ROCKLAND  — If you’re a Rockland long-timer you know exactly what I’m talking about. Joe’s Barber Shop had sat on Park Street next to Goodnow’s Pharmacy since the early 1960s. When Camden National bought up the block for its new bank in 2005, Joe Cormier was forced to move.

And move they did. Joe’s daughter, Laurie, had worked for her father since 1984. She decided to convert her garage and move the business to her home at 14 Camden Street in Rockland. She closed the doors on Park St. Feb. 28, 2006 and opened on March 1, 2006 in her new location.

“I graduated high school in 1983 and went right to Pierre’s Stylist School in Portland,” said Laurie. “I started as a stylist with my father in 1984 and in 1985 I got my barber license.”

When Walmart arrived it changed the face of downtown Rockland, she said.

“Over the years I guess the biggest change I’ve seen is the politics of downtown. I’ve seen the sidewalks change three times,” she said with a laugh. “A lot of businesses came and went. I used to feel like I lived there; now, I feel like a visitor whenever I’m downtown.”

It was always fun for Laurie to watch the seasons change. She doesn’t really miss the traffic nor the parking problems everyone had, especially during Lobster Festival.

What she misses most about her father: “All the stories he used to tell. He knew everyone. I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think at one time us and Goodnow’s were the two oldest businesses downtown.”

Laurie said business is slow with economy. People are waiting longer between haircuts.

“Most of our customers followed us here,” she said.

Laurie gives special prices to students and the Coast Guard.

“Men, women and children and I try to keep my rates as reasonable as possible," she said. "We’re a family business and we like families.”

You can find Joe's Hairstyling and Barber Shop at 14 Camden Street in Rockland and on Facebook.