DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have that special talent for quilting? If so, Advocates for Children needs your help.

Baby quilts are a part of our new “baby bags” that we give to parents in our Maine Families Home Visiting program. We never have enough and always are running out.

We have regular contributors, and we thank them very much. But we need more help. If you love to quilt, please consider donating to Advocates for Children.

We are at 57 Birch St., Suite 204, Lewiston, or call us at 783-3990. Thank you very much! — Dori Galgovitch, dgalgovitch@advocatesforchildren.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read with interest your items on Lobsterland restaurant (April 12). Both were owned and operated by James and Leora Cullen, my great-uncle and great-aunt.

In about 1960 the Poland restaurant was purchased by Rexford and Charlotte Waite, my parents. Leora was my mother’s aunt. In 1968-69 my folks sold the business back to the Cullens; it was eventually sold to Rose and Jim Aikman.

The Poland restaurant was set on Tripp Lake. It was a very popular summer spot back when eating out was a real event. Parade magazine listed it (twice, I believe) as one of the best restaurants in the United States, making my parents very proud.

Jack Paar, Gabby Hayes and Tom Harmon (Mark’s dad) were among the visitors. Scenes were shot there for the TV series “Route 66.” Joan Crawford awed my mother and aunts, but she sent Marty Milner packing when he tried to be a “star” and order her around.

When President Lyndon Johnson came to Maine he was scheduled to visit, thrilling us kids in the kitchen. When my dad learned from the Secret Service we would not be allowed to do the actual cooking, as they would bring in people, he told them to take their business elsewhere.

By the way, back then a Shore Dinner for $4.75 got you this: Juice or fruit cup, hot lobster stew, steamed clams and butter, fried clams in batter, french fries, chicken lobster hot or cold, ice cream or sherbet, plus tea or coffee. I’m not kidding — I still have the menu! Hope this helps anyone wondering about two grand old dining spots. — Rex S. Waite, rexwaite@megalink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Lobsterland (April 12 letter) closed in the late 1970s due to the health issues of the owner. He was my friend. He had been there since the early 1950s. — Anita Caron

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I realize we are just into spring but planning for the Apple-Pumpkin Festival held in Livermore Falls in late September requires forethought. Folks become very busy when the warm weather finally arrives, and summer can be a difficult time to connect.

Our library seeks Maine-made crafts to include on our autumn raffle table. If you wish to donate your craft, please contact me. — Cindy Rehagen Langewisch, cirehlan@gmail.com, 897-5818

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.

Copy the Story Link