Rudy Vallee: Franco-American and Man from Maine

Abstract

The Vallee family, like others that migrated from Quebec to New England, was gradually Americanized. Hubert “Rudy ” Vallee, shaped by this process of Americanization, nevertheless maintained a lifelong pride in his Franco-American roots. Throughout his long and successful career, Vallee also retained a strong affection for his native state, his fellow Mainers, and the University of Maine, which he put on the map with his hit recording of the “Stein Song. ” Rudy’s loyalty to his roots and native soil is reflected in his final resting place: the Franco-American St. Hyacinthe s Cemetery at Westbrook, in the State of Maine.