Dear Sun Spots: Where can I find history and information on New Vineyard rocking chairs? I have one in very good condition with what I believe is the original green paint. I wouldn’t sell it but am curious as to its approximate value. — No Name, Strong.

Answer: Laurie LaBar, chief curator of history at the Maine State Museum, provided Sun Spots with some information about New Vineyard rocking chairs that were made by O.S. Turner from around 1885 to 1900. Turner lived in New Vineyard and might be the maker of your chair. LaBar noted that Turner’s trademark was vertical slats on the back of the chair with either a slat seat or a simple upholstered seat. She said if you saw one of the chairs you will know it was made by Turner. Turner also made regular chairs, rocking footstools and matching magazine racks, among other items.

The Museum has some of his pieces on exhibit that you might consider checking out to see if you have a Turner chair. The At Home in Maine exhibit opened in November and includes items from the 1800s to the 1960s. Visitors will see furniture, music, home movies and housekeeping technology through the years, among many other items. LaBar said the camp scene includes five of Turner’s pieces.

The Maine State Museum is at 230 State St., Augusta, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.

If you can’t check out the exhibit, contact LaBar to see if she can help you identify your chair. She may be reached at 287-2301.

Dear Sun Spots: On Saturday, Aug. 22, the friends and family of Mark Hume
are having a benefit baked bean supper, dance and Chinese auction. Mark
has cystic fibrosis and is awaiting a double lung transplant at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston.

The supper is from 5 to 6 p.m. and the
price is $6.
The dance is from 7 to 11 p.m. Music will be provided by Off the Record
DJ and Karaoke Company with Lena Bragg and Marji Sylvester as the
DJs. The price for the dance is $6 and it is BYOB. The Chinese auction will be held during the
events.

If anyone would like to make a donation to the benefit or the auction, please call Joyce at 225-3886 or mail to Joyce Hume, P.O. Box 17, Turner, Maine 04282. — Joyce, Turner.

Dear Sun Spots: We want to thank all of the Good Samaritans who stopped their vehicles
and tried to capture our new little pound poodle who escaped through a
screen in our home on Hotel Road. We are touched by your kindness and
very grateful. — No Name, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: August is not the time to be thinking of snow, but I need to get a head start on my problem. I am looking for someone who will snowblow my driveway this winter. I have tried several people plowing but it is not working. I then have to go out and clean the walkways, steps and patio and health problems prevent me from doing this again.

I know there are people who snowblow but have been unable to make contact. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Sun Spots hopes someone will write to the column. In the meantime, the Sun Journal has a “snow services” category in the classified section that you may want to check out when the cold weather arrives.

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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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