In the early 1800's European immigrants planted the first apple trees in the townships of Franklin, Havelock, Hemmingford and Hinchinbrooke and the village of St. Antoine-Abbé. The first commercial orchard belonged to George Edwards whose family farm still sits on the eastern slope of Covey Hill in Havelock. Today, apples have become the leading agricultural product here on the north side of Covey Hill and the principal economic activity of the region.