Class of 2007
In 1935, Emile Dubuc led the effort to form an organization to help the French-Canadian immigrant population in the Pawtucket and Central Falls communities become assimilated into the community. Thus, LeFoyer Franco-Americain was incorporated.
LeFoyer was “constituted for the purpose of uniting Franco-Americans in a group dedicated to the furtherance of the patriotic, social and intellectual development of the entire Franco-American element to conserve their traditions and establish a home where such purposes may be promoted for the common welfare.”
For more than 70 years, LeFoyer has lived up to Emile’s dream and the organization is still active today.
Emile was born in Esmond, R.I. He attended parochial schools in Central Falls and graduated Bryant-Stratton Commercial College in Providence (now Bryant University). He worked in textile mills and hardware stores and became a traveling salesman for a time.
In 1911, Emile opened a hardware store in Pawtucket. He sold it in 1929 to open a bookstore and hobby shop.
Always active in Franco-American affairs, Emile was a director and counselor of L’Union Saint Jean Baptiste d’Amerique and La Federation Francaise. He was particularly proud to have spearheaded the successful fundraising campaign which permitted the construction of Notre Dame de la Consolation Church in Pawtucket.
Emile was married to Emelie Masse of Dayville, Conn. They had five children. He died on September 23, 1954..
