Bates Mill -- Maine -- Lewiston

Abstract 1681 Cecile Dionne, interviewed by Marcella Sorg and Steffan Duplessis, February 18, 1981, Lewiston, Maine. Dionne talks about her childhood in the 1910s and 20s on a farm in Auburn, Maine; her job drawing-in at Bates Mill; working in the shoe shops; speaking French and English; and working while raising a family. Partially in French. Text: 17 pp. transcript, French sections not transcribed. Recording: T 1802 CD 2520 1-1/2 hours.

Abstract 1692 Cecile Lebel, interviewed by Mark Silber and Raymond Pelletier, February 18, 1981, Lewiston, Maine. Lebel shares, with occasional comments from her mother, a tape of sing-along in French; her career as a seamstress and designer of bridal gowns; job seeking and working during the Great Depression; work ethic taught by her grandmother and mother; the sacrifices and benefits of designing dresses; her love of the French language; and large family weddings. Text: 19 pp. transcript, French...

Abstract 1688 Irenée Bolduc and Simone Bolduc, interviewed by Marcella Sorg and Raymond Pelletier, January 29, 1981, Lewiston, Maine. The Bolducs discuss their lives as Franco-Americans; his family’s move to Auburn in 1919; playing cards; raising chickens for eggs; retirement and the importance of staying active; and Irenée sings “Somewhere My Love” in French and plays the harmonica. Text: 13 pp. transcript English sections only (handwritten). Recording: T 1809 1-1/4 hours, partially in French.