In 1867, a small coal, lumber and hardware business, under the name of Cochrane Lumber Company, was opened at 305 York Road, Towson, Maryland. This business flourished under various names until 1911, when Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Anderson purchased the company and incorporated it under the name of Stebbins Anderson Coal and Lumber Co., Inc.

In 1926, it was bought by the Enterprise Fuel Co. and the name was shortened to Stebbins-Anderson Co., Inc. Mr. J.W. Edelen, who with Mr. J. Harry West, founder of the Enterprise Fuel Co. in 1900, assumed the presidency and operated the business until his death in 1953.