DEAR SUN SPOTS: I always read your column while having my breakfast. It is very helpful. I’m writing for two things.

First, I have jars of buttons and assorted sizes of knitting needles to give away. Please call 784-0042.

Second, a group of us would like to know what color the Lewiston city buses were in the 1940s and ’50s. We all have different colors in mind. Thank you. – Marguerite Thibault, Lewiston

ANSWER: Tracking down those bus colors took a bit of doing, but Sun Spots finally found Theresa Samson of Lewiston, who retired from the Hudson Bus Lines in 2006. She began working at the Lewiston-Auburn Transit Co. in 1952, when the buses were run by the Salzeburgs (we’re not sure of the spelling) from New York.

While they owned the buses, they were cream with orange trim. In March 1959 the bus line was purchased by Kenneth Hudson, who altered the colors to tan and maroon.

Mrs. Samson said that when she started at the bus company, buses ran seven days a week, from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. During the war years, when gas was rationed, buses were an essential means of transportation and widely used.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I wanted to write to show my appreciation to Ryan Karkos of Shear Madness Salon. The shop closed down awhile ago and some of us were left with unused gift cards as we were unaware of the closing. I wasn’t even aware of this until Ryan called me personally as a card holder to apologize.

I completely understood how tough it has been for him to keep the salon running by himself, and was surprised and happy to receive the call. I never would have expected it, and he didn’t have to as the business had closed. He had me send my receipt to him and he sent me a check in the mail for the full value.

I thought that was very honest of him and I was greatly appreciative, especially as a mom to 2½-year-old twins. I hope others are understanding of his tough situation as well, I know it has not been easy on him. — Tanya Lippke, No Town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding patrons who have gift certificates for Shear Madness in Auburn, I would like to help with that.

Jolyne Karkos had opened that business, and it was her dream. She was formerly an employee and also a friend of mine and my stylists. However, she unfortunately passed away at a very young age.

I would be happy to honor those gift certificates at my salon. If they were Ryan and Jolyne’s clients, then we can help them. Call Gregory’s Hairstyles at 786-0112. We are at 600 Center St. in the Shaw’s Plaza, just a half-mile away from Shear Madness’ location. – Pat Long-Cressey, Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Mahoosuc Arts Council is pleased to announce that during our annual phon-a-thon in October we reached a total of more thaner $8,000 in pledges. We would like to sincerely thank community members and businesses for this extraordinary show of support.

Amazingly, during such a tough economy, new gifts and increases to pledges from previous donors are continuing, validating the great worth of the programming the Council works to bring into the Greater Bethel Area each year. Since 1986, the Council has been bringing high-quality programs in the performing and visual arts and humanities to the adult communities and school systems around Bethel.

Local support has been vital to our continuation and success. Many thanks to all of you who have donated time, given gifts, offered moral support, pledged donations or attended performances over all of those years. – Aranka Matolcsy, executive director

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