Dear Sun Spots: I have a small bottle that has “Murphy Brothers manufacturing druggists, Portland, ME” printed on it. Would anyone have some information? – L.D.M., Rumford.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots spoke with David Hilton, who along with his wife, Diane, does business as DNH Collectibles in York. Hilton says he has some Murphy brothers bottles.

He says most medicines back then consisted of mostly alcohol and Portland had its share of what he called “quack” druggists during the late 1890s. Murphys also did food flavorings.

According to Hilton, New England was known for its bottles. Hilton says he would be willing to assist you or other readers interested in old bottles.

You may contact DNH Collectibles at 8 Camden Ave., York, ME 03909, (207) 363-2908. Hilton would also be willing to look at a group of old bottles or glass to evaluate them for you or other readers.

You can also reach him online at www.dnhcollectibles.com or via e-mail at flookout@maine.rr.com.

You may also want to check out http://www.state.me.us/sos/arc/exhibits/market.htm where you’ll see a picture of Murphy’s Balsam – Edward W. Murphy, Portland, 1888.

According to the site, for 10 cents you could stop that cough with a three ounce bottle of Murphy’s Balsam.

The Murphy Brothers (E.W. and T.J.) were retail druggists; and if you dropped by their establishment you could also refresh yourself with Murphy’s Root and Herb Bitters and pick up a package of Murphy’s famous Fly Paper.

Hilton says alcohol was used heavily by druggists back then which could account for the good feelings after taking medicine.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like the name of someone in the Court Street Baptist Church to whom I can send some clothes to be given away.

It is not convenient for me to get there on Thursdays when they give clothes away. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with church secretary Andrea Johnston who says you can stop by.

They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: Anyone interested in embroidery thread? I have a lot in every color.

Also embroidery loops and I also have spring clothespins that you can hook on the clothes line. All free for the asking. Please call any time during the day, (207) 783-6606. – No Name, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: I have been looking for a used canister-type vacuum cleaner, economically priced, and a used baby carriage for a single mother-to-be that is not too expensive.

I have been watching for both these items in the ads in the Sun Journal.

If anyone has either of these for sale, please phone me at (207) 782-5802. Your Sun Spots section is so great and so helpful to all, I am sure. – C.C., Auburn.

Answer: You may also want to check out Bargain Babies, 1055 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, (207) 783-0101. They sell gently used baby items and may have what you are seeking at a reasonable price.

Sun Spots would also recommend checking out local garage and yard sales which are bound to have what you are looking for.

Dear Sun Spots: I intended to have a yard sale and have been storing items but now am unable to do so. I would like to donate the items to a worthy cause.

The items, however, would need to be picked up. Please call after 6 p.m. if interested, (207) 375-4434. – Joan G., Sabattus.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted.

Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.

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