And so, with that in mind, take a look at what our very own city of Preston looked like back in the heady days of 1959. England were yet to win the World Cup, things like the internet had yet to be invented, and it’s hard to escape the impression that life was somewhat simpler. As one reader says: “I can’t believe it’s the same city...” Take a look at some of our best archive pics from 1959 to explore what everything looked like back in the day...
Fancy more retro? Check out these other pieces…
21. Preston, 1959
Enclosing a photo of St Michael's and All Angels, Ashton, Preston, Scout Camp at Scorton in 1954. 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 | National World
22. Preston, 1959
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Preston, pictured shortly after closure in July 1959. On the left is Hawkins Mill Shop, and right is Slingers former ironmongers. The new C&A department store replaced these buildings. The only surviving artifact in this image is the 18th century lead water spout-head, above Slingerâs, which is now in the custody of the Harris Museum. Picture courtesy of Preston Digital Archive. Please send your photos to the address below | National World
23. Preston, 1959
The ABC Cinema, Fishergate, Preston. Projection Room. Pathe News division's 'Candid Camera' unit filmed the opening event and it can be seen Here The ABC Cinema was located on the corner of Fishergate and Theatre Street. The new cinema opened to the public on 14th March 1959 with Rex Harrison in "The Reluctant Debutante". | National World