A story by Maurice Paquette from 1967-2017
Maurice Paquette talked about working in the Vellux division of Pepperell Mills.
I started working for Pepperell Mills in 1967, and every time I thought I'd leave it pulled me back!
I started working in a new section of Pepperell Mills in 1967, a highly secretive Vellux operation, where we made flocked blankets. I stayed at the mill for 43 years. If you applied yourself, you could do anything. I worked to get my GED, and moved into management positions.
I grew up in the Little Canada section of Biddeford where I was a native French speaker until my family moved to Old Orchard Beach when I was ten years old, where I started speaking English for the first time.
I am part of an active group of former mill workers who started the Biddeford Mills Museum, so even after retiring and the mill closing in 2009, I'm STILL working in the museum!
