Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy reading your column every day. Perhaps you, or some reader, can help me. We bought an old bottle the other day. The front of the bottle says “Dr. True’s Elixir, Established 1851, Dr. J.F. True and Co., Auburn, ME.” The sides say “Keeps Children Well” and “Best Family Medicine.”

I well remember being dosed with that stuff when I was a kid growing up in southern New Hampshire, although I have no idea what it was for. It tasted only slightly better than the cod liver oil my mother was always shoveling into me. Does anyone else remember having to take that stuff? What was it for? Thanks. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots thought you’d be interested in the following excerpt from a Lewiston Daily Sun article published Saturday morning, Sept. 17, 1921 titled “Auburn firm observing seventy-fifth anniversary”: In 1851, Dr. John F. True of Exeter compounded for his own use the prescription now known as “True’s Elixir.” The success attending his own use of it interested him though he did not realize at the time that he compounded a remarkable medicine. He began introducing it to his neighbors. From that time it has met with success. Two years later, Dr. True came to Auburn, feeling the need of branching out.

“In 1877 it became necessary for the doctor to build a laboratory to keep pace with the ever increasing demand for his medicines. And again, eight years later, the need of expansion was again felt and he erected an addition. The product had by this time won a sure name for itself and its worth was recognized in the medical world. It was fast becoming a by-word in the household and proportionately the firm continued growing.

“In 1891 the present spacious laboratory was built on Drummond Street in the rear of the True home. The laboratory contains a 10 horsepower boiler that heats the building and furnishes the power.

“In these days of the multitude of ‘patent medicines’ widely advertised products of that nature come and go with regularity, flushing forth in big type for a few months or a year and then disappearing forever. But not so with the “medicine that has made Auburn famous.”

“For nearly 75 years, it has been used in these two cities, this State and all over New England, not mentioning shipments dispatched to all sections of the United States and foreign countries.”

The article gave no reference to what ailment it specifically treated, but a co-worker also remembers the elixir, just given to her when she didn’t feel well.

Dear Sun Spots: Could you help me locate Dejavu who was on Sabattus Street about a month ago and is now gone? Would any of the readers know of a good card reader and fortune teller, please call me at 1-207-375-9901. Thank you. – No Name, Sabattus.

Answer: Calls to Dejavu were unanswered, and a coworker noted that they did indeed just close within the last month. Hopefully our readers will be able to recommend someone to you.

Dear Sun Spots: On Aug. 16 we had a yard sale on Aron Drive in Auburn. Someone left a set of keys that day. These are house or office keys on a Coleman Collision Center key ring. Please call 782-1209 ask for Jerry or Jackie. – Jackie, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: Our Lady of the Rosary is seeking crafters for our annual holiday fair. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15. Please call Connie at 375-6951 from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday to Thursday to reserve your table or for more information. The fair will be held at the Maxwell-Gill Hall on High Street in Sabattus. – Connie Chasse, Sabattus.

Dear Sun Spots: For the lady from Turner who was looking for lawn chair webbing, I have a couple of new packages and some odds and ends she can have for free. I live in Lewiston. Phone 783-1125. – No Name, Lewiston.

• Because the Sun Spots column is written a week or more ahead, Sun Spots would like to remind those seeking to submit time-sensitive items for craft fairs, holiday events and more, to please submit at least two weeks in advance of your event. Otherwise, you may run the risk of it not appearing in time.



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