An interview study of next-of-kin of 325 persons who died of bladder cancer and 673 individuals who died of other causes in Vermont and New Hampshire (United States) was conducted to assess reasons for the persistent pattern of elevated bladder cancer mortality for both genders in rural New England. There are some evidence of elevated risks for both leather and textile workers that rose to over twofold for workers who also lived near these industries and for persons with French-Canadian ancestry. Occupational exposures in the textile and leather industry may explain at least a portion of the excess bladder cancer risk in rural New England.