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225, Main Street

Year of construction:
Around 1875

Type of architecture:
Second Empire style

Historical elements:
This building first welcomed a branch of the Eastern Townships Bank. It was also the manager’s house. In 1909, the building is sold to the business man William F. Vilas and the Eastern Townships Bank moves into more spacious premises at 100, South Street. W.F. Vilas was a member of parliament for the Brome-Missisquoi county at the Legislative Assembly,the mayor of Cowansville from 1911 to 1922 and the owner of the W. F. Vilas Co., a manufacturer of agricultural implements and furniture. In 1941, this house became a pied-à-terre for Mr. I. Bruck, owner of Bruck Silk Mills and for the management staff. This house was also used as a training center and a social club for the employees. It is now owned by the town of Cowansville and known as The Bruck House. The museum "Au fil de l'eau" is located in this building.