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1865 - The Co-op
Established in 1865 the Castleford Cooperative Industrial Society Limited was formed to give back some of its profits to shoppers in the form of a bi-annual dividend (the 'divi'). Every member was given a number and woe betide the husband or child who did not make sure it was on their Co-op shopping receipt.
By the end of the nineteenth century the Co-op had opened a large impressive building in Carlton Street which was replaced by a Leo's (now Pioneer) supermarket in the 1980's.
Number 3 Branch was in Vickers Street. In 1909 the Co-op purchased three plots of land to build new premises; one in Station Road, one in Gilcroft off Carlton Street, and one in Vickers Street. The new Vickers Street branch was built and opened in the same year.
Number 4 Branch opened in Wheldon Lane in 1904. Originally in converted premises it moved to a purpose built store in 1914.
Number 5 Branch was in Whitwood Mere and opened in 1903.
Number 6 Branch opened in 1906 at Micklefield. To mark the opening a tea and concert was arranged in the Village Institute which was well attended.
Number 7 Branch was situated on the corner of Ashton Road and Leeds Road, Glasshoughton, across the road from the Glasshoughton Colliery. The society purchased land on Ashton Road in 1909 and built number 7 branch and sixteen houses in 1914. The Co-op also had a dairy on Ashton Road.
The society also had a premises in Toll Hill at the junction of Holywell Lane and Fryston Road.
A large store was opened in 1908 at the junction of Carlton Street and Station Road.
[Webmaster: Does my memory deceive me but was this last building not called the Allerton and Castleford Co-op at least after WW2?]
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