Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection
Document Type
Oral History
Publication Date
10-8-1999
Interview Number
MOH 155
Abstract
Lionel A. “Lal” Lemieux was born in Augusta, Maine on January 23, 1911 to Quebecois immigrant parents. He was the tenth of twelve children, the first of two to graduate from high school, and the only one to attend college. He graduated from Cony High School in 1928 and from Bates College in 1933, majoring in history and government. He also debated under Brooks Quimby, and was a senior when Ed Muskie was a freshman. He began his career at Western Union, and worked throughout New England. In 1940, he took a position with the Lewiston Evening Journal, and covered the municipal governments of Lewiston and Auburn. From 1945 to 1956, he covered the Maine State House. In 1954, he became city editor of the Lewiston Evening Journal, and eventually became editorial editor. At the time of interview, he lived in Lewiston.
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 and O'Doherty, Brian, "Lemieux, Lional "Lal" oral history interview" (1999). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 212.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/212
Scope and Content Note
Interview includes discussions of: Bates College; Maine Legislature 1946-1949; 1952-1954 Maine Democratic Party; 1954 Maine gubernatorial campaign; Burt Cross’ campaign mistakes; polio known as blue fever; difficulty for Francos in Augusta public schools; father was Justice of the Peace: a notaire; Snoop Cat: Bates College publication; Brooks Quimby; Edna Confort; Irving Isaacson; Fernand Despins; Lewiston Charters; Council components; Lewiston/Auburn media, Evening Journal and Le Messager; atmosphere among State House reporters; Sun and Journal rivalries; Democrats could caucus in a telephone booth; Republican Party in Maine; Governor’s Council; 1951 Liquor Probe; impressions of Muskie; evolution of news business; Frank Hoy; and WLAM radio station.