Dear Sun Spots: Lewiston’s Downtown Holiday Celebration Committee and the Auburn Business Association are partnering this year for a “Twin Cities Holiday Celebration, incorporating Auburn’s Parade of Lights with the celebration.

We need the assistance of community members to make this a memorable event for all involved, especially the children. Any area schools, businesses, churches, organizations and municipalities are encouraged to participate.

We are seeking chorale groups and organization-sponsored children’s costumed characters to participate in the trek from Lewiston to Auburn. In particular, chorale groups would be located at the start of the parade, singing along to holiday music provided by Nick Knowlton of GMS Group. Knowlton’s wireless vehicle will lead the parade. Children’s costumed characters will have the opportunity to wave to parade onlookers, as well as mingle with children at Festival Plaza. Examples of former costumed character participation are Oakie the Acorn, Sparky the Fire Dog, and the MAINEiacs’ Kollide.

Those interested may contact Lewiston Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier at 513-3121, 3205 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Those interested in being part of the parade will need to complete an application form to confirm participation.

Applications for those participating in the parade may be downloaded from www.auburnmaine.gov or by contacting Auburn City Hall at 333-6600. Deadline for all entries is Wednesday, Nov. 21. For more information contact K. Steuber, community relations manager for Auburn at 333-6600, ext. 1222 or via e-mail at [email protected].

The parade begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, from Courthouse Plaza in Lewiston and proceeds to Festival Plaza in Auburn. Santa Claus will greet children, and the Twin Cities Holiday Celebration Santa will be the only Santa allowed in the parade. Entries should be decorated using traditional holiday decorations. The more lights the better. The rain date will be Nov. 28. – Dot Perham-Whittier and Tracey K. Steuber, Lewiston and Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking to see if anyone could please provide me with pictures of, or any additional information on Richard Carlton Whitney, born Sept. 13, 1926, in Farmington. His parents were Arthur and Helen (Cochran) Whitney. Siblings include: Hilda Allen of Torrington, Conn., Mildred Wilkson of Farmington, Maine, and Hazel Burnham of Auburn, Maine. He also had a cousin, Ralph Whitney of Farmington, Maine.

Whitney grew up on Marvel Street in West Farmington. He attended West Farmington Grammar School and worked at the Metcalf Mill in West Farmington.

He served from Farmington during WWII, and his name is on the wall in the park downtown. He may have enlisted in Skowhegan, and I’m wondering if anyone might know for sure? He married Phyllis Irene Holt of Auburn on Feb. 12, 1949, at the Free Will Baptist Church, Court Street, Auburn. Phyllis was a member of the church youth group and the daughter of Ambrose and Methyl (Toothaker) Holt.

She and her husband lived at the Maine Hotel on Main Street in Auburn for three years. During that time, she worked as a waitress at Max Variety. I’m wondering if anyone might know what happened to the registry books? I have yet to figure out what Richard did for work, during this time. I do know that by 1953 they were no longer married, and Richard was living back up in Farmington. At some point, later, he married a woman named Pearl. They moved to Florida, where their four sons, Richard Jr., Robin, Randy and Arthur were born. He died Dec. 22, 1964, in Graceville, Fla.

I would love to receive any additional information from anyone who might have some information to share with me. I may be reached at 786-2748. – Sheldon Walton, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots wonders if you have checked in with the Maine State Archives? You may reach them at Maine State Archives, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, 287-5788.

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