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Toy Shops

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Darby Stafford

New Member
Does anyone remember a toy shop owned by Alfred Albutt - born 1874? It was still open in the 1920s I think. Has anyone seen it in old photos? It may have been near Cradley Heath. Thank you!
 
I can see an Alfred Allbut born 1874 Cradley Heath who was a furniture dealer in Cradley Heath in 1911. In 1921 he seems to have a similar occupation living in Winwood Heath.
 
Thank you for your reply, MWS. It probably is the same person, who married an 'Alice Stafford' ancestor. He maybe owned this toy shop at some point in the 20s. Apparently they had two sons at least. One was killed in a motorbike accident. I suppose this may have been in the early '20s - or earlier. Odd to think that that is now 100 years ago!!!
 
Alfred Allbut and Alice Stafford registered Dudley Jun 1901.

3 sons and a daughter - Lilian Joyce b1901, Stanley b1904, Reginald b1907 and Alfred Edgar b1909 d1911.

Stanley seems to have died in 1964 and Reginald in 1996.

Alice appears to get a mention in the papers in 1970, being driven though Romsley in a Model T Ford when she was 90.
 
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Thank you so very much for this information, MWS. It will be the correct couple. The 'Alice' was my father's aunt. Her brother, (my grand-father (I'm now 74)) - was John Darby Stafford. Their mother was either Joyce or Marjorie Darby. I presume now it was 'Joyce'.
Joyce died young, and Alice was brought up by her Darby grand-parents. My Dad, John Stafford visited his aunt only once, since his parents had separated, but he said that their son died in a motorcycle accident while he was there (must have been after 1918 - he was born 1911). - and the body was laid on a table. I think the boy must have just been injured, as - as you say - the boys were hale and hearty until the 60s and the 90s.
I have been trying to piece together my family's Brummie roots, MWS, since my father was brought up in Scotland, and due to his parents' separation, we were never told that the Staffords originated from Kingswinsford and Cradley Heath, and Rowley Regis. What area do you come from?
 
Family history is full of little secrets which are surprising and interesting to discover. If you get stuck on something there are many helpful members might be able to help.

I'm from Birmingham and going back from various places, including a great grandfather who was born in Cradley which is not the same as Cradley Heath but close.
 
I was having another look at my family trees and saw another son for Alice and Alfred - James W Albutt - born in Dudley and dates - 1902 to 1919 - this could be the James Albutt who died in the motor cycle crash? thank you. MWS
 
I can't find any mention of a James Albutt - birth, death or census - so not sure.
 
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