Most people who remember Cascades have great memories of the pools, perhaps learning to swim or winning a medal at a gala. Plus all the various fitness clubs.
Others remember St Mary’s Hall in Obins Street which was a mecca for great bands back in the day from Jim Reeves to Thin Lizzy playing. Not to mention all the other entertainment, its youth club and hosting the annual Irish Dancing Feis.
Some of you may just about remember the old Imperial Hotel in the town centre which later became Wellworths – a very popular supermarket with an extremely popular pick and mix counter.
Here are just a few things and places that might jog your memory. Let us know what you miss about Portadown.
5. Regal Cinema once had a giant cardboard ape fixed to the railings when King Kong was featuring
The site of the former Regal Cinema at Bridge Street, Portadown which is now a pool hall. The Regal Cinema provided film entertainment from 1935 to 1972. Local man Harry Foy recalled: "I remember when the film King Kong came to the Regal, a large twelve foot cardboard ape was fixed to the railing of the adjoining pleasure gardens. These gardens were the haunt of most children; as they had swings, seesaw, merry go rounds and a maypole. Here people could watch the boating and swimming in the Bann River. On some evenings local bands gave a musical recital. Bridge St had its own art gallery; the paintings of the famous Charles Lamb were exhibited in the shop windows by Arthur Lamb. The nearby main Post Office also housed the local telephone exchange. Portadown College was in Bann House and students added to the throng of people coming and going. Robb’s Weaving factory workers caused quite a congestion in the mornings and evenings. Most people travelled by train so you had to cross the bridge to get to the station." Photo: Google
6. The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel, in Portadown, Co Armagh was once a real hive of town activity. It was fondly remembered as a place many locals held their wedding reception in and celebrated important family events. It closed around 1960. After that it was demolished to provide the site of Wellworth's another establishment which was much loved by the community. Sadly it too has gone. Photo: submitted
7. Corner shops full of jars of sweets
Who remembers Dickson's Shop in Thomas Street, Portadown? It was one of many little shops dotted around the town which were a treat for children to visit after school and get a quarter of delicious sweets from the huge jars behind the counter. Which ones do you remember? Photo: Leonard Bentley