Maine Memory Network

Bonita Pothier-the definition of a trailblazer
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project

Overcoming the challenges of being Biddeford’s first female mayor is but a part of her contributions

Bull Moose
by Chris Brown

The history of Bull Moose Music, one of Maine's favorite music stores

Co-founding Halcyon Yarn and learning to weave
by Hector Jaeger

Moving to Maine, Halcyon Yarn, and rediscovering the joy of weaving

From Chinese Laundress to Mother of the Year
by Dr. Andrea Louie

Toy Len Goon's granddaughter recounts her immigration to the US and becoming Mother of the Year.

I work as a Journeyman Mechanic, or Millwright at Catalyst
by Linda Deane

Working on a paper machine and as a Millwright can be challenging as a woman and a Union Rep.

Lift the Boats for Everybody
by Andrea Cianchette Maker

The story of her immigrant great grandfather and her nonprofit organization Focus Maine.

Mosher family history and my career at S.D. Warren
by Abbott Mosher

My family settled the Westbrook region and I am a 4th generation paper maker at S.D. Warren.

My career working at Pepperell Mills in the Vellux Division
by David Bishop

My 35 years working in the Vellux blanket division of Pepperell Mills, Biddeford.

The Cup Code (working at OOB in the 1960s)
by Randy Randall

Teenagers cooking fried food in OOB and the code used identify the product and quantity.

Vegetarians and Zoonosis
by Avery Yale Kamila

Colds, influenza, tuberculosis, measles, smallpox, plague and COVID-19 group under zoonotic diseases

Wabanaki Sovereignty
by Mali Obomsawin and Lokotah Sanborn

Bomazeen Land Trust, renewing and resuming Wabanaki caretaking and stewardship roles

Working as a telephone operator in the 1940s
by Doris Tardy

Working as a telephone operator in 1946 was new and exciting, and challenging.

Working at International Paper and being part of the community
by Gary Desjardens

Working for International Paper and volunteering for the Special Olympics of America

My career as a wildlife biologist
by Ron Joseph

Rural Maine provided the foundation of a rewarding career as a wildlife biologist.

Spiros Droggitis: From Biddeford to Washington DC and back
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A Greek family's impact: from the iconic Wonderbar Restaurant to Washington DC

Everything we did was new and exciting in the Vellux division
by Maurice Paquette

If you applied yourself you could do anything at Pepperell Mills.

Jennie Aranovitch - honoring family legacy and Jewish identity
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Her great-grandparents journey from Belarus through current day Jewish experience in Biddeford.

My 40 years in Forestry and the Paper Industry in Maine
by Donna Cassese

I was the first female forester hired by Scott Paper and continue to find new uses for wood.

Tammy Ackerman: Falling in love with Biddeford
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Someone "from away" who fell in love with Biddeford and contributed to its transformation

Bob Hodge:A rocky road to become Biddeford school superintendent
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The son of immigrants, Bob's hard work and determination leads to a life of community service.

Elizabeth Mantis Spiliopoulos: passion for life & Greek heritage
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

A spunky 99-year-old shares her crystal-clear recollections of all the changes in her lifetime

John Conroy: proud heir of a 4-generation business
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The evolution of a family business providing funeral services

Michael Reilly: preserving an iconic family business
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

The story behind Reilly's Bakery, at the heart of Biddeford’s Main Street for 100+ years

Norman Sevigny: history of a neighborhood grocery store
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Growing up in a Franco-American community and working in the family business, Sevigny’s Market