With that in mind, it’s perhaps unsurprising to know that Preston has evolved plenty over the 68 years since 1956, but it’s nevertheless incredible to be offered the chance to catch a glimpse of what life back in those days actually looked like.
Here are a few of our best archive pictures from that heady era.
17. Many thanks to LP reader Jane Dean for this fantastic picture of a Prize Day, taken outside Sharoe Green Hospital, Preston, in 1956. The photo was taken by Arthur Winter, 36 Fishergate, at a cost of four shillings. On the back row, left to right, are: M/N Townson; M/N F. Greenwood; Std/N M Walker ( PTS Prize); S/N J Corbett; S/N Snape; Sr.E. Corrigan; Sr. E Roberts; Miss Orr; Miss Murray; Mr J Maltby; Std/N E Neilson ( Ist Year Prize) and S/N D Eastham; M/N C. Tearle; M/N Sutton and Mr H. Hill. Front row, left to right, MrW Todd; Miss W Hale; Mrs Henery; S/N Gunther ( Silver Medallist) The Mayor; Mr J Henery; S/N Prentice (Gold medallist); Mr Tomlinson; Mrs Allen and Mr J Allen. Jane has written a book, To Heal the Sick, which includes voices of fellow student nurses as they embarked upon their chosen career in Preston during the 1960s.
Jane Dean
18. Pedder Street, Preston c.1956 Showing both St. Marks and St. Walburges Churches
National World
19. The Empire Theatre, Church Street, Preston c.1956 Opened on the 22nd May 1922 as a 2500 seat music hall. It was later converted to a cinema. The final film was shown in 1964 before conversion once again, to the inevitable bingo hall. This was the last old theatre to be demolished in the town succumbing as late as July 1976 The Last Frontier (seen on the marquee) starring Victor Mature, had it's UK release in March 1956
National World
20. R. Slinger & Son, Friargate, Preston c.1956 Slingers occupied this space, next door to the Hippodrome Theatre, from 1902. The lead spout head at the top of the drainpipe, seen in the centre of the image, was preserved and is now on display at the Harris Museum. The remains of an iron bracket can be seen above the 'i' in 'Slinger'. This once held the well known circular saw blade advertising one of the many services that the company provided (see related images).
National World
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