By Sandra D. Arbour
It’s 3 o’clock on a Friday afternoon. A loud shrill whistle sounds from a large complex of brick buildings. Everything is quiet. The traffic stops at the mouth of the immense complex. Within minutes, people are leaving the many buildings. At first a few and then a steady stream of workers, walking with lunch pails in hand. It is a mix of men and women. All look tired but relieved. The women look more serious and pensive wearing their black aprons.The aprons made of heavy black cotton, have a grayish sheen on the front from the many days and hours working at the oily machines. The further the workers walk from the mill, the more they start showing a hint of a smile and freedom. Freedom until Monday morning for the 7 o’clock shift.
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I was born in Augusta, Maine. Both parents were Franco - American. I graduated from St. Augustine, Cony High and University of Maine at Orono. Received my Masters from the University of Southern California. After graduating from Orono, I taught 2 years at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. One Sunday morning while reading the Portland Telegram, I noticed a classified ad searching for K-12 teachers to teach overseas for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. I was curious and applied. I saw this as a chance to see Europe, especially France. I had from an early age been interested in French culture, music and language. I accepted a high school position in Bitburg, Germany.
My plan was to stay for 2 years. 38 years later I retired back to Augusta in June 2005. During the 38 years, I taught in Bitburg, Germany, Okinawa, Japan, Adana, Turkey and 33 years in Hanau, Germany, outside of Frankfurt.
Sandra D. Arbour