DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry about Shiloh, another more obscure book that might shed some light on the history of Shiloh and its leader is “The Almighty and Us, The Inside Story of Shiloh, Maine,” by Arnold L. White. — Bruce Conant, Hilltop Books, Hebron, 966-2177, clydex@megalink.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have just read Roberta’s question about Shiloh and your answer. When I was sorting old family photographs, I found a group picture of my grandfather, Fred Charles Nottage, and the 11 other Franklin County men who were the seated jury for the Sandford trail in Farmington in 1911.

There must have been a change of venue, which happens when the pool of jurors near the event had formed an opinion of guilt or innocence.

Around that time, frugal women clipped household hints, recipes and current events and pasted them into used hardcover books, such as Maine Registers. My grandmother included a news story on the Sandford trial in her “book.”

I am so happy to hear that there is a book that I can read to learn more about this event. All of us history buffs have different parts of a story. You are the one who allows us to get together to share what we know. Thank you. — Dorothy Beisaw, Wilton

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy reading you on a daily basis, including your Aug. 6 column, and I believe I have some information on Shiloh that your reader might find helpful.

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My mother was raised in Brunswick, and I recall her telling me stories about Shiloh. The story, as I understand it, was that Frank Sandford bilked the life savings from many people and had a controlling influence over his followers.

Per Wikipedia, the religious sect he founded was called Shiloh but was officially known as the Kingdom. Members were not employed and lived on faith in a coastal community. In 1911 Sandford was convicted of manslaughter.

I have an item that perhaps readers could assist with. I am interested in more information on a business that functioned as a road house or dance hall call “Sunnybray” or “Sunnybrae.” It was located on what is now the Millett Road in West Minot.

I believe it was in operation in the 1930s to 1940s and burned down. In stories that I remember, it was said that this spot had a notorious reputation as an “entertainment” center.

I look forward to any information that you may find or receive from readers on this business. — Judith Small, Hebron

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am researching my family tree, and it has recently brought me to Lewiston.

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I heard about Sun Spots as a feature in the Sun Journal and thought it might be a way for me to tell my story in hopes that your readers could help me.

My grandfather, Pasquale Sandonato, who died in 1952, had a restaurant at the corner of Park and Chestnut streets (143 Park St.) in Lewiston in 1945 and 1946 and possibly 1947. It was called the Italian Canteen. It was next to the candy and tobacco store on Park Street and next to Simones Hot Dog stand on Chestnut Street. (Simones is now in a building across the street.)

My grandfather was friends with Arthur Steckino Sr., who owned Steckino’s Restaurant and Steckino’s Hotel at 104-106 Middle St.

Does anyone know how I can find out more about my grandfather’s restaurant or even possibly pictures of it? They would be amazing to see.

He was born in Italy in 1902 and was 43 when he owned the restaurant. Thank you so much! — Jeannie, mlot94@msn.com

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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