Phil Nadeau Boeken

An engaging exploration of Lewiston, Maine's history, this work is authored by Phil Nadeau, a city official with nearly two decades of experience. Nadeau provides a unique perspective on the complex immigrant, political, and socio-economic landscape that shaped the city, particularly in response to the arrival of Somali refugees in 2001 and 2002. His narrative details how 150 years of immigration influenced Lewiston's economic and social trajectory, highlighting the early 20th-century textile and shoe manufacturing industries that formed the backbone of the local economy. Over the years, immigrants and the predominantly French Canadian community faced discrimination while striving to improve their lives, especially during the decline of manufacturing in the 1950s. As the descendants of these early immigrants worked to diversify the local economy, the arrival of Somali refugees coincided with an economic renaissance, drawing national and international attention. Nadeau reveals lesser-known historical moments and explains how the city's "global singularity" emerged from significant events, including a world championship fight and a rally against hate that attracted over 4,000 participants. This work thoughtfully combines historical detail with insights into contemporary issues, covering topics such as French Canadian immigration, immigrant xenophobia, and Lewiston's economic development. Nadeau's contributions to various publi