Remembering Lucky Lindy’s visit

Dear Sun Spots: Responding to the Sun Spots article in reference to Charles Lindbergh landing at the Mount Blue airport in Avon, Maine. It was the summer of 1948 when this unfamiliar small plane landed at the airport. In those days when an unknown plane came in to the landing strip the local pilots would proceed to the airport with great anticipation. They would greet the pilot, assist in any way to make these new guests feel right at home.

This particular day Harland White was in the process of take offs and landings (touch and go) to become a responsible pilot and loving every minute of it.

When approaching these two strangers in town (one older than the other) he asked them why they were visiting this part of the world?

Older one replied, “just looking it over.” Also stated they just flew in from Darrington, Conn., and wondering if there might be a place to stay over night.

Harland loaded them into his old Pontiac coupe, they were on their way to Chandler’s rooming house. This would be just about two miles to the center of Phillips Village on Main Street. They entered the rooming house while Harland waited. The elder man returned, stating it was very acceptable and would be staying over. Mind you there have been no introductions.

Harland asked if they would like him to pick them up in the morning for the return trip to the airport. The stranger replied, “they just as soon walk as it was only a short distance, thank you so very much.”

Morning arrived and as Harland happened to be looking from his window, saw the same two men walking past his home toward the airport. Heard the plane start and they were on their way.

Three days later the news had traveled through the small town that Col. Charles Lindbergh and his son John had stayed overnight at Chandler’s rooming house. This was discovered when they signed out in the morning.

Harland now has passed on to heaven but through the years he always related this very special day in his life with great pleasure and excitement. If he had only known as Charles Lindbergh was his hero and idol for many years.

Harland went on to become a pilot, flying out of Mt. Blue airport many times recalling those happy moments with Col. Charles Lindbergh and his son John. – Julia J. White (Mrs. Harland White), Scarborough.

Dear Sun Spots: Can you or any of your readers tell me if there is a traveling groomer in Lewiston-Auburn? I have a Maine coon cat that doesn’t travel well and he is in bad need of clipping. He is declawed and doesn’t fight when the work is being done. Thanks for your help. – S.L., Lewiston.

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Dear Sun Spots: The Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association in Farmington is looking for donations for their annual yard sale. We will also have a plant sale. All proceeds go toward the building which still needs some flooring, ceiling and kitchen appliances. We are a non-profit organization. The sale is Saturday, June 7. For more information call 778-4272. Thank you. – Patty Jacobs, Fundraising Chairperson.

Dear Sun Spots: The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary on Sept. 20, 2008. We are working on a display that will have old photos of campus events and activities. We would also like to be able to include photos of the building when it was a lumber yard or when it was the Central Maine Tennis & Racquetball facility. If any one your readers have photos of the facility during either of these phases of the building and are willing to share them with us, please have them contact Dan Philbrick at 753-6575 or e-mail [email protected] – Dan Philbrick, Lewiston.