File:J. P. Karn, Inc. - South Maryland Ave in 1966.jpg

Summary

1966 photo of J. P. Karn, Inc. - South Maryland Ave

This business was established as a lumber yard by Jeremiah P. Karn in 1892. In an 1896 directory, the ad for Karn's indicated they were dealers in "sash, doors, blinds, moulding, framing, flooring, siding shingles and building materials of every description. Florida cypress shingles a specialty. Contractors and builders. Plans and specifications furnished on all types of buildings." According to the History of Frederick County, published in 1910, Karn's was at the time the largest lumber business in the southern part of the county.

The business later expanded to accommodate storage space for lumber, machinery and supplies. They also sold Carmote Paints, as noted on the sign above the door, hinges, nails, tools, plaster and plasterboard and plywood.

Oscar Karn was the last family member active in the business. It passed to Ed Hering and Ralph Stauffer in 1948 and finally to Joel Koehl in 1971.

(Photo courtesy of Kathy Hale Cage from the 1966 BHS Railroader Yearbook; information from "Brunswick: 100 Years of Memories")

John Robinson: my dad worked there for many years loved miss grace she was a wonderful lady as was all the people who worked there