Dear Sun Spots: Can you tell me if there was ever a hotel on Hotel Road in Auburn and, if so, where was it located? Thank you. – David, Auburn.

Answer: Michael C. Lord, executive secretary of the Androscoggin Historical Society, said there was a hotel on Hotel Road. It was called Littlefield Tavern at Hotel and Merrow roads, known as Littlefield’s Corner at one time. The hotel was run by Enoch Littlefield, who was father to Thomas Littlefield, Auburn’s first mayor. Lord notes that it was a tavern on the stage coach route. The building still exists, but is used for apartments.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for the address of Chris Feeney. I got an order form online and sent one with a check on Sept. 11.

So far I have not received any tapes or a letter. Is there any way you could help me again? Thank you for any information you can find. – Faithful Reader, Auburn.

Answer: We received an e-mail from a spokesperson for the Chris Feeney service who was surprised to hear that you did not receive your order. Since it was not returned to them, they aren’t sure where it ended up, but they’d be happy to send it to you again. They did not supply Sun Spots with a phone number, but either send a written explanation to Chris Feeney, P.O. Box 193, Simi Valley, CA 93062 or e-mail bestenor@earthlink.net.

Dear Sun Spots: I see how generous people are when requests are made in your letters, so I have a wish for a lady who is in need of a full size bed. She came here from Texas with just clothes, and over the summer we (the family of four) have got her furniture through yard sales. She is disabled and lives on Social Security. I have been unable to find her a box spring/mattress and we can’t afford to buy one at this time. I was wondering if anyone out there would have a set that they don’t want and would part with as a gift. She won’t ask for help or money, and the town has no charity to supply that item. I know God will bless someone who would donate one. I would be able to pick it up and deliver it. They may call me at (207) 674-2410 any morning. Thank you Sun Journal for your help. – Betsy Dewitt, South Paris.

Dear Sun Spots: For No Name in Lewiston who asked for a good pea soup recipe, I have a great one. It’s from Marjorie Standish, “Keep Cooking The Maine Way.”

Ingredients: 1 pound dried split green peas, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 potato, salt, pepper, 2 quarts water or enough water and ham stock plus 3 tablespoons butter to equal 2 quarts, 1 ham bone or 1 smoked pork chop or ¼ pound salt pork, 1 cup cold milk.

Method: Wash peas and put in kettle; cut and add vegetables. Add seasonings and water. If ham stock is available, use some of that and 3 tablespoons of fat; otherwise, use a ham bone or smoked pork chop or ¼ pound salt pork. Cover kettle, bring to steaming point, lower heat and cook slowly for about three to four hours. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove meat and fat. Strain soup, pressing vegetables through sieve, or use a food mill. Cut any bits of ham or smoked pork chop if used and add to soup. Add 1 cup cold milk and reheat. Serves 6. – Terri D, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: The Care and Share Food Closet wants to say thanks to all the Franklin County folks who supported our annual drive to provide Thanksgiving baskets. This year more than 244 baskets were delivered. Special thanks to: Trinity Methodist Church, Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Old South Church, UCC, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, youth groups from Saint Joseph’s and Old South churches, Nichols Trailers, Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association and Franklin Memorial Hospital. – The Care and Share Board of Directors.

Dear Sun Spots: Thank you for your great column, it is a great help. If anyone is interested, I have three large Christmas ornaments – “Campbell Kids” dated 1986, 1987 and 1988 in the original cartons. Please call Lu at (207) 562-9223. Thank you so much. – Lucille, Dixfield.

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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