DEAR SUN SPOTS: I recently found a small booklet entitled “By-Laws of Eureka Council No. 37 Junior Order of United American Mechanics of the State of Maine” printed in 1901. It has 16 pages and a cover. We would like information on this organization. — Robert, Canton Historical Society

ANSWER: For help on this question Sun Spots turned to Doug Hodgkin at the Androscoggin Historical Society. He was able to find a website (http://tinyurl.com/28y88ej) that describes this organization. It begins with the following statement:

“The Junior Order of United American Mechanics was founded in 1853 as a fraternal and political secret society for American citizens of both sexes. Insurance was added later. If the order is still extant, it is probably only at a local lodge level. …

“The Union of Workers was founded in Philadelphia in 1845 by a group of working men; their aims were to stop immigration, especially Catholic immigration, and (almost incidentally) to provide the usual mid-19th-century benefits of a sick fund and a funeral fund.

“It changed its name to the Order of United American Mechanics shortly after its foundation (in those days, “mechanic” was closer in meaning to “artisan” rather than connoting a practical engineer). Membership was open only to native-born white Americans who professed belief in a supreme being, supported the separation of church and state, and were not engaged in the liquor trade.”

Doug added the following: “Apparently there were at least 37 lodges of this organization in Maine. The lodges received names to distinguish themselves from others in the state. Some used the name of their town, but I know that Excelsior Grange is in Poland and Eureka Grange was in Durham. But you should not assume that Eureka of the Junior Order of Mechanics was in Durham.

“I also found in the catalog of Fogler Library at the University of Maine in Orono that they have a manuscript of meeting minutes of the organization in the town of Strong. Note they call themselves the Mohegan Council (Junior Order United American Mechanics, Mohegan Council No. 25, Strong).”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The members of the West Auburn School Historical Society thank you for helping us advertise our annual yard sale in past years. We hope you will be kind enough to do so again.

The West Auburn School Historical Society will hold its annual yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 7 (rain date, Aug. 14) at the school located at the corner of West Auburn Road and Boothby Street. Tables are available for $10 and may be reserved by calling President Dick Keene at 966-2202. Space is limited, so call early.

A hot dog lunch will be available at a nominal cost. We will be selling homemade goodies on our bake sale table. A new feature this year is a raffle for a hot air balloon ride for two. Tickets are $5 each. A limited number will be sold, so act fast. Tickets may be purchased from any member of the board of directors or on the day of the sale. We will also be having a silent auction on a cement garden bench donated by American Concrete Industries.

Copies of the book “Looking Back: The Villages of North and West Auburn” will be on sale for $21.

As you can see, there is something for everyone, so come on out, hunt for bargains and enjoy socializing with old and new friends.

Thanks you, Sun Spots, for the great service you provide to our area. — June P. Spear

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.