Friendsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Friendsville Commerce, Custer's and Ryland's Stores
In the book "Indian Blood," it is told that Bud walked to Oakland to get his marriage license in order to marry Minnie May Friend and he was so in love that as he got closer he walked faster and faster. When he got excited he would sometimes stutter and se his smarts and humor to get laughs. At one time Mr. Shoemaker, who was indeed a shoemaker, used a portion of the store.
William Ryland operated a store with the front painted in squares, called the "Checker Board" on Water Street across from the bridge on the site of the brick home built by the Custer's in 1920. It appears to have been another general merchandise store and for a long time a feed store. With farming growing in the surrounding area, Friendsville in the late 1800's was booming and expanding, becoming an important hub for commerce. With the arrival of the train in 1889 the town exploded with lumbering, sawmills, stores of many types, flour mills, hotels and bars.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Area Authority. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Friendsville History Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 39° 39.826′ N, 79° 24.468′ W. Marker is in Friendsville, Maryland, in Garrett County. Marker is on Water Street south of Maple Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 649 Water Street, Friendsville MD 21531, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Riverside Hotel & Knights of Pythias (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Street North, Captain Elijah Monroe Friend (within shouting distance of this marker); The Legend of Johnny Friend (within shouting distance of this marker); Morris Avenue and Maple Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friendsville Honor Roll (about 600 feet away); First National Bank, Leslie Friend Store & Military Honors (about 600 feet away); The Lost Settlement of Kendall (about 600 feet away); The Railroad Era and Hotels (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Friendsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.