FRANCO CENTER: Our Significance, part 3
This is one reason why the Franco Center is important: Franco-Americans represent the second largest ethnic group in New England, numbering approximately two million people. They are the largest ethnic…
FRANCO CENTER: Our Significance, part 2
The Franco Center’s early board members and staff created an impressive 428-seat Performance Hall in the Upper Hall of the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a yearly Performance Series…
FRANCO CENTER: Our Significance, part 1
Our original commitment upon forming as a nonprofit was to document and showcase the contributions of Franco-Americans, who represent approximately two million people in New England, including 300,000 in Maine.…
Continental Mill pre-1900
Photo taken pre-1900 of the Continental Mill, one of many Lewiston-Auburn mills which attracted immigrant labor to the area. This mill is located across the street from Little Canada and…
Building torn down to make way for St. Mary’s Church 1907
Photo taken in 1897 of the building that was torn down to make way for the building of St. Mary’s Church at the corner of Cedar and Oxford streets, across…
Anchor and Cross Symbolism
The anchor is a Christian symbol of safety, hope, and security, for its primary function is that of mooring a ship or boat. The safety of a ship in dangerous…