Dear Sun Spots: Our students at Poland Spring Academy are studying Maine history. We are looking for information on Cecil “Mush’ Moore, the dog sledder. He ran the world championship Dog Sled Run from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Lewiston, Maine, Nov. 14, 1949. We are interested in the route he took. Any information would be greatly appreciated. We may be reached at 14 Hope Springs Road, Poland, ME 04274, or via phone at 212-8286. Thank you. – Judy at PSA, Poland.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, according to www.mainetownusa.com, Moore, of Danville, Maine, set the World’s Championship Dog Sled Run by covering 6,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Lewiston between November 1950 and April 1951.

A Looking Back item in the Sun Journal in 2001, noted that in 1951: Cecil “Mush” Moore went all the way from Fairbanks, Alaska, to his home in Lewiston – through Alaskan wastes and tough Canadian wilderness – without any trouble from dog “rustlers.” Now he comes back to the Pine Tree State, down into the wilds of Washington County, and his prize dog, Wanda, is whisked right out from under his nose. Wanda is due to have pups any day now, and her expected litter is valued at $1,000. Moore was making an appearance at the Springfield and other fairs with his dog team when Wanda was stolen from the truck. He notified State Police at once, but it was his own detective work, riding over 600 miles throughout Washington and Lincoln counties, that did the trick. Moore “got his man” after he learned that the alleged dog stealer had been in a truck accident Sunday night in an out of the way place called Waite.

Another Looking Back item, also in 2001, notes:

A tired but happy Cecil A. “Mush” Moore returned home yesterday, ready for a few days rest with his family before starting an extended lecture tour. He will describe his 6,000-mile dogsled journey from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Lewiston. After his triumphant entrance and full-scale reception, Moore delivered afternoon and evening lectures at the Lewiston Armory and City Hall. Last night, the 42-year-old driver and his nine hardy huskies enjoyed a well-earned rest at his home.

In addition, Sun Spots contacted Michael Lord of the Androscoggin Historical Society, 2 Turner St., Unit 8, Auburn, ME 04210-5978, 784-0586. He advised Sun Spots that the society has a small photo file of Mush Moore. You might consider contacting Lord to discuss these. He also recommends contacting the Fairbanks Historical Society who possibly might have something on Moore.

Dear Sun Spots: I remember reading of a group/organization who accepted used computers, laptops, etc. and rebuild them for other organizations or schools. Do you know of anyone who does this? – Naomi Williams Pray, Mechanic Falls.

Answer: As noted in several previous columns, contact Computers for Schools and Libraries. Contact the Maine Correctional Center, P.O. Box 260, South Windham, ME 04082-0260 (893-7000 and ask for Darrell Lee) for information and instructions regarding the donation of your old computer. In addition, consider contacting Ruth’s Reusable Resources at U.S. Route 1, Bessey School, Scarborough, ME 04074, 883-8407. Their school year hours are Wednesdays noon to 6 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays noon to 5 p.m. and the first and second Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who have items to give away – or need things – might want to sign up for a Yahoo Freecycle group at www.freecycle.org. There is a group for the L-A area.

Dear Sun Spots: The Lake Auburn Tenants Association is holding its annual yard sale today from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We expect to have some leftovers or items that we would like to donate to groups, schools, organizations or individuals. Please let us know if you or your group might be interested in picking up these leftover items. Please call Margaret Dearborn at 786-5085 regarding arrangements for pick up. – Margaret Dearborn, Auburn.

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.

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