Learn more about the Bates Fabriques with our interviewees Norm Marcotte and Larry Charest.

Welcome back to Franco-American Pathways! We know it is dark and cold out this time of year, so we decided now was the perfect time to talk about one of our favorite winter sports to get those neurons firing. Of course I’m talking about hockey! Lewiston has a long history of hockey teams, figure skating, and other ice related activities. Today we will be talking about one particular hockey team–the Bates Fabriques! I’ve been so excited to share all the neat artifacts we have about this team! 

The Bates Fabriques were sponsored by the Bates Manufacturing company, and competed regionally and nationally against other teams of similar standing. Many textile manufacturers supported sports teams, including Cabot Manufacturing in Brunswick and Pepperell in Biddeford. But did you know that the Bates Fabriques won a national hockey championship in 1950 and traveled to Europe to compete internationally? Today’s interviewees are here to tell us all about it.