Business along the canal

A view from the river side of the canal showing the loading dock on B. F. Charles' Mill, just south of Four Locks.

This photograph shows the whole complex at Charles Mill, built along Camp Spring Run.

In 1875 Joel Charles ran a general store at Charles Mill, Boyd's Business Directory, 1875

In 1890 there were two warehouses listed on canal property at Four Locks. A store, warehouse and hay shed were operated by Snyder and Fennser, and a warehouse near Charles’ Mill on the canal berm was rented to the operator of the mill (Unrau).

Charles Mill

Benjamin F. Charles built a grist and plaster mill around the turn of the 19th century that was powered by the Big Spring Run that flowed into the Potomac River. A water wheel that was 20 feet in diameter powered the mill with water from the Run and, when the canal opened, wheels were added to use the canal’s current for energy and the transportation of goods to major markets such as Georgetown.

Docked boat with mules, Pinesburg

On the return trip back to Cumberland, boatmen would often stop at different mills or stores in order to ship materials upstream. This business used the canal as a mode of transportation for its goods in order to take advantage of the larger market in Cumberland. The men are posing for their picture while the mules stand waiting to get the voice command to move on up the towpath.

Williamsport, MD May 16 1882

Mr. V. Cushwa
To: WILLIAM DeFREHN, Dr.
MANUFACTURER of
Wood Seat Chairs and Chair Turnings, of all Descriptions

TERMS:
Constantly on hand or made to order.

Victor Cushwa. V. Monroe Cushwa. M. Emmit Cullen.

WILLIAMSPORT, MD. FEB. 28, 1898

Mr. Smith Mfg. Co.

BOUGHT OF VICTOR CUSHWA & SONS.
SHIPPERS OF & DEALERS IN BEST QUALITIES

BEST DISSOLVED BONE
GEORGES CREEK BITUMINOUS AND ANTHRACITE COAL

TERMS CASH
ON OR BEFORE 10TH OF EACH MONTH

ALSO ROUND TOP CEMENT, BLUE WINDSOR PLASTER, & C.

Delivered on Cars at Powells Bend CVRR
Date ~ Feby 21
Car Number ~ 251
Weight Gross Tons ~ 13.580

Williamsport, Md.                                                 
August 31st 1883                     
                     
Mr. V. Cushwa Dr.                     
                     
To C&O Canal Co                     
                     
1883                     
Aug 14 To Toll on        75 Tons of Plaster        Bk N       $15.75
“ 18        75 “        A        15.75
“ 24        75        G. French        15.75
“        75        R. Grant       15.75
“ “        77        B. Bender       16.17

All shipments at Consignee's risk unless we have special instructions to Insure. All sales subject to our printed regulations.

Baltimore October 31st, 1882

Mr. Victor Cushwa, Williamsport, Md.

To The Consolidation Coal Company of Maryland, Dr.
13 German Street

For Cumberland Coal delivered this month of whf at Cumberland
3,639 11/20 tons @ $1.35 p. t. $4913.39

Paid by draft on [?] $3584.48
" Check on Wash Co Natl Bk 1328.91
Nov 10th 1882              $ 4913.39

Victor Cushwa’s Tolls for Dec 1882
To J. Spielman Collector



Lutie & Monnie 116.12
Pilot Boy        114.10
Frankie & Fannie 121.09
Sarah B. 115.12
Laura                                    111.16
E. Cohill 116.02
P. S. Dawsen 119.05
Lutie & Monnie 122.19
M. A. West 116.06
P. Snyder 120.14
Lou & Glen 114.15
1290.00


Amount $319.06
McCardles Order 10.43
329.49
Boat tolls on Boats Laura & Snyder 2.12