Dear Sun Spots: By consulting our sources at the Androscoggin Historical Society, I have found the following information about Robert’s Business College or the Maine Business Institute, which was an inquiry from Sept. 5.

It was listed as Robert’s Business College from about 1930 to 1937. It was listed as the Maine Business Institute from about 1938 to 1942. It was usually listed at 256 Lisbon St. in Lewiston, but occasionally it was listed at 223 or 245 Lisbon St. I found an ad that stated they provided “A Complete Training for Men.” The subjects of the institute were accounting, auditing, business administration, civil service, office practice, salesmanship, etc.

The school was not listed after 1942, and Louis Robert was employed in Bath. One may guess that those who would have been their students were in the service in World War II, and professor Robert might have been employed in the production of ships.

After the war, Robert was listed as an editor of Le Messager and then as an accountant for E. & A. Bilodeau Bros., general contractors.

The Androscoggin Historical Society stands ready to assist on other matters. Our regular staff person is Diane Hesketh, who usually works from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We also are open with volunteer staff on Fridays at the same times. — Doug Hodgkin, No Town

Answer: Thank you, Doug, for supplying an answer for our reader. Sun Spots looks forward to calling on you in the future.

Dear Sun Spots: You have helped me in the past, and I am hoping you can again. I read your column everyday and enjoy it.

My first question is: Is there anyone who has the CD by Big Al Downing, “Greatest Hits Volume 1”? No one has it because it has been discontinued. I do not have a computer, so I am out of luck.

Also, I am looking for used glass fluted or tapered vases that they could spare? I am disabled and make decorations for the holidays. It would be very helpful.

Last question is: Why don’t they put a red light at the Dunkin’ Donuts at Strawberry Avenue and Main Street? I try to turn left, and sometimes sit there for half-an-hour. No one gives anyone a chance any more. I can be reached at 946-7040. Thank you. — No Name, Greene

Answer: Sun Spots suspects that there are many Main Street businesses that would like to have a light at their entrance. However, that would greatly slow the pace of traffic on Main Street, which already gets quite clogged at rush hour. Sun Spots suggests that instead of waiting to turn left there that you might drive up to the next light and turn around so you can approach Dunkin’ Donuts with a right-hand turn. You could use a similar strategy when exiting. That would be faster than waiting and safer than darting out into two lanes of traffic.

Dear Sun Spots: I am trying to write a history of the Rumford Rifle & Pistol Club and am looking for information or artifacts from the organization. The club was formed in 1937. I am looking for past members’ names, the different ranges where they shot and any other pertinent information. Please contact me at 357-4974. — No Name, No Town

Dear Sun Spots: A couple of weeks ago, a Rumford swap shop asked if anyone knew the value of a book they received on “The Sinking of The Titanic.” Depending on the condition, the book is worth up to $800. You can look this up on www.abebooks.com. — Mary Chabot, Lewiston

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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