Source: The Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. II pg.133-4 1923
Author: The History of Florida: Past & Present
CUSHMAN, C.E. The oldest and largest house in
Florida engaged in the fruit and vegetable packing and shipping
business is Chase & Company. Its facilities and service have
been built up through thirty-five years of experience, and producers
all over the state appreciate the high character and standing of this
firm. The district manager of the company, located at
Homestead, in Dade County, is C.E.CUSHMAN, a young man of thorough
training and experience in transportation as well as in the fruit and
vegetable shipping industry, and also a veteran of the World war.
Mr. CUSHMAN was born at Rockport,
Massachusetts. He was educated in seamanship and navigation in
the Massachusetts Nautical Training School at Boston. He
graduated there in 1906. This school trains young men
particularly for service in the United States Merchant Marine. He
was on the training ship “Enterprise”, with which he made
two cruises to European waters. After graduating he became
quartermaster on the steamship Persian in the Boston-Philadelphia
service. Leaving the sea in 1907, Mr. CUSHMAN lived at Boston for
several years, and in 1911 he came to Florida. During the winter
of 1911-12, he joined Chase & Company at Jacksonville. His
first duties were as agent on the west coast of Florida.
Subsequently the firm transferred him to Palm Beach County, on the east
coast, and following his service in the World war he was put in charge
at Homestead as district manager.
At the beginning of the war with Germany Mr. CUSHMAN
enlisted at West Palm Beach in the Navy in the Seventh Naval
District. He was commissioned an ensign, his early education and
training qualifying him for immediate duty in that office. He was
in active service with the navy for twenty-six months, being first
assigned to Key West and later on to the U.S.S. Maine, and later was
transferred to the U.S.S. Shawmut in the mine-laying service.
While overseas he was employed in this very dangerous duty with the
North Sea Mine Laying Squadron. Mr. CUSHMAN was released from
active duty June 26, 1919, at Newport, Rhode Island, and on July 1,
1919, began his duties as district manager for Chase & Company at
Homestead.
Mr. CUSHMAN organized at Homestead the John S.
Salley Post No. 143, American Legion, and is at present
commander. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. Mr. CUSHMAN married Miss
FLORENCE EDNA MASON, of Sussex, New Brunswick. They have one of
the most attractive homes and take an active part in the social life of
Homestead.