In December 1959 she walked from Edinburgh to London. In early 1960 she walked from John O' Groats to Land's End in 23 days. She then undertook a 46 day, 3,387 mile walk from San Francisco to New York City, where she arrived on July 6, 1960. She was a vegetarian and reputed to be a breatharian. She walked with only nuts, honey, raw fruit and vegetable juice for nourishment. She died in a London hospital on 14 May 1977.
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