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.
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
| Victor Cushwa | To J. |
|---|
The Cushwa Warehouse was constructed circa 1800. By the late 1830s, the warehouse's main commodity was coal which was sold in the local economy and for transport down to Georgetown where there was a huge demand. The building has seen multiple floods, recessions and even Civil War battles during its time on the side of the canal.
In this photograph the coal is being lifted by a steam loader from the boat into waiting horse-drawn wagons, presumably for local use. DeFrehns chair factory is possibly the building across the basin.