“Together we make a family.”
Author unknown
Without family, we would not be here. Family is the reason for our being.
They are our history and our future. They are our heritage and influence our culture.
We are family.
Simone Lacroix Goulet
“I Remember….” Memoirs
By Simone Lacroix Goulet
As told by her daughter, Carol Landry.
“What a wonderful read! So many familiar names and a great way to recognize the hard work and sacrifices of those who came here to Biddeford to make our lives better.” – Diane Cyr
Mom loved telling stories about the “good ole days.” What a memory she had! I’ve written down most of her stories, trying to put them in a meaningful order. I’ve used her own words, making small changes for clarification only. Words written in italics are my words.
Please remember that French was Mom’s native language and her parents’ only language. Some things written in English lose a bit in translation. Although I’ve tried to put things in chronological order, I go off on tangents! Please enjoy!
Carol Landry
Published March 2022
I REMEMBER
Read the memoirs of Simone Lacroix Goulet as recorded by her daughter, Carol Goulet Landry HERE.
PICTURES AND ADDITIONAL INFO
Learn more about Simone and her family and see their beautiful pictures HERE.
The Cohen Family; The Memories of Beatrice Cohen Espovich
Beatrice Cohen Espovich shares her memories of growing up in Biddeford, ME. Learn how the family ended up in Biddeford and the significant contributions they made to the community and world at large.
Click the link below to read the oral interview done years ago by Carole Kolker, as part of Documenting Maine Jewry. It is shared by permission of Harris Gleckman, Coordinator, Documenting Maine Jewry.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N2rCIaOFFBYf91mMEfs9FYPPyAXrv0Pi/view?usp=sharing
Simard Family of Biddeford
The Simard family is a very old, respected and influential family in the City of Biddeford.
Joseph Simard, married to Florence Pivin, was an early Canadian immigrant to the city. Joseph was the son of Joseph and Sophie Cadorette, who are buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in an unknown grave. Florence’s family, the Pivins, were the fourth Canadian family to settle in Biddeford, arriving from Stockley, P.Q.
Joseph Simard Jr. worked as a quarrymen along with his brother, Pierre. He and Florence were married in St. Marys Church in 1866. They returned to Canada for a period of about four years and returned to Biddeford several years later to stay for good.
Their son, Henry, was at one time an Alderman and Assessor in Biddeford. His wife, Rose Alba Theroux was one of the first women who voted in 1921 along with others in Biddeford.
The Therouxs and the Simards were active in the city, contributing money, time and labor in building the three Catholic churches in Biddeford, along with other companies. Henry and his brother had a restaurant on Main St. across from the Pepperell Mills that fed the employees and relatives who worked there.
Henry Simard’s son, George, was a graduate of St. Andres School in Biddeford. He was a driver for Twin City Cabs at one point and also proprietor of The Brown Derby. He managed and sponsored many Brown Derby Baseball Teams and participated in various sports teams in the city, including the A.W.C. Hockey Team.
Simard Avenue was named in honor of all the Simards living there.
Lavigne Family of Biddeford
Morin and Valcourt Families
For those of the area who are Morin or Valcourt, or have ancestors that were, this is an old family journal passed down through the generations of the Morin ” dit” Valcourt Family. Some of the genealogical information is incorrect and those who are genealogists know that one should always check and verify any information found. But, overall, it gives a very good picture of the heritage and history of the prestigious Morin Family.
Click HERE to see the book. It is difficult to read in places.