This Italianate-style building was constructed in 1853 by Col. C. F. Welles as the administrative building for North Branch Canal works. Built with Baltimore brick shipped to Athens on the Susquehanna River, it originally stood across the street from its current location and was moved in 1872. Welles was one of the major proponents of the North Branch Canal, and from this building the daily operations of the canal works were conducted. The first telegraph line in the area was used in this building.