h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I am trying to locate information about my grandfather Walter Smith, who was a well known figure in Castleford, running a sweet shop, "The Chocolate Box" on Carlton Street. It was demolished to make way for a supermarket I believe. He was also very much involved as a leading light in Castleford Rugby League team .He didn't play but helped with inventing or beginning to use the black marbles for the draw? He also went with them to France when they played there. At some time, there was the murder of a baby, in his home in Glasshoughton, which involved a young girl called Norma who was their "live in" maid. There was a court case, and I would be very interested to find out all about it and to make contact with anyone who remembers the family in any way. My great grandmother Charlotte and Great Grandfather Noah ran the White Hart pub in Castleford. Is it still there? Are there any records which I could see in the archives? My mother, aged 82 is writing her memories of times in Castleford, and her knowledge in this area described above is very sketchy. It is also intersting to note that you have GT Smith supermarkets in the area. My uncle is called G T Smith. My Mother's name is Emily margaret Turton Smith. Are we related somehow? My Aunt Ellen Turton and my Gran ran a milliners shop in Castleford called Bon Marche around 1916 - 19 I think.

Many questions, but I hope some answers may be forthcoming, or at least a web address or email I might contact to get further information.

Yours hopefully

Anne Collins

Dear Ann Collins,
We must be cousins. My grandmother was called Charlotte Mullins, and yes she ran the White Hart, but with my grandfather, Thomas Mullins. Uncle Walter did have a sweet shop and I remember him and receiving sweets from him, as as visiting the shop! I beleive, Noaha was my grandmothers' father. I have a photo of him and his wife. I really hope you are able to read this and reply. I'd rather take the converstaion to private e-mail.
I don't usually go onto the web, but today I'm home from work with the flu, and so typed Castleford, just to see what came up.When I was a little girl I lived on Smawthorne Lane where my nanalived.
Hope to hear from you soon. Margaret

Dear Anne,
My mom, Agnes, just read your note. She says that your mother Margaret is her first cousin. You are correct about the pub. My great grandparents ran the White Hart, and my grandparents ran the Carleton.
Mom is 83 now. She says she never heard about the murder, and of course matters of that sort would not be discussed. Mom remebers being taken for tea with Uncle Walter and Auntie Hettie, just as I remember the sweets. I have a photo of my great-grandparents, and one of Uncle Walter in uniform during WW!. I know he was in the Lifegruards. My nana had other brothers and sisters. Albert, Fred, Arthur, Clara and Nellie. There must many decendants out there by now!But, then you must know all this.
My mom want to know all about that murder! I'd like to hear from you. Regards, Margaret