Historical origins of Franco American community in the city of Lewiston, Maine. Cultural heritage as related to the establishment of textile mills and shoe shops, the influence of church parishes and schools, and the concerns of local Roman Catholic leadership. Covers the period from 1860 to 1900. Based largely on primary data collected in archives and personal interviews. Includes population figures, financial data from industrial centers, and information on parochial schooling. From the author: "The problem of this study is to investigate and to systematically document the foundations of Franco-American heritage in Lewiston, Maine."