Born in Biddeford in 1929, Lionel “Toots” Bouthot is well known as a musical performer. Starting out by winning a contest at the age of 5, he continued to perform through the years. The money he earned, even while going to elementary school, often exceeded the weekly wages paid to millworkers at the time. His work history includes 27 years at Metropolitan Life, Fire Commissioner and volunteering to teach children about salmon fishways. It was his musical talents, however, that especially endeared him to the community at dances and weddings. He has been recognized in articles and contributed to sharing franco- american cultural traditions through the a Maine Arts Commission program. Lionel “Toots” Bouthot decided to live his life in Biddeford, where he raised a family of 7 children with his wife, Theresa.