Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

6-11-2001

Interview Number

MOH 279

Abstract

Charles Thomas Butera was born in Bangor, Maine on May 6, 1923 to Carmella (Capascagno) and Lorenzo Butera. His parents were Sicilian immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1900s. Charlie grew up on Hancock Street in Bangor, attended John Bapst High School, and graduated from Bangor High School with the class of 1941. He enlisted in the Navy, and served from 1941 to 1945. When he returned from the service, he worked until he could buy an apartment building. When he was able to save a little more, he began operating a restaurant in Bangor. He eventually owned seventeen rental properties in the Bangor area. He became involved with the Democratic Party in Maine, and was a key organizer in the predominantly Republican Penobscot County of Maine. After fourteen years of activism, he became frustrated with party activities. Although remaining Democrat, he stopped his involvement in Maine party politics.

Scope and Content Note

Interview includes discussions of: Democratic Party in Penobscot County; building the Democratic Party; Baldacci family; Bob Baldacci; Maine Democratic Party in the 1950s; Hancock Street in Bangor; diversity in Bangor; opinions on the Democratic Party in 2001; Ed Muskie; John Barry; Dick and Madelin Kiah; Joe Binnette; Frank Coffin; traits of a good leader; John Baldacci; and Bill Cohen.

Use Restrictions

Copyright Bates College. This transcript is provided for individual Research Purposes Only; for all other uses, including publication, reproduction and quotation beyond fair use, permission must be obtained in writing from: The Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library, Bates College, 70 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240-6018.

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