This corner of Erie and Water Streets was the location of the “Empire Shops, Carriage and Repair Works” opened by Walter Ellsworth Burns (1865-1943) in the late 1800s. Burns was Walter Elsworth Burns (1865-1943), who with his brothers formed the Burns Brothers Carriage Company. His brothers were Jonathan Isaac (1868-1942); Reese Norris (1870-1946), Alfred G. (1872-1965), and Charles Brittingham “C.B.” Burns (1879-1968). As can be seen on the Sanborn Insurance Map extract, their business straddled this corner of Erie and Water Streets. The Burns Brothers created the “New Little Beauty Wagon” in the late 1800s for rural carriers and the factory is credited with building the first US mail wagon and the local fire company’s hand- and horse-drawn vehicles. An 1880 carriage, the “Stanhope Trap” model, built by the Burns Brothers, can be seen today in the Marvel Museum in Georgetown, Delaware.

Around 1896 the brothers built a larger factory at 666 Green Street and retained this location for a short time for performing repairs and painting. This property was owned by John C. Salik (1840-1901) who left it to his wife, Lydia, when he died in 1901. Upon Lydia’s death, her executor sold the property in 1910 to Joseph Mackin, Jr. (1888-1955). The land fronted 41 feet on the south side of Erie Street and 71 feet on the west side of Water Street. It is thought that Joseph Mackin built the two-story home that used to be here. As can be seen in a photo of that home, which had wood beam ceilings, it appears that an addition was built on the side of that home to accommodate a small store front, which was common at that time.

Joseph Mackin and his wife, Violet, sold the home and its two parcels of land in 1911 to the New Home Building Association. The home was owned by Michael P. Boyd (1860-1941) and his wife, Margaret A. Boyd, from 1913 to 1941, when Michael died. Their five children inherited the property and in 1944, their son Michael G. Boyd bought it. About 10 years later, he sold it to Albert L. Gerard and his wife, Lisette C. Gerard. Albert operated a plumbing and heating business on North Washington Street but after his death, Lisette sold this property to J.C. Fisher Motz and Jane R. Motz in 1970. The Motz family subdivided the land into two parcels and this part (of 0.110 acres) became Lot A on the new plat which they sold in 1981 to Charles M. and Monica M. Pleass.

During the 1980s, Bay Bareboat, Inc. of this address advertised bareboat cruising on Hunter sailboats with or without certified instructors in "Cruising World." This was also the home of BaySail School of Sailing. They later moved to 100 Bourbon Street .In 1990, Timothy F. Cudney (1954-2017) and Dorothy D. Cudney bought the property. Timothy was a master craftsman and cabinetmaker and was also an accomplished bass player who played with numerous bands. In 2005 Timothy moved to New York state and deeded the home to Dorothy Cudney who lived here until June 2014 when she sold the property to Stephen Frederick “Fred” Simmons.

By May 2015 the home on this property was completely demolished and by 2017 a new four-story single family residence dominated this corner. It continues to be owned by Fred Simmons; however, Harford County records reflect that this is not his principal residence so it is assumed that it is an investment property.

County Records
2,586 sq feet, 3 stories, finished basement, 2.5 baths, carport, 4,461 sq ft lot.