DEAR SUN SPOTS: Let me begin by saying that I read Sun Spots everyday. We are friends who meet for coffee several times a week. We got to reminiscing about restaurants and I can remember going to one that was located where Sears has its automotive department and tire sales department in Lewiston, but I can’t remember the name of it. Would you or someone out there remember the name of this restaurant?

Also, there is a cemetery located on East Avenue between Russell and Montello streets. Can you provide a little bit of history regarding this cemetery? It seems to be located in an odd space and appears to be an older resting place. Thank you. — Bea Mathieu, mumanut@aol.com

ANSWER: Someone else wrote to Sun Spots in response to a similar question and suggested that the restaurant in that mall might have been called Deerings.

To find out the name of the cemetery, Sun Spots contacted historian and Bates professor Doug Hodgkins. He said that it is called Broadview Memorial Cemetery and was the topic of a Sun Spots column in 2009. The previous Sun Spots “spoke with Barbara Bubier, president of the Broadview Memorial Cemetery Association. The cemetery, at 379 East Avenue, is still being used. As far as Bubier can tell, it dates back to 1901, which is the date shown on a blueprint she has from the city of Lewiston. The blueprint shows the intended layout of the cemetery and Bubier said there is a lot of vacant land that is not being used and plots are available.”

Sun Spots didn’t find anything else online and was not able to reach Barbara for an update. Perhaps readers will have thoughts to offer.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As an occasional visitor to Lewiston, I have noticed a great improvement of buildings on lower Lisbon Street when traveling to the Cedar Street corner.

I am intrigued by the “Uneeda Biscuit 5 cents” sign painted on the brick side of a building and which appears to be rapidly fading.

This sign of the ’20s or ’30s apparently advertised an item carried in many dinner pails of local workers of the era.

To me it would be a credit to the community if this nostalgic piece of history could be preserved. — Paul, New Hampshire

ANSWER: Again, Sun Spots turned to historian Doug Hodgkin: “It certainly would be nice to preserve the Uneeda Biscuit sign. However, that would cost a lot of money. I have heard that the Maine Preservation Commission frowned on restoring the destinations painted on the Grand Trunk Depot on Lincoln Street. It would apparently depend upon the historic character of the building.”

Next, a request from Doug for help from readers.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again I ask for your and your readers’ help. I am writing a small book about the visits to Lewiston of incumbent, future and past presidents of the United States, as well as candidates for the presidency. I am looking for photos of those visits for possible publication. Of course, I’ll scan and return them and give appropriate credit. Thanks. — Doug Hodgkin, dhodgkin@bates.edu, 782-3072

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