Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection
Document Type
Oral History
Publication Date
2-22-1999
Interview Number
MOH 066
Abstract
William Clifford was born in Lewiston, Maine in 1929. He attended Frye School, Lewiston Junior High School, Jordan Grammar School and Lewiston High School where he graduated in 1946. He then attended Bowdoin College. He served in the army for two years during the Korean War. He attended Boston University Law School under the G.I. Bill. He was the assistant County Attorney under Larry Raymond and then the County Attorney for six years. He served in the 105th Legislature. He also served in the Senate from 1970-1971. He practiced law with his father from 1956-72.
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.
Recommended Citation
Burnham-Bestor, Marisa, "Clifford, William H. oral history interview" (1999). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 89.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/89
Scope and Content Note
Interview includes discussions of: the Maine Legislature, 1946-49; the 1960 Kennedy/Johnson Presidential campaign; environmental protection; his grandfather, John Clifford, building Lewiston City Hall; Lewiston population; William Clifford, Sr.’s involvement in the community; John D. Clifford, Jr.’s political career; registering Democrat to get elected; straight ticket voting; Alice Clifford’s life; Jere Clifford; farm girls who became textile workers; Franco-American work ethic; Little Canada; mill closing bringing new business; the primary in municipal elections in Lewiston; Tom Delahanty and Muskie; his impression of Jeanne Delahanty; Altan Lessard’s political career; Kennedy’s Catholicism effecting Maine support; law trend toward specialization; abortion bills; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Clean Rivers Act; Dr. Walter Lawrance; the origin of his nickname “Bim”; and Louis Jalbert as contentious among Democrats.