DEAR SUN SPOTS: I want to thank you for posting the URLs to the Google archive of old Daily Suns and Evening Journals. It’s great taking strolls down memory lane through these old newspapers. The archive only goes back to 1880. I’m interested in the 1860s era. Is there an archive of these much older papers on microfilm or some other medium that can be viewed by the public? — Andrew Hal, Ajhalllpn@gmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the Lewiston Public Library, where the nice reference librarian told her that they have the Evening Journal going back to April 1861. The reels are not complete — some have disappeared — but he said the library has most of them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You published my letter on Dec. 1 in which I asked about several old cameras I had, and you said I couldn’t sell them through the column. Actually, I was hoping to find someone who collects them, but since my phone number wasn’t listed there is no way for anyone to contact me. I do not have a computer. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: If Sun Spots had listed your cameras and included your phone number that would indeed give you a venue to sell to a collector, which would be selling through the column and is not permitted.

However, Sun Spots knows of one collector: Steve Carlson, ifga92@yahoo.com, 485-2916. If there are others out there, she hopes they will write to her.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your Nov. 17 column on service club organizations was great. I want to thank you for responding so quickly. Now my friends, neighbors and others will know the facts.

All these clubs and organizations do a great job in their communities. Thank you for giving us the information on them. — John Kezal, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not respond all that quickly to John’s query, but she is glad he was pleased with the answer she ultimately gave.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Phillips Community of Christian Women would like to thank all the folks who donated items for the children’s shopping day.

We would also like to thank 5k Pizza, Phillips Hardware, Camden Natl Bank, the White Elephant in Strong, an employee of Strong Area Health Center, a volunteer and the director of volunteers at Franklin Memorial Hospital for their donations.

We would also like to thank Santa for taking some time for our children that day. Our “adult sitter” gave away 56 gifts to the waiting family members — once they answered her question of the day.

Sixty children were served at the Avon Town Hall from nine towns with Santa being there for a couple of hours.

Winners of the teddy bear raffle are Imani Chilcote-Joaf of Strong and Jordan Morgan of Phillips.

Anyone who would like to be a part of the 2012 shopping day need only to call me or send me an email, and I will let you know of our special projects for the next shopping day and what is needed.

Thanks again for helping us to encourage children to learn the joy of giving at Christmas. — grammanan@tds.net.

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

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