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...
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.
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.
Ann Bousquet was born and raised in Lewiston. In her interview, she talks about the differences between Lisbon street in the 1920s to now and what it was like growing up in a big family. She shares her experience working in the mills first starting as a spot cleaner,...
