This site is recognized as a local historic site given its historical importance.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Edwards company had two large farm buildings built mostly for horse breeding. One of the barns was located where the Home Hardware is currently located and the second one where we now find Heritage Park. This barn was also used as a large showroom for the W.C. Edward’s company and included benches to welcome spectators.
On October 19, 1909, the building served for the official reception held during the visit of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, prime minister of Canada, a close friend of William Cameron Edwards. William C. Edwards was elected federal minister from 1887 to 1903. He was then named senator by Wilfrid Laurier, a position he kept until 1921.
After the prime minister’s visit, Main Street became Laurier Street in his honour.
Near the end of the 1970s, the location became Rockland’s bowling alley. Unfortunately, the building was crushed by the weight of the snow and demolished in 2000.