New Billiards Parlor In England

Willie Smith was born near Darlington, England in 1886. His father was a local sports editor and when the family took over a saloon, Willie’s talent first showed itself. He worked as a an apprentice Linotype operator by night he and was playing billiards by night. His big break came in September 1911 when he defeated the renowned Australian cueist George Gray in a match at Stockton.

On February 26, 1915 Smith opened a billiard parlor in Darlington that promised to be an establishment for professional billiards players who want the best, a “handsome” hall which had been built by Blacketts the builders: “There is every convenience the billiard player can have.” http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/…/11799732.100_years_sinc…/