Watford High Street has changed significantly since this wonderful picture was taken more than 60 years ago but it is a scene that will be remembered by many readers.
The Watford Observer has again teamed up with its friends at Watford Museum to look back at some structures, objects or business from the town’s past that have either disappeared or been relocated and today we recall some high street favourites of the past.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Before the development of retail off High Street with the opening of the shopping centre, which was originally known as the Harlequin (now Atria), many big names could be found all along High Street.
- Watford opticians was once home to blind piano tuner
- A glimpse of how Watford looked before the Ring Road
"In this 1960 photograph of shops between Clarendon Road and the Market Place there is Saxone, WH Smith and James Walker, jewellers. All three had been established here since the early 1920s although Saxone appears to have had new premises built here in the 1950s.
"It’s a scene that many will remember although over the decades the trees grew and the scene became more shaded – a welcome relief in hot weather. Now all is changed again with Atria’s extension."
Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
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