And back in the late 1960s, the Shields Gazette photographers were hard at work capturing these scenes.
They include a new carpet shop in King Street as well as the Cross Bar Club coffee bar.
There’s a view of a busy day at Binns and a new attraction at Wouldhave House.
Now it is the turn of the second half of the decade and we hope these scenes bring back happy memories.
. Scenes from South Tyneside
Lots of reminders of a bygone era but how many do you recognise? Photo: sg
. The chores must be done
Daily chores being carried out in 1969 i the shadow of the tanker Esso Northumbria, which was to be launched on the Tyne by Princess Anne. Photo: Shields Gazette
. Ready at Plessey
Plessey workers arriving for a day's work in May 1967. Photo: Shields Gazette
5. Coffee and a chat in 1966
A November 1966 photo showing the new bar at Wouldhave House with Lennard May - South Shields entertainments official - and Mrs Franchi being served coffee by Michael Franchi. Photo: Shields Gazette
6. Pierre the clown was a big hit at Binns
Mothers and children packed the toy department at Binns when Pierre the Clown visited in November 1966. Photo: Shields Gazette
7. Catching up with pals
The Cross Bar Club coffee bar in 1965. Can you spot someone you know in this photo? Photo: Shields Gazette
8. Setting a first
The first children to use the Perth Avenue subway in March 1967. Photo: sg