Dear Sun Spots: For the client with World Books, or any others who have books to get rid of:

Books are like gold in most Third World countries. The U.S. post office has a special “M-Bag” rate for books to the Third World, although they’ll probably have to look it up as it is not used much. The Peace Corps lists groups like TRANET in Rangeley, Maine, which sends books often. If you don’t want to wait, here is the address of one request that came in recently.

TIZQUINE ASSOCIATION

El Hassan Effezzaki, Pres.

Douar, Tarna, ADay,

Anzi 851000 Tiznit, Morocco.

They’d like books that give them technical information on growing food, creating jobs and general information. Many other groups are interested in readers for children and classics for adults. Dictionaries and encyclopedias are also in great demand. Many of these libraries have a building and shelves, but only a few books. – Bill Ellis, Rangeley.

Dear Sun Spots: Inquiring about the Hotel Holly: Was it once the Tavern Hotel back in the 1930s? When was it built?

My grandfather was the desk clerk nights at the Tavern Hotel between the late ’20s and ’30s. – No Name, Lisbon.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots has learned that the grand opening of the Hotel Holly, formerly Hotel Edwards, took place in January 1962. The hotel owned by the Hollis family since 1944 was under various managements. Renovations prior to the grand opening included tearing down the wall between the former restaurant and lounge area and enlarging the lounge to accommodate about 250. The hotel had 50 rooms and plans were to have some for transients, with the bulk of tenants the elderly people who would live in. There were also plans to provide these people kitchen privileges at some future date. The new hotel also had a band and additional entertainment was expected to be added.

According to a Sun Journal article by reporter Mark Laflamme, the former Hotel Holly was made mostly of wood. It was destroyed in an explosion Jan. 12, 2004.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the hotel was considered one of the more upscale spots in the city. Over time, it became a speak-easy that drew gamblers and exotic dancers.

The hotel business closed in the mid-1980s. It was the property of Richard Hollis, who also owned the Radiator Works next door. The former hotel was being used as a warehouse for the radiator shop. According to our card files, our librarian learned that Henry B. Hollis, 86 Western Avenue, Auburn, purchased what was then the Tavern Hotel at 103 Main Street, Lewiston from, James Burke for $35,000 July 10, 1945. The sale included the hotel and equipment.

Hollis, the proprieter of the Lewiston Radiator Works, planned to remodel the building which at that time contained 60 rooms and a large lobby. The hotel was built about 60 years ago, and had been operated by Burke for the greater part of that time.

Dear Sun Spots: Some time ago there was an ad on television showing a child between 6 and 7 years old throwing sand in a dog’s face. I wrote to the station and have never seen the ad again. Now I am seeing another one I find objectionable – the Domino’s Pizza ad in which the woman gives the man quite a punch in the stomach. Are they trying to promote domestic violence? Enough said. – Phyllis Smith, Poland.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Holly Ryan, Domino’s Pizza corporate communications and public relations manager, who thanks you for voicing your concern and appreciates your perspective.

Ryan says the reference was part of a limited-time test market. Domino’s is testing salads in the Portland and Auburn area. Ryan says when they conduct test markets, they are not only looking for consumer response on the product they’re testing, but they’re also looking for consumer response to how they market that product.

“We did not mean to be insensitive, and we appreciate your perspective, and will consider it in the event that we decide to launch a salad line nationally,” Ryan wrote in an e-mail. Ryan states the test market period has ended, and you should no longer be seeing that particular TV spot. Ryan has forwarded your comments to the head of Domino’s marketing department and to their advertising agency, so that they can be aware of your concerns as they move forward.

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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