istricts of Waterville changed from being located along River Road to being on Third Street. This business section is still the core of downtown Waterville today. The construction of the canal encouraged commerce in Waterville and during the peak years of the canal, it is estimated that Waterville had a population of almost 3,000 people. After the civil war, population in Waterville had dwindled because of the continuing growth in Toledo, so the canal was greatly needed for Waterville's prosperity.i
             The first canal boat had passed through Waterville on its way to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1843. The canal was regarded as part of a great military highway between New York and New Orleans. Many businesses thrived along the canal, especially in Waterville. Grist mills and general stores were two of the busiest businesses along the canal. In Waterville, there was Pekin Mill and Rupp's general store, both of which thrived on the business of the canal. Rupp's store opened because of the canal business. It was a general store for weary travelers along the canal.
             The canal was also important for transportation in the early years of Waterville and even beyond. Alberta Cooper, lifetime resident of Waterville, recalls her early years growing up in a canal town. She lived right outside of town, only about four miles, but in order to go to school she and her sisters needed to lodge with people in the downtown area. In the winter, while the canal was open, they could ice skate into town and back. But after the closing of the canal in 1927, they had no way to get i
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