The deluge of a lifetime tore through the town in the 1955 Floods; a local railway employee won first prize in the State Lottery; the Glenn Miller Story was screening at the Piazza Theatre; and Oris watches were selling for 97 shillings and sixpence (just over $10).

The Central Arcade, where you could buy those watches, also came into being.

Current and former tenants, friends of the historic building and the owner, Martin Cousins, will gather at the building in Bridge Street this weekend to mark its 60th anniversary year.

The retail complex, officially opened in August 1955, was described at the time as an ‘imposing brick and steel building … unsurpassed in any country town in Australia.’

Owner Martin Cousins, who is based in Sydney but travels back to Muswellbrook every fortnight, said he has a genuine affection for the Central Arcade.

“It’s been in my family since it was first constructed and opened, three families formed a company called the Central Arcade Pty Limited and my grandfather operated the jewellers.

“For me this weekend is an opportunity to learn more about the history of the place because I think the Arcade shines a light on the past.

“It was a time when things were repaired; people made their own clothes and the tenants and customers reflected that,” Mr Cousins said.

Prior to her retirement three weeks ago, Veronica Paslow, was one of the longest-serving tenants of the Central Arcade.

“I put in 26 years in this great building and I loved every minute of it.

“It was a second home for me and the customers were some of my best friends,” she said.

Ms Paslow operated a number of retail tenancies during her association with the building.

On Saturday, Ms Paslow will be joined by fellow tenants at a retirement dinner in the evening after celebrations for the Central Arcade get underway at 2pm.