Billy Austin's Sketches of notable Portadown people in the 1960/70's

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GEORGE ALLEN Entrepeneur

Car Dealer, Estate Agent, Cattle & Sheep breeder
and recognised farming expert throughout the British Isles.

JIM WRIGHT

Known better as 'The Barrow Boy' as he was well known for trading from his barrow on Portadown's main street. He was at one time taken to court for trading without a licence and fined 15 shillings and banned from further street trading. However, due to public outcry, Jim was back again the following week and the court 'turned a Blind Eye' to his future trading.

CHARLIE CONLON

A very popular Newsagent who carried on business at Bridge Street

Charles Cooper

Director Fairburns Hatchery, politician, former Mayor PBC.

ARCHIE GIBSON

Well known Justice of the Peace and Portadown Estate Agent

CHARLIE HUNNIFORD

Advertising Executive with the Portadown Times, amateur Magician and father of broadcaster Gloria Hunniford.

RICHARD-GRAVES JOHNSTON

Lived in Kilmore Castle, near Richhill. He was the owner of one of the first Jaguar cars to arrive in Ireland.

WILLIAM-BOYD JOHNSTON

Solicitorʼs Clerk and well known historian and newspaper correspondent.

JIMMY JENNINGS

Author and publisher of several local history books.

BILL NORTH

Manager of the Northern bank.

RALPH OʼLONE

Alderman on Portadown Borough Council.

JOHNNY PROCTOR

Johnny was well a known Fruit and vegetable merchant and a popular character, with his horse and cart, on the streets of Portadown.

Dr GEORGE DOUGAN

Medical Doctor who resided at Church Street, Portadown.

WILLIAM-HENRY WOLSEY

Founder of the Portadown Times and well known local historian.

Samuel Blevins

Demolition Contractor and Filling Station owner at Corcrain.
Sam's Company carried out one of Northern Ireland's largest ever demolition contracts, the removal of the old West Street properties in preparation for the re-development of the area. His team commenced work at 11pm and by 8am the following morning had demolished and removed John Street, Mary Street, Irwin Street and the complete surrounding area. It is now the site of the Magowan Building Complex.

TOMMY RAINEY

Owned a TV and Radio business at West Street, Portadown. Tommy was also a keen supporter of cycling in the area and was President of the Portadown and Banbridge Cycling Clubs.

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