Donald Caron was a mechanic in the textile mills from the 1940s to 1970s. He discusses growing up in Lewiston. This includes his schooling, religion, and the community in both Lewiston and Auburn. He also discusses other childhood memories and his experience being...
Dorthy Charpentier was a repairer at two different shoe factories during her career after she had to drop out of school to work. She discusses her job, working at the mill, and modeling shoes. She also discusses her family’s jobs at the mills, including her...
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...