Bert Mathieu was a shoe worker, and electrician, and a district manager in Maine for a shoe company. He discusses his early life, including how he acquired various skills and education. He also discusses operating machines and a bit about the shoe industries he worked...
Irene worked at the Bates Mill in the winding room with cotton. In this interview, Irene discusses the workers at the mill, including what child labor looked like at the time. She also discusses her family’s transition from Canada to Maine.
Andre Giasson was born and raised In Auburn. He shares his experience being one of 8 children while his dad was working at the mills. He also talks about his own experience working as a weaver and hand sewer at Bates Mill. He mentions what the working conditions were...
Beatrice Caron was a mill worker from 16 to 63 years old. She discusses her family’s transition from Canada to the U.S. and the Quebecois who worked at the mills. The seniority structure of the mill, including how people moved around jobs, is recounted as well....
