The 1867 City Directory listed only four businesses in Rocktown: Augustus Koch, brewer; Charles Blaisdell, country store; Michael McDonough, Armstrong Hotel and Lutcher & Waltman, lumber manufacturer.
By the 1885-86 directory, just less than twenty years later, the boom in the South Williamsport/Rocktown area was explosive. Seven grocery stores from the corner of Main Street and Henry, along Southern Avenue to River Road in Rocktown was an indication of a much needed source for resident families, many who worked for lumber companies, a furniture factory, rolling and planning mills. Services from a coal dealer, two plumbers, a granite dealer, as well as providers of cigar and tobacco, a brewer, two hotels, a jeweler and watchmaker, and a broom manufacturer; all meeting the needs of this small but growing community.
South Williamsport Area Historical Collection 