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  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Schedule A Tour
    • Shop
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  • Learn
    • Learning with MaineMILL
    • For Teachers
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  • Collection + Exhibits
    • Permanent Collection
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    • October 25th Memorial and Archive
    • Virtual Exhibits
    • Object of the Month
    • Oral Histories
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    • Soiree en Blanc
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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...

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...

Real Fournier

Real Fournier worked at the Bates Mill in the winding department. He discusses strikes at the mill as well as the snowshoe club at the mill he was a part of. He also talks about the people in Lewiston as well as events he participated in.

Ray and Rita Thibault

Ray and Rita Thibault worked various jobs in the shoe mills. Ray discusses his job as a pattern maker and Rita talks about her childhood and work as well. Both speak positively of the shoe industry.

Germain Letourneau

Germain Letourneau was a worker at the Hill and Bates Mill. He initially discusses his family and then his jobs as a supervisor at the mills, including a strike he helped organize. He also describes the step-by-step process of making yarn.
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