Canals were built in Lewiston from the early days of the textile industry to power the mills near the Androscoggin River. The Bates Manufacturing Company was the most significant of those textile producers. Its production needs brought a large French-Canadian labor force to Lewiston. Like the mills themselves, the canals eventually fell into disuse. This photograph may have been taken from the Wiseman Bridge.

The approximate date given here reflects the rough age range of similar items in the Helen Daigle Collection. The card is undated and bears no postmark. It was never mailed. Additional information about the canal and the date of this postcard is welcome.