Dear Sun Spots: I love your column and have been reading it since you started. I am looking for help in locating a pair of Maine automobile license plates dating in the early ’50s, from around 1952 to 1955, and haven’t been too successful on my own. The plates would have black wording on a white background similar to today’s plates, but back then the plates were a bit shorter in width and a bit taller. They also had a pair of small slots in the upper right hand corner for attaching the tags of the current year. I suspect that many of your readers have these hanging in their barns or sheds, and I would be willing to pay a reasonable price for them, and can pick them up or would gladly pay postage. I can be reached at (207) 783-1868 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thanks for your help. – R.R., Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Dan Poulin at Orphan Annie’s who says he has lots! You can reach Poulin via phone at Dan Poulin at Orphan Annie’s, 96 Court St., Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 782-0638, or via e-mail [email protected].

In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located many on www.ebay.com and you might want to consider browsing there also.

Dear Sun Spots: I love your column and read it every day. Now, I really need help! I got a butter dish from a friend of mine down in Florida and had to pay for the postage so that’s why I’m writing.

Do you know of anyone in the local area that “throw’s pottery” onto their pottery wheel? I would like to have some butter dishes made for Christmas and from what she tells me this is the way to do it. Thanks for your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, contact Bonnie Faulkner who not only throws pottery, but also teaches the craft! You can reach her at Maine Art Glass Studio, 51 Main St., Lisbon Falls, ME 04252, (207) 353-6700.

Northwind Pottery, Kevin L Thompson, HC 70 Box 340, Machiasport, ME 04655, (207) 255-4811.

Rackliffe Pottery, Ellsworth Road, P.O. Box 393, Blue Hill, ME 04614, 1(888) 631-3321.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you please provide for me a list and contact person for the upcoming 2005 Christmas craft fairs? I’m interested in purchasing a booth or table. Thank you. – B. Lavrs, Lisbon Falls.

Answer: For a more in-depth listing check out www.newenglandcraftfairs.com. For registration contact: Mail all forms to Lois Taylor, P.O. Box 67, Greene, ME 04236 or via e-mail at [email protected]. You can also reach her at the following numbers: (352) 465-2671 Jan.-Sept. and (207) 946-7079 Oct.-Dec.

In the meantime, hopefully the following will get you started:

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 & 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Annual Fall Craft Show, Fairfield School, 75 Beach St., (I-95 Exit 36 Old Exit 5 to Route 1 South), (across from Burger King) Saco, ME 04072.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 & 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Annual Christmas Craft Show, Augusta Armory, 175 Western Ave. Route 202, I-95 Exit 109 (Old Exit 30), (across from Burger King) Augusta, ME 04330.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 & 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – 20th Annual Christmas in New England Craft Show, Lewiston Armory, 73 Central Ave., (next to Lewiston Middle School & Bates College) Lewiston, ME 04240.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22 & 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Annual Christmas Craft Show, Stevens Avenue Armory, 772 Stevens Ave. (off Forest Avenue & Brighton Avenue), Portland, ME 04103.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 & 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – 24th Annual Christmas Craft Show, Augusta Armory, 175 Western Ave. Route 202, I-95 Exit 109 (Old Exit 30), (across from Burger King) Augusta, ME 04330.

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 Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].