Joseph Wass Walker, confectioner, and his wife outside their shop at 212 Victoria Street, Grimsby c1910 – colourised.

An original, unposted, real photographic postcard in excellent condition. No photographer/publisher is named.

Joseph Wass Walker was born in Grimsby on 22nd April 1857. His parents were Thomas Francis Walker, a shoemaker in Flottergate and later a postman, Grimsby and Charlotte Walker (née Wass). Joseph Francis Wass Walker married Susannah Coxon in Grimsby on 31st July 1876. Joseph was then a confectioner at 93 Nelson Street, Grimsby. In 1881, they had moved their shop to 12 New Street, Grimsby and had two young children, Jarvis Wass (1878-1957) and Betsy Ann (1879-). By 1891, they had moved their shop to 196 Victoria Street, Grimsby and they had four more children, Thomas Francis Hayes (1881-WW1), Gertrude Charlotte (1883-1936), Albert Edward (1887-1949) and Joseph Sidney (1888-1928). By 1901, the family had moved to 212 Victoria Street, Grimsby. Joseph is described as a sugar boiler (sweet boiler). All the children are still living at home. The shop was located somewhere near where Grimsby Police Station is today.

Joseph Wass Walker died in Grimsby on 10th November 1957, aged 70. He was still living at 212 Victoria Street, Grimsby. Susannah had died on 16th April, the same year. They are both buried in Scartho Road Cemetery. Her parents were in the service of Squire Hayes.

Note: Susannah Walker (née Coxon) was born at Bishopthorpe Lodge, near Tetney.

Note: Joseph Wass Walker worked first for a Mr. Bellamy, confectioner, and then a Mr Reddish, confectioner. He worked for the latter for 31 years and then bought the business. It was at this point that the photo was probably taken.

Note: Joseph made the boiled sweets and Susannah travelled around a wide area selling them.

Note: Joseph and Susannah had at least 28 grandchildren.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.