Dear Sun Spots: Your column seems to help people find all kinds of info, so here is my request. I am looking for two dolls made about 35 years ago. I believe they were called Baby Tender Love, they are soft dolls and look “baby-like.” When we drove from Alaska back to Maine in 1972, our two young daughters each had their “baby” to care for in the back seat (which was pretty crowded!). I had made sleeping bags for them, and they traveled well.

In the course of years, they have been lost, but their memory is still strong in our daughters’ recollections. I would love to be able to find some so they can share the memories with their own daughters. I would pay for shipping and a reasonable “finder’s fee.” Please call Martina in Jay at 897-3171. Thank you! – Martina, Jay

Answer: Mattel’s Baby Tender Love line was very popular in the 1970s, made from one-piece soft vinyl with arms and legs that do not bend. In 1972, the original Baby Tender Love doll was followed by Baby Brother Tender Love, also made of soft vinyl with immovable legs and arms. According dollinfo.com, this doll caused quite a commotion in the early ’70s because he is anatomically correct, a rarity in the doll world.

The line also included an African-American baby boy, and Talking Baby Love, a little girl with a talky mechanism in her head that could be activated by pulling a string tucked into a large plastic bow in her hair. Her favorite phrases? “Night, night mommy,” “Mommy so pretty,” “Uh-oh, all dirty” and “Mommy wash baby?”

And, finally, Mattel wrapped up its line with its 19-inch Living Baby Tender Love, the largest of the line, and the only model with jointed limbs (and the only model that could drink and wet herself).

You may have some luck locating Tender Love dolls in thrift shops, and maybe one of our readers has one they may be willing to part with. Good luck in your search!

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for all the information you provide. A few months ago a writer asked about key rings that are a replica of the Maine license plate with a person’s name. I located some at Maineline Products in the Bethel area, on US Route 26 between Locke Mills and Bethel. Glad that I could provide a source.

By the way, we were in the area looking at the tallest snowwoman. It’s worth the hour drive. – J. Pelletier, Auburn

Dear SunSpots: I read and enjoy your column every day. I’m looking for help from you and/or readers to locate two things: The song “Rock and Roll Lullabye,” by BJ Thomas, and a 2000 Mountain Valley High School yearbook. Please contact me at dianefarnum@yahoo.com – Diane Farnum, Roxbury

For the person looking for information about rug hooking or braiding, Oxford Mill Outlet in Oxford gives lessons and has the wool that she is looking for. They fill mail orders, too. The girls are very helpful over there.

Just to pass on some useful information, the Deacons of the Leeds Community Church have an ongoing clothing sale every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 at the old Grange Hall on Church Hill Road. There are excellent articles of clothing for everyone, as well as household articles. Some of the things are brand new. The pieces are very reasonable. It’s a good place to find costume or period clothing. – No name, no town

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