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Helen Little

Helen Little, a lifelong Lewiston resident born in 1920, describes her family’s French-Canadian background and her diverse work experiences. Helen worked briefly in the Androscoggin Mill as a teenager but chose to finish high school and pursue secretarial work...

Emile Frechette

Emile Frechette has worked as a weaver for a very long time. Born in 1915, he grew up in Lewiston and was working in the Libby Mill during the start of World War Two until he was drafted during 1944-45. Afterwards, he began to work at the Bates Mill which he did for...

Dick Courtemanche

Dick Courtmanche was born in Lewiston as one of 10 siblings to his parents who arrived from Canada. The family had a small farm on College Road in Lewiston with his dad working as a hand sewer in the shoe industry, with his children expected to follow in his steps. He...

David Nelson

David Nelson and his family have a lot of deep ties to the shoe industry here in Lewiston-Auburn. He was born in Lewiston and has lived in Auburn for his entire life, during which he recounts the urban renewal of the 1960s and the changes to the town that came with...

Phyllis Rand

Phyllis Rand worked in the mills for two years. As a Black woman, she speaks about her experiences and the working conditions in the mills, as well as raising children in Lewiston and finding community within the place she calls home.