Common names for this building include the Williams 1870 Building and the DesRochers Building. This two-story rectangular brick building was extensively remodeled in 1938, covering or removing earlier building fabric. The Wingate and Williams store was a major retail outlet in the commercial center of The Dalles for more than 100 years. Founded by Edward Wingate in 1869, it sold hardware and general merchandise and furnished supplies for the gold rush as far as Idaho. Griffith Williams joined as a partner about 1872. After both partners died, Anna M. Williams formed the Walther-Williams Hardware Company in 1901. The firm sold hardware, wagons, and farm machinery, and later became one of the earliest automobile dealerships in Oregon. Idaho Department Stores purchased the retail business in 1956 and operated it until 1972. From 1972 to 1984, the Williams 1870 Store served The Dalles from this location. Angle DesRochers purchased the building in 1990 and relocated her Hampton Furniture business here.