DEAR SUN SPOTS: I work at a building right outside the jetport entrance in Portland. I was fortunate enough to see the presidential motorcade come by and some of my co-workers went down to take pictures of Air Force One.

They showed me the pictures, and the plane he flew in on was not a Boeing 747-200, the official White House airplane since 1990. I wanted to know what type of plane he flew in on — if you could find that out, please. Thanks. — Patrick via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots began at whitehouse.gov, where she found the following information about Air Force One:

“No matter where in the world the president travels, if he flies in an Air Force jet, the plane is called Air Force One. Technically, Air Force One is the call sign of any Air Force aircraft carrying the President. In practice, however, Air Force One is used to refer to one of two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which carry the tail codes 28000 and 29000. The Air Force designation for the aircraft is VC-25A.

“Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency, spawning countless references not just in American culture but across the world. Emblazoned with the words “United States of America,” the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it flies.”

In this case, Sun Spots has been told that the plane you saw was a 757, probably because the Portland Jetport can accommodate that size of plane.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for macrame beads (April 16, 24), you can find them at Chuck’s Corner, Sabattus Street, Lewiston., 84-8176. We have a very large selection at a good price. — J. McDonald, motor42@roadrunner.com 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I do enjoy your column every day, very interesting questions and answers.

In response to the April 19 column, on March 20, 1936, I was 5 years old. I remember looking at the river water lapping over the “North Bridge” between Court Street in Auburn and Main Street in Lewiston. The bridge was closed, and I was very concerned that my big sister who was on the Lewiston side attending Bates College couldn’t get home.

A barber shop on the lower edge of Main Street was washed away during the flood.

The New Auburn bridge spanning the Androscoggin River was washed away, as was the one between Lisbon Falls and Durham. A “swing” bridge was put up there for a while, and I was terrified to walk across it with my parents to visit my grandparents in Durham.

It is interesting what a 5-year-old can remember. — No Name via email

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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