DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thanks for helping with this. I would like to know who owned the Libbey Mill in 1972 when the fire occurred. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Diane Hesketh, administrative assistant at the Androscoggin Historical Society, was kind enough to research and send the following information about the ownership of the Libby Mill:

“I found a Sun Journal clipping with a photo and caption that someone penned on it June 1979. The caption states that the mill was built in 1845 and operated for some years by the Franklin Co., as the Lincoln Mill. W. Scott Libbey and Harry Dingley purchased the mill in the early 1890s, and the caption goes on to state that the mill’s multistory design continues to offer certain advantage to the present W.S. Libbey Co.

“After the mill went vacant, it passed through several hands. Michael Hamlin purchased it in 1996 at an auction. Three months later the Kennebec Superior Court ordered him to turn it over to Norman and Shirley Burdzel of Augusta as compensation for his failure to pay them a sum from a previous court case.

The list of owners goes on from there. I obtained this information from a Sun Journal article dated Sunday, Oct. 10, 1999, regarding the then-owner Rita Jean. I also looked in the Lewiston-Auburn directory from 1972 and found a listing for the W.S. Libbey Co.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently, the Walton Elementary School, located at 92 Mary Carroll St. in Auburn, requested donations of children’s clothing and once again this wonderful community came through. We thank you so very much for your generosity in this time of need.

Now that winter is approaching, we are now in need of ski pants (clean, no tears and stain-free) and winter boots in good repair for our clothing bank. We are looking for youth sizes ranging from 4/5 through 16 for both boys and girls for ski pants and all boot sizes for children of all ages.

If you would like to help a worthy cause, here is your chance to help your community once again. No cash will be exchanged. We greatly appreciate your help. You may call Sharon Fuller, our school secretary, at 784-1528 to make arrangements for your donation. On behalf of our students and families, thank you very much for your continued support. — Michelle McClellan, principal

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Senior Companion Program is looking for caring people in the Lewiston-Auburn and Farmington/Wilton areas. Senior Companions spend 15 to 20 hours a week making the day a little brighter for homebound/isolated elderly. The program is sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and is partnered with Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Clover Health Care and SeniorsPlus.

If you are at least 55 years of age and are on a limited income, you may be eligible to become a Senior Companion. Companions receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, and other benefits. For more information contact Anna Saar at 1-800-287-1482 or 743-6329. Thank you for caring. — Anna, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Oct. 26 question about Wilhelmine Dumont, a grapho-analyst, and her personal character analysis work: Mrs. Dumont was a friend of my mother’s. She did the reports as a hobby, so it was on and off so I can’t say say exactly when she was working in the area. She moved to the Bangor area to be near her daughter and passed away about four or five years ago, in her mid-80s.

I am still friends with the daughter and can answer other questions for the Auburn reader, if she’d like. Please call in the late afternoon or evening. My number is 786-5083. — Annette Amnott, Lewiston

DEAR READERS: The headline on Saturday’s Sun Spots did not accurately reflect the content of the answer. You can leave your cell phone on the charger safely.

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). Please include your phone number. 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.

Copy the Story Link