William Naismith

Submitted by Woonsocket_Admin on Thu, 06/20/2024 - 15:31

Born February 12, 1869 in Glasgow, Scotland, William Naismith, son of Archibald and Anne Naismith, arrived in the United States in November, 1891. He took up a position as a designer at Hall and Company worsted wool manufacturing in Jamestown, New York.

Deborah Das (Durham)

Submitted by Woonsocket_Admin on Tue, 09/03/2019 - 13:46

I worked part-time after school and some summers. My job was to inspect second quality elastic (ie. for underwear, etc.). It was hot summers. No air conditioning. One summer, I was the youngest employee and worked with many older workers. It was noisy due to the machinery and sometimes hot, yet one of the best jobs I ever had due to the camaraderie! 

Harold Leo Sadwin

Submitted by Woonsocket_Admin on Wed, 10/31/2018 - 14:30

Harold was the oldest of 6 children, 5 boys and 1 girl.  Harold's father, Louis Sadwin started Sadwin Manufacturing which was later owned and operated by two of his brothers, Sherwood and Dan. Sherwood and Dan's partnership eventually dissolved with Dan opening up his own business  on Social Street while Sherwood continued running Sadwin's.

There were two Sadwin locations. Harold owned the Sadwin's which initially opened on Court Street, moved to Main Street and then moved to its final location on Park Avenue.

Delia Cabana L'Esperance

Submitted by Woonsocket_Admin on Tue, 09/18/2018 - 10:15

Delia was hired by the Woonsocket Rubber Company during World War II as a defense worker. Her duties during the war years included working on materials used in the camouflaging of U.S ships, U.S. aircraft and air landing strips in an effort to mislead the enemy. This work was secret and Delia did not speak of it until after the war ended.

Delia remained at Woonsocket Rubber after the end of  World War II, working until 1955.

 

 

 

Armano Wilbrod Dubois

Submitted by Woonsocket_Admin on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 15:42

Armand enjoyed working in the local knitting mills starting in the 1950's right through the 1970's. He enjoyed piece work which paid well by the pound. He worked with his brother, Richard as well as his Uncle George who owned Ron-Kim Knitting (now Al Drew Music). Armand ran this operation for him.

Knitting jobs became scarce in the 1970's and he was forced to take employment in a different line of work.

Armand has fond memories of his time in the local mills. Working in these mills allowed him to provide for his wife and 5 children.