Dear Sun Spots: I am searching for information about an Indian man named Sockalexis Gabriel, who was living at Skillings Corner (Turner) with the Ernest L. Skillings family in the 1930 census. This is just over the North Auburn line. He is usually called Socks or Sox by his friends and appears as Socks E. Gabriel in records.

I am writing a book on the native history of Androscoggin County and would like to photograph some of his work for this book. He made baskets and birch-bark art that he gifted to his friends and neighbors. In a 1970 news article about him I found the following names mentioned; the Talbots, Mrs. Wight, Web Bennett, Ernest Skillings, Harry Robinson, and Clarence, Blaine, Owen, and Gilbert Darling. The article stated “Quite a few people here in North and West Auburn have baskets he made.”


We would also be interested in hearing from anyone who has any additional information on him, or any other native people living in the area during the past 200 years. Anyone with “Indian” artifacts found within Androscoggin County that would like to share these through photos in our history book are encouraged to contact me, Nancy Lecompte, research director for Ne-Do-Ba (a nonprofit group established to explore and share topics relating to the Abenaki Indians and their Euro-American relationships in Western Maine, past and present) at e-mail nedoba@adelphia.net, (207) 783-7189, 1093 Main St., Lewiston.

Answer:
In addition to responses from readers, try contacting Michael Lord at the Androscoggin Historical Society, 2 Turner St., Auburn, (207) 784-0586, who may be able to assist you.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me if there is a place in the Lewiston-Auburn area that sells T-Fal cookware pieces separately. I don’t need a whole set. All I need is an extra pan, the same size as those I have. If not, is there a toll-free number where I can contact them? – J.W.W., Auburn.

Answer:
According to T-Fal’s Web site you can find T-Fal products at:

Sears Roebuck & Co., 20 East. Ave, Lewiston, ME 04240, (207) 755-5600; B J’s Wholesale, 110 Mount Auburn Ave., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 753-1300; Wal-Mart, 100 Mount Auburn Ave., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 784-0738; Kmart, 603 Center St., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 784-2911; Minot Ace Hardware, 965 Minot Ave., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 783-0447; Turner True Value Hardware, 299 Auburn Road, Turner, ME 04282 (207) 225-2525; Handy True Value Hardware, 9 Depot Square, Mechanic Falls, ME 04256, (207) 345-2091; Oxford True Value Hardware, Route 26, Oxford, ME 04270, (207) 743-2146.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a lot of used greeting cards that I would like to give to somebody who can use them. Please contact me at (207) 784-0085. – J. McDonald, No Town.


Dear Sun Spots: Does anyone have the record by Dale and Roy Evans that has the songs, “Circuit Rider Preacher” and “You Need to go to Sunday School Etc.” Dale is singing these songs with some children, and my kids would like to hear those songs again. Thanks. – D.W., New Gloucester.

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