DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Knights of Columbus Councils of Lisbon Falls, Auburn and Norway are preparing for their fourth annual Knights before Christmas Toy Drive to benefit children in foster and state care.

Every year, hundreds of children are affected by circumstances beyond their control. They are often brought from abusive, neglectful homes and placed with “angel” families. These families open their lives and hearts to these children, to offer them not only a home but also to show them love.

Oftentimes these children arrive with nothing. As hard as times are, we ask that you open your hearts and reflect on Christmases past. Remember the joy you had as you looked upon your gifts and the smiles on the faces of your loved ones.

Please remember these innocent victims this year by donating a new unwrapped toy or gift card. These gifts will be going to children of all ages. No gift is too small to put a smile on someone’s face.

We ask that as this season approaches, you look deep into your heart and open up to help these children and those who care for them. Please remember the reason for the season.

Please keep an eye on the Check It Out calendar in the Sun Journal for our scheduled toy drives.

We wish to thank everyone for their past and future generosity. — Roger Roy, 353-2091

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for information on shingle mills made by Hackett & Witman in Skowhegan. When were they manufactured? Were there different models, etc.? I am also interested in Drake shingle mill information. They were said to have been made in Maine, but the location is unknown. Thank you. — John Galuszka, johngaluszka@hotmail

ANSWER: For those like Sun Spots who didn’t know, shingle mills are machines used to cut wooden shingles. Before petroleum made asphalt shingles possible, many people used wooden shingles on their homes. 

Sun Spots found a photo of one online, and it featured two large round saw blades standing on edge very close together. Not a good place to put your hand!

As for finding out about the two models mentioned, she didn’t have much luck.

A google search for Hackett & Withham (not Witman) turned up a photo of their shop circa 1900 at www.mainememory.net. There are other bits and pieces of information about the company, but not the kind of detail you seek.

Some of the google hits are for scanned pages of a journal called American Machinist, which go back to 1908 and might be of interest to you. Most of the other websites focused on the buying and selling of vintage machinery.

The only other thing she found is a manufacturers index at http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/, but she didn’t have much luck searching for your companies.

Sun Spots does not know where to go next to help you. These machines were made so long ago that anyone who would have worked for the companies is long gone. Perhaps a reader will remember something told to them by a parent or grandparent to help in your search. Or maybe a history buff will have some tips on how to launch a search.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am new to the area and would like to know if there are any jam sessions that include violin. I am not a professional player or anything but do enjoy playing in a little group setting,mostly friendly home groups.I also love gospel music and have played in church quite often. I miss our little group in Montana and would love to find a similar group here in the Lewiston Auburn area. Thank you. — Lorraine, jrc400@gmail.com

ANSWER: You might check out fiddleicious.com. The Sun Journal had a photo of the group performing in Monday’s paper. You can see it at sunjournal.com/fiddleicious102812.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a regulation-size pool table in good condition along with cue sticks and balls that I would like to donate to a local nonprofit agency. Unfortunately, however, I must request that it be picked up in Auburn by Nov. 6. Please call 312-5492 and leave a message. — 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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