1

In the summer and fall of 2008, Lee O'Neil conducted a series of interviews with former glass employees. The inspiration to compile the data came from the work done by Roy Mathany and Harold Frost, the men who worked with Wallaceburg's earliest glass workers during the 1940's.

The interviews were done in order to illustrate what it was like working in various departments and positions, different time periods, and to record memorable experiences that employees had from their time labouring in Wallaceburg's glass industry. The men and women interviewed included: Grace Armitage, Roger Vanbellinghen, Ronald Mclean, Mary Sue Bechard, Alfred Bechard, Stephen Doan, and Louise Benn.

Some highlights of the interviews included Grace Armitage's discussion on working at the Dominion Glass Factory during the Second World War; Roger Vanbellinghen described the hot working conditions at the front end; Ronald Mclean reminisced about some of his favourite bosses/co-workers; Mary Sue Bechard commented on the Factory Outlet Center and working for her husband; Alfred Bechard talked about the difficulties of making products for the food industry, Stephen Doan recounted his union work and the challenges he faced as a visually impaired employee, and Louise Benn described women's differential pay scale at the factory.

All interviews were done on a voluntary basis. The majority were conducted following a press release inviting the public to become involved in the project. Each interview provides a different window for listeners to look into the life of Wallaceburg's glass workers. Thanks to all current and future participants in helping with the project.