Dear Sun Spots: A recent inquiry in Sun Spots about the Vincent Bottling Co. has prompted me, as a direct descendant, to share a little of its history.

Sabin Vincent, who in 1888 founded the Lewiston Soda Beer Co. (the name was changed to the Vincent Bottling Co. in 1906), was my great-great-grandfather. My grandfather, J. Louis Vincent, became president in 1931. J. Louis had two children, a daughter, Annette, and a son, Albert, who was my father. My father joined the firm in 1937 after studying at B.U. and eventually became its vice president.

In the early 1930s, the company gave up the Coca-Cola franchise, as Coca-Cola wanted the company only to produce coke, and my grandfather refused to do so. The company then had franchises for Nehi, which included Royal Crown Cola; it also had Orange Crush, Moxie and Tam O’Shanter Beer and Ale. In its prime in the early 1940s, the company had more than 30 employees and a large fleet of trucks and cars. Its modern equipment could produce 30,720 bottles of soda a day and sterilize 3,840 bottles an hour.

My father, Albert, joined the Army when World War II broke out. Unfortunately, he was killed in action in 1944 in Brest, France, following the invasion of Normandy. He left behind his wife, Aurore, and three young daughters, my sisters, Connie and Claire and myself. As my grandfather was saddened by my father’s death and he had no direct male heirs with the name Vincent, he eventually lost interest in keeping the business going, and it finally closed in 1966.

The building that housed the bottling plant in New Auburn is currently being renovated into apartments, soon to be opened under the name Vincent Square Apartments. — Marie Vincent Steele, Auburn

Dear Sun Spots: Has anyone been getting a daily phone call from a blocked call? We have gotten one everyday at different times. When we answer we hear a click. Thank you. — No Name, No Town

Answer: They are probably telemarketing calls. Many of the big firms use computer equipment (called a dialer) to actually place the calls. When someone answers the phone on the other end, the operators are notified that a call is ready for them. That’s why there is often a pause from between your answering and someone speaking. If there is no operator available to take the call, the dialer hangs up, hence the click. Whoever is calling you probably doesn’t have enough operators available.

Dear Sun Spots: We have two folding canes and three used walkers to give away to anyone who is in need in the Lewiston-Auburn area. Please call 783-3786. We thank Sun Spots for all the help they provide for all requesting information and goods. — Bo and Nancy Campbell, No Town

Dear Sun Spots: I have a motorized wheelchair (Scooter Store) I would donate to an organization that would ensure it is used by or given to a needy individual. It requires some maintenance. I’m not sure exactly what it would entail, but it is not holding the charge. I spoke to a rep from the Scooter Store who told me it could be as simple as a switch underneath that needs adjustment to a repair. Unfortunately, my father passed before the repairman could come. I also have some canes I would give to anyone who needs them. I can be reached at 897-6536. Thank you. — No Name, Livermore

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