The town’s textile industry, still a significant part of its identity, provided employment for many, with factories like Horrockses playing a central role in daily life. Streets bustled with workers, while families shopped in local markets and high street stores, often meeting for a chat at the town’s popular gathering spots.
Entertainment played a vital role in bringing people together. Cinemas like the Odeon and Palace were filled with locals eager to catch the latest films, while dance halls and pubs offered lively weekend fun. The iconic Preston Guild Hall, though yet to host the famous Guild celebrations, was already a key venue for community events and concerts.
Social life revolved around these cultural hubs, and despite the rationing that lingered post-war, the people of Preston embraced life with optimism and resilience. Families gathered in local parks, while children played in the streets or by the River Ribble, marking a time of simplicity, togetherness, and the early stirrings of modernity.
Explore our retro picture collection to get a glimpse of Preston’s vibrant life, people, and culture from this pivotal era.
9. Star footballer from Hindley, Jean Lane, front row, 3rd right, in the Preston Ladies Dick Kerrs FC team. Jean was a star striker for the worlds most successful women's football team signing for them in 1950 aged 14 and played for the club home and abroad for 15 years making 204 appearances and scoring 187 goals. She scored her first goal in a 4-2 win against Wythenshawe and soon afterwards scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win against the touring French International Federation Club. Jean lived in Hindley all her life and after hanging up her boots she became a keen charity fundraiser and preacher at St. John's Church, Market Street, Hindley. Jean died aged 73 in March 2009.
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10. Looking Back This picture was sent in by Bob Scanlan (Scanny) Higginson St Football lads Scene was in Higginson street,Preston in 1950 football lads. Bob Scanlan,Jimmy Lee,Jackie Norris,Ronnie Townson,Tommy Dorbigan.
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11. Preston Market, June 1950 This was the first time bananas were seen in Preston since the outbreak of WW2. Image courtesy and copyright of The Lancashire Evening Post © www.lep.co.uk
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12. 1950 Fulwood Barracks a day of in Preston L/Cpl Frank May on the left hails from Plymouth,he served in the army for 7 years and on demob he decided to stay in Preston and took a job at Berrys Slipper Works as Frank civilian trade was a cobbler.He met his wife to be at Berrys local girl from Pole Street Muriel Platt.They married in 1956 had 3 children and Frank died Christmas Day 1984.Muriel sister Dorothy is my wife. Sent by Brian Maley Leyland 01772 433482
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