Dear Sun Spots: In reply to the recent inquiry regarding the children of Wilmot Gammon and Mehitable Rich, 1880s, I found them listed in the Otisfield town records as married in 1807.

Regarding their children, I would check the Census for Otisfield and Hebron to see if in fact they did have daughters named Martha and Harriet. While there are a few Gammon/Lowell marriages, I didn`t find the above-mentioned daughters among them during a cursory search. Regards. – E. F. Ayer, genealogist, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: What has happened to the shows “Joey,” “8 Simple Rules” and “My Wife and Kids”? They are all repeats. Will they be taping new ones? Also, what has happened to the Montel Williams show on Fox 23? – A.L., Lewiston.

Answer: According a March 10 article from World Entertainment News Network posted online at www.tv.com, TV bosses are considering ditching “Joey” from schedules after the sitcom attracted just 4 million viewers the previous week. Executives at NBC have placed the “Friends” spinoff show starring Matt LeBlanc on hold until at least the summer, while speculation grows about it being axed. Incidentally, episode 39 of the show’s second season appears to have aired in Ireland on April 11 but not yet here in the United States. “Joey” attracted 18.6 million viewers when it debuted in September 2004. Its weekly Tuesday night slot will be filled with “Most Outrageous Moments.”

Regarding your question on “8 Simple Rules,” according to http://abc.go.com/primetime/8simplerules/index.html, the next episode has not yet been scheduled. Despite efforts to continue after the death of former star John Ritter, the show has struggled to maintain an audience. You might want to contact their Web site closer to the fall to see if a date has been set.

Regarding “My Wife and Kids,” according to www.tv.com, the last show aired May 17, 2005.

And finally, “The Montel Williams” show airs Monday to Friday on both WPFO Fox 23 at 2 p.m.and WFVX TV 22, Fox affiliate, at 4 p.m.

Dear Sun Spots: This is for Kris Samson from Auburn, who wrote for a recipe for clam chowder. Here is a recipe I got from a restaurant in Boston. The chef was more than happy to give it to me.

Clam chowder ingredients and method: ¼ cup butter, 1 cup onions, 1 cup celery. (To make the chowder, it is important to use a heavy-bottom aluminum sauce pan so that the chowder doesn’t stick to the bottom.) Sauté the vegetables on medium-low heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ¾ cup flour and whisk until smooth. Add in 4 cups of seafood broth (can be found in the soup section), ¼ pound salt pork, cut in cubes, and 4 cups of cubed potatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are no longer crunchy. Stir often. Add in 4 cups of half-and-half, 2 pints shucked clams or 4 cans of chopped or baby clams, juice and all.

This recipe should be made the morning of or the day before serving and reheated to allow the flavors to blend, so it has a better taste. Enjoy! – Chowder lover, Wales.

Dear Helpful Sun Spots: Someone inquired about colored window shades. They might like to try Gamache & Lessard, 995 Center St., Auburn, 782-0052. You can also locate them online at www.windowdecorators.com. There are many colors to choose from.

Also, to those seeking to thicken their chowder recipes: try using instant potatoes. – Chowdah-head, Jay.

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 sunspots@sunjournal.com


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.