DEAR SUN SPOTS: A few months ago, you had a reader write in and ask if anyone knew of something the American people did to help out with the war effort in World War II other than the bond and rubber drives, etc. My mom told me that the young ladies used the war as a reason to lift their hemlines — so there would be more material available to make the soldiers’ uniforms.

After that, on Feb. 27, you had someone named D. McAtee write in to say that Barbara Walters had adopted her daughter from a home in Auburn. I don’t know that it is the same one, but the Lewiston-Auburn Children’s Home used to be on Madison Street, or right close by the Madison Street School. Madison Street is off Minot Avenue, near the entrance to the rotary. St. Joseph’s School is right near there. Hope this helps! — Betty Prindall, Poland

ANSWER: It looks like those WWII young ladies may have helped the soldiers twice — first by saving cloth, then by lifting their spirits with those shorter skirts!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a senior citizen, and I’ve just joined a bowling league. I’ve had a hard time finding a ball with the right size holes. If someone out there has a ball around 10 pounds that they’re not using, I would appreciate it very much. They can call me at 783-7623. I used to bowl years ago and would like to bowl for exercise, be with people in my age group and just have fun. Thank you for your help. — Anita, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How do I access your archives? I am trying to locate a childhood friend who seems to have vanished off the face of the earth. Her mother died when we were 5 (1955 in Auburn). She moved away to live with some old aunts, and I have always wondered what happened to her. Her name is Betty Kay Pratt. Thank you for your time. — Rebecca Curtis, 338-2558, jeffandbecky71@gmail.com

ANSWER: Due to a computer problem, the Sun Journal archives — other than the last few months — are not currently available, and would not go back that far anyway. Perhaps a reader will know what happened to Betty Kay.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the April 1 letter concerning a trio performing at the gazebo in Livermore Falls, I am thinking the female singer and guitar player may possibly be Louise Parker. The sax player would be an extremely talented musician that has all of my attention. I believe he is called Bo. I am not sure who the keyboard player is. I have heard this trio at the North Jay Grange suppers from time to time. Hope this helps. — Judy Libby via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The name of this trio in question is Silver and Gold and can be contacted at 524-5894 or 897-3762 or 897-5522. Thank you. — Moe and Pat, mopat@fairpoint.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read Sun Spots everyday and love them. Recently, I changed my phone number to a cell number, therefore losing track of many of my clients. Please let your readers, many of whom are my clients, know that, yes, Nita’s Alterations in Turner is still in business and also taking new clients. They can call me at 212-3766. I do tailoring, alterations and repair work on clothes and gowns for all ages and have been in business for 35 years. Gratefully yours. — Nita Brissette, Turner

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Students at Bates College are interested in interviewing polio survivors in Lewiston-Auburn for a public health history project in late April and May. Modest compensation is available for interviews. If you had polio, please call me at 786 6186. — Professor Kathy Low, Bates College, klow@bates.edu

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to find someone who could fix my KitchenAid stand mixer. I also have a Sunbeam stand mixer that needs to be fixed. My e-mail address is purple94@midmaine.com, and my phone number is 491-3334 Thank you very much. — Camilla Jordan, Farmington

ANSWER: The only small appliance repair person of whom Sun Spots is aware is Cliff. He can be reached at 376-5604, but he only works in Lewiston and Auburn. Perhaps readers will know of someone in your area.

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.