Taking advantage of government programs to expand during the War Years, the Pepperell Mill undertakes a large rebuilding project, replacing damaged mill buildings, and adding several stories to its main mill house, along Main Street, in Biddeford.

The picture was taken to show a parade of the Laurier Rifles group marching up lower Main Street during Biddeford's Tercentenary celebration. The parade took place on September 16, 1916.

The "Fusilliers Laurier" were a French military society started in Biddeford in 1904, and performed drills for various public events. They were associated with the St. Jean's Dramatic Club.