Harding, Floyd L. oral history interview

Authors

Don Nicoll

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

10-9-1998

Interview Number

MOH 049

Abstract

Floyd Harding was born August, 26, 1923 in Albion, Maine into a family of 12 children: ten boys and two girls. His father was a rural mail carrier and his family lived and ran a small family farm. He was educated at Bessey High School in Albion and then Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He served in the US Army for three years, wherein he was taken prisoner. He later received his law degree at Boston University in 1949. He then moved to Presque Isle and has practiced law there ever since. He worked for the Maine Potato Growers as the assistant general counselor from ‘50-‘54, and established his own practice in ‘54. He served three terms on the Maine State Senate (his wife ran one of his campaigns). He is married and raised nine children.

Scope and Content Note

Interview includes discussions of: Harding’s family background and education; his service in the US Army; WWII and Harding’s experience as a POW; his years at Colby College; his involvement in Presque Isle politics; Muskie’s gubernatorial campaign; Muskie’s dealings with OPS; Paul Fullam; Harding’s ‘64 election; Maine’s 102nd legislature (‘64); a comparison of Ken Curtis and Ed Muskie; John F. Kennedy; the sugar beet industry; and Muskie’s contributions to Maine.

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

Nicoll, Don, "Harding, Floyd L. oral history interview" (1998). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 160.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/160