William Lewis

William ‘Bud’ Lewis worked as an engineer for the Bates Manufacturing Company Inc. from 1949 to 1985, then became a consultant until 2000. In this interview, he discusses growing up during The Great Depression in Portland, Maine, the history of the beginning and end of the Bates Manufacturing Company Inc. and its multiple presidents, the Auburn shoe Industry, and the creation of disciplined fabric. He also shares his experiences from his time as Chief Engineer and Master Mechanic, his knowledge on the innerworkings of different machines and the development of new technology, the changing of position names, strikes, and the community.