NEWS | Five inducted into Biddeford Hall of Fame

Saturday’s ceremony at Biddeford High School provided the audience with an overview of the city’s history, culture and some of its most notable residents

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCH) held its ninth annual Biddeford Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday at Biddeford High School’s Litte Theater.

BCHC board member Susan Deschambault served as master of ceremonies and told the audience that 53 people have now been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including this year’s five recipients.

Each of the five people inducted in this year’s ceremony have already been memorialized on banners that now hang from light posts in the downtown area.

Before recognizing each of the nominees, Deschambault shared some of the city’s history.

**INDUCTEES** and their designates pose for a photo during Saturday’s ceremony. (L-R) Michael Guignard, on behalf of Alfred Bonneau; David Flood, on behalf of Fr. David Flood, OFM; Batty Caret, on behalf of Dr. Cary Sneider; and Dr. Robert Caret | *Biddeford Gazette photo by Randy Seaver*

Deschambault told the audience that she loves reading history and took pride in pointing out several notable people who shaped the community’s culture, including Spiro Droggitis and his brothers – first generation Greek immigrants who opened the Wonderbar Restaurant on Washinton Street, a favored hub of local political discussions and debates.

According to Deschambault, 31 people were nominated this year by friends, family members and the general public.

Deschambault said winnowing the list to five was an arduous task that is handled by a committee comprised of BCHC board members and members of the public.

This year’s inductees included the late Alfred Bonneau, described as leading voice for Biddeford’s Franco-American community.

In 1896, Bonneau founded La Justice de Biddeford, a French-language newspaper that endured for more than half a century and gave Franco-Americans a powerful voice while promoting their language, culture, heritage and participation in community life.

Deschambault said Bonneau was passionate about preserving the city’s Franco-American heritage.

**DR. MICHAEL GUIGNARD** accepts the award on behalf of the late Alfred Bonneau from BCHC vice president Alan Casavant | *Biddeford Gazette photo by Randy Seaver*

Dr. Michael Guignard accepted the award on Bonneau’s behalf. Guignard was one of several 1965 high school graduates who took the stage on Saturday.

Guinard, who graduated from St. Louis High School, is recognized locally as a passionate historian who has written extensively about the city’s Franco-American Culture.

Dr. Robert Caret is another of this year’s inductees. Caret was honored as a Biddeford native who went on to become a notable academic leader at several universities.

While accepting his award, Caret told those gathered that life has been a full-circle journey.

**DR. ROBERT CARET** told the audience that he failed to appreciate his hometown of Biddeford while growing up here, but said he now appreciates a life journey that his brough him home, full-circle. | *Randy Seaver photo*

A 1965 graduate of Biddeford High School, Caret told the audience that his return to Biddeford has been rewarding, recalling the ongoing connections with classmates from 60 years ago.

David Flood, who co-owned the former Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, accepted the award for his uncle and namesake, Father David Ethelbert Flood – a Franciscan priest who helped guide many students at St. Francis College, known today as the University of New England.

Father Flood, reportedly, was a humble man who preferred being called Brother Flood as opposed to Father Flood. Born to first-generation Irish immigrant parents, Flood was ordained in 1958 and taught English Literature.

**DAVID FLOOD** accepts the award on behalf of his uncle and namesake, Fr. David Flood. | *Randy Seaver photo*

Betty Caret, another 1965 graduate of Biddeford High School, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Cary Sneider, yet another 1965 BHS graduate.

Caret drew a round of laughter when she recalled that Sneider was “the first boy who tried to kiss me in eighth grade.”

Sneider was honored for his nationally-recognized work as a scientist and researcher whose influential work helped shape science standards and the teaching of science to generations of American students.

The final inductee was a hero of America’s Revolutionary War, Capt. Seth Springs who was born in 1754.

Spring enlisted in the Continental Army at the age of 21. He fought in the famed Battle of Bunker Hill and was part of a brigade that marched through the Maine wilderness for an ultimately unsuccessful attack in Quebec City.

Upon returning home, Spring was among the first to recognize and appreciate the power of the Saco River and its cascading falls, which could be used to power sawmills and manufacturing operations.

Spring’s large home was located on Spring’s Island – now known as Saco Island — and is today the home of Deering Lumber.

**BIDDEFORD MAYOR LIAM LAFOUNTAIN** praised the inductees and said it is an “honor to serve” as mayor of a city with such an intricate and deep history. | *Biddeford Gazette photo by Randy Seaver*

Mayor Liam LaFountain reminded the audience that we are “today writing the history of tomorrow.”

“What we do now matters,” LaFountain told the audience, “Even though it is often difficult to see beyond the urgent needs of today.”

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