DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone know how to remove stains from a stainless steel sink? I’ve tried different powders without much success.

Also, in response to D.R.B.’s inquiry about the Chinese restaurant (Sept. 6), I remember going to the Joy Inn with my parents when I was very young. The booths had curtains that could be drawn for private dining. — B.G., Turner

ANSWER: According to what Sun Spots found online, she has not been taking proper care of her sink! Here are some suggestions from tipnut.com, stainlesssteel-sinks.com, housekeeping.about.com and howtocleanthings.com:

* Try using Barkeeper’s Friend, a commercial product.

* Mix 3 parts cream of tartar with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Using a damp cloth, massage the mix into the surface. Let dry then wipe with a damp cloth.

* Scrub a mixture of one part vinegar, one part hot water, half part baking soda into surface using a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well then dry with a cloth.

* Spray a layer of hot water over the sink, then spray a layer of household ammonia. Cover with a plastic bag (stretched across the top with ends taped down on counter top) and leave overnight. Rinse the ammonia off in the morning, then wash with hot, soapy water and dry with a cloth.

* Thoroughly wet every surface of your sink and faucets with hot water, then cover those same surfaces with baking soda. Scrub surfaces with a nylon brush, using an old toothbrush around tighter spaces. Then spray with undiluted white vinegar. Let it foam and fizz, the rinse with plenty of water and dry.

* Or use a cloth soaked in white vinegar to rub baking soda into the surface, then rinse and dry.

* Scrub with a mixture of dish soap and baking soda, the rinse thoroughly.

* Clean with the grain to avoid marring the surface

To make your sink shiny, wash the surface well then rub in baby oil, olive oil or Windex and buff dry with a soft cloth.

As for the Joy Inn, the memories continue to pour in. Here are a few more.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In answer to D.R.B. of Rumford, the restaurant they are asking about was Joy Inn. My mother, sister and I went when we could afford to. We always had beef and green pepper chop suey. — Frances Westleigh

DEAR SUN SPOTS: While working at Woolworth’s neaby in the 1940s, several of us would have lunch at the Joy Inn.

I’m also pleased to learn the name of the Nanking, as that name had escaped me.

I really enjoy your column, especially the history of Lewiston and Auburn. My brother, two sisters and I were born in Lewiston, grew up there and graduated from Lewiston High School.

I moved away in 1951 but am still interested in news of the cities. Thank you for the bright spot in the morning paper. — C.M.H., Farmington

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Joy Inn was a Class A restaurant, great food and decor. I worked there from the late 1930s to the ’40s. It was open seven days a week and had a large dining area and dance floor. We had a dance band Friday and Saturday night. I have fond memories of it and am happy to hear I am not alone. — No Name, Lisbon

DEAR SUN SPOTS: You recently had someone ask you about a Chinese restaurant on Lisbon Street. My mom, Gloria Donahue, remembered it to be the Joy Inn. I hadn’t remembered it; my guess had been Nanking on Park Street as was mentioned by you.

Lately some older place have been mentioned. It is so interesting and they have brought back memories. Other baby boomers may remember:

* Lobsterland on Blake Street

* The Strand Theater on Pine Street

* Frasier’s on Sabattus Street

* Dumonts Dairy Ice Cream Shop on Sabattus Street and East Avenue

* Cooper’s Restaurant on Sabattus Street

* Goodwin’s Dairy Shop in Auburn served “Awful, Awfuls,” a thick milkshake: “Awful big, awful good”

Thanks for the memories. — Carol Donohue Proteau, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hear the Fairground Cafe in Topsham is closed? — No Name, Lisbon Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t find anything online, but these things often don’t make the news. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Just a quick note regarding the inquiry about Steckino’s restaurant (Aug. 16.)

The building that housed the 49’er Lounge was previously the original Steckino’s Restaurant. Prior to that it was a small hotel or boarding house. This was at the corner of Lincoln and Main streets where the fountain now sits.

The person looking for nostalgic candy should try Yummies. It is on the left-hand side of Route 1 on the outskirts of Kittery on the way in from the north. Check [email protected] for more information. Best regards. — Office Dave via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for Brach’s jelly nougat candies, they can be ordered from the catalog for Sweet Energy, 195 Acorn Lane, Colchester, VT 05446.

Another to try may be Vermont Country Store. They have had them in the past. — Gail, Minot

NOTICE TO READERS: Dr. Donohue will no longer appear on Saturdays, so if Sun Spots has sufficient material, she will be a little wordier on Saturdays. Keep those letters coming!

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 [email protected].