Maine MILL’s permanent exhibit is closed as we prepare to move to our new space. “Drawn in Light: Charlie Hewitt” remains open through the end of May and is free to the public. Opening weekend in our new building will be June 26-28.

  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Schedule A Tour
    • Contact
  • Learn
    • Learning with MaineMILL
    • For Teachers
    • For Families
    • School Programs
  • Collection + Exhibits
    • Permanent Collection
    • Current Exhibit
    • October 25th Memorial and Archive
    • Virtual Exhibits
    • Object of the Month
    • Oral Histories
  • Programs + Events
    • Movement at the Museum
    • Woven Conversations
    • Community Mural Project
    • Soiree en Blanc
    • Summer Programming
    • Our Future Home
    • Maine MILL Opening Weekend
  • About
    • About Us
    • Employment, Internship, Volunteer
    • Our Team
    • Become A Member
    • News + Updates
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Donate
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

Donate

  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Schedule A Tour
    • Contact
  • Learn
    • Learning with MaineMILL
    • For Teachers
    • For Families
    • School Programs
  • Collection + Exhibits
    • Permanent Collection
    • Current Exhibit
    • October 25th Memorial and Archive
    • Virtual Exhibits
    • Object of the Month
    • Oral Histories
  • Programs + Events
    • Movement at the Museum
    • Woven Conversations
    • Community Mural Project
    • Soiree en Blanc
    • Summer Programming
    • Our Future Home
    • Maine MILL Opening Weekend
  • About
    • About Us
    • Employment, Internship, Volunteer
    • Our Team
    • Become A Member
    • News + Updates

Gerry and Jackie LaFrance

Jackie and Gerry LaFrance worked in the Bates mill, Jackie analyzing sugar and Gerry working with weaving, dye, and eventually a lab colorist and defect inspector. Gerry discusses the turnover of owners at the mills, and he and Jackie both talk about community events...

Gerard Bergeron

Gerard worked as a Loom Fixer Supervisor for the Bates Manufacturing Company. He discusses how he got his diploma from the International Correspondence School and went from a fill-in to supervisor, his experience in service, his family history, and the particular...

Conrad Duchette

Conrad Duchette was born in Lewiston, ME to a family with 24 siblings and moved to Turner, ME at 10 years old. He later returned to Lewiston at 18 to work in the shoe shops. He talked about the scariness of the shoe industry shutting down and how he managed to hold...

Charles Poliquin

In his interview, Charles Poliquin, describes growing up in a big family in Lewiston and the changes in the community. He shares his experience working in the Lown and Falcon shoe shop and trying to support his family after dropping out of school at 15. Poliquin...

William ‘Bud’ 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...
« Older Entries
Next Entries »

Recent Posts

  • April 2026: Health and Safety in the Mill
  • March 2026: Women in Bates Mill Bowling League
  • February 2026: Peck’s Department Store 100th Anniversary Bag
  • January 2026: Weaving Inspection Tools
  • December 2025: Snowshoe Club Uniform Jacket

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Contact Us

207-333-3881

info@mainemill.org

35 Canal Street
Lewiston, Maine

Visit Us

Wednesday: 10am–4pm
Thursday: 10am–4pm
Friday: 10am–4pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm

Or By Appointment
info@mainemill.org

Stay Informed

Sign up to receive our e-newsletter full of upcoming events, new ways to engage with the museum, membership opportunities, and the latest Maine MILL news.

Copyright Ⓒ 2026MaineMILL | Photography Credit: Sun Journal + Rene Roy Photography
  • Follow
  • Follow