DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to Bea Mathieu asking about the restaurant in Sears, it was called the Bradford House. It was my first job when I turned 16 and I worked there until I graduated from high school. They had different “all you can eat” specials every day, which brought in lots of customers! — Debbie, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The restaurant was a section of Grant’s department store, which had formerly been located at Northwood Park shopping center. Sears moved into the Lewiston Mall location after Grant’s went out of business. — Doris Gagne, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In Sun Spots Oct. 17 column, someone inquired as to which restaurant was located where Sears is now. It was W.T. Grant’s department store. Their restaurant was located just as you entered the store, on the left side, which is now occupied by Sears Automotive.

Deering’s restaurant was located near Zayre’s inside the mall. That same location also housed Bonanza and Heartland restaurants at one time. I enjoy your column. — J.V. via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is in about the question about the restaurant where Sears Automotive is now. Before Sears, was a store called W.T. Grants, and they had a full restaurant there. This was in the 1970s. I worked there for a few years as a cook. Thank you, Sun Spots, for all the information you provide. — Cathy Mitchell via email

ANSWER: Thank you to the many readers who responded. There was not room for them all!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for all of your help. I have been trying to find Country Crock spreadable butter. I have always bought it at Shaw’s and Walmart. For the past two weeks, I haven’t been able to find it. There isn’t even a space for it on the shelves. Has it been discontinued or are the local stores just not carrying it any more? — Pat, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots went to the Country Crock website’s where-to-buy locator (http://tinyurl.com/69wfrrr) and searched for their butter spread with canola oil. (They have many spread choices.) It said there were no stores within 100 miles.

Sun Spots did not find any indication of a problem/recall. You could check with your store and see if they will special order it for you.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to thank everyone who has sent me four-hole men’s buttons. Please keep them coming, as it takes almost 100 for one piece that I am trying to make. — No Name, P.O. Box 56, Greene, ME 04236

NOTE TO READERS: With times so tough, Sun Spots get many requests for free items (toys, furniture) or services (leaf raking, snow blowing) from individuals. Only nonprofits (charities) can ask Sun Spots readers for things of value. Individuals can ask for miscellaneous items of negligible value, such as the buttons above, but not something that most people have to pay for. Readers can also write looking for something not readily available at stores or online and offer to pay for it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. our granddaughter’s car was hit by a driver who went through a red light. This was near the Auburn Mall.

She says she never got a chance to thank the many people who stopped to help her. Most especially a woman sat in the car with her until the ambulance arrived. She never got her name to thank her.

If you were one of these wonderful people, please know you were appreciated. — Bea and Ray Loux, Casco

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 [email protected].