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...
Bruce has been involved in the shoe industry from a young age. In this interview, Bruce describes how he co-founded a shoe-company, the Lewiston and Mill community, the innovation of new technology, and competition within the shoe industry.
Blanche talks about the jobs her family held after moving to Lewiston, primarily in the mills. She discusses how she started in the Androscoggin Mill, and the jobs she had before eventually retiring. Blanche also shares some of the social activities she and her...
Ted Johanson was the owner of Falcon Shoe in Lewiston-Auburn. He discusses his journey as a businessman, including how he started the factory and how he adapted to global changes in the shoe industry. He also talks about working conditions and programs for the...
Armand was born in Pembrook, NH, and moved to the Maine at the age of 3. He discusses growing up in the Lewiston-Auburn area in the 1930s, his family history with the Bates Mill, and his life as a weaver at the Bates Mill.