Ralph Metayer started work at 15 for the Dennis Brickyard that was a five minute walk away from his home. He jumps right into explaining the brickmaking process, detailing the kiln process specifically. He goes into a lot of detail about the kilns such as the way they...
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...
Armand Turcotte started work in the brickyards at the age of 22 following a few entries into the shoe industry. He went into the Morin Bricks and stayed there for the rest of his career, where he explains a lot of the process throughout the interview. He also shares...
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.
Vital Gagnon grew up here in Lewiston, moving all over Lincoln Street till ending up at a farm in Auburn, with both parents working in the mills located nearby. Both of them at one point even worked at the Bates Mill together, though his mom later worked as a...
