DEAR SUN SPOTS: In reply to Mildred of Strong (March 1), who wanted some photos identified, I am not much help, but I can provide a couple of names.

The man standing alone by the microphone is Ray King. In the other photo, the man second from the left is Jim Small.

They did personal appearances around the state, probably 60 years ago. I don’t have the group picture, but I have one of Small by himself and also King by himself.

Hope it helps a little. Love your column. — Charlotte Hayes, Dixfield

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A while back a reader wrote to you about the Sun Spots column and how it began. In December 1987, either Monday, Dec. 7, or Monday, Dec. 14, there was a story in the Lewiston Daily Sun about Suzanne Clune and the beginning of the column.

I had the article but am unable to locate it. The article was very interesting. I think your readers would enjoy some of the highlights from it.

I don’t have a computer so I am unable to look it up. I hope you can locate the article and share it with our readers. Thank you. I enjoy your column. — David Tedford, Poland Spring

ANSWER: It took the current Sun Spots two tries, but she did find the article to which David refers. It appeared on Dec. 7, 1987, and said the 15th anniversary of the column would occur on Dec. 13. That means that it began in 1972 and is currently in year 41.

In this column Barbara (not Suzanne) Clune talked about the number (1,500 a year, about 22,000 at that point) and the kinds of questions she answered. As with the current Sun Spots, just about anything goes.

Barbara said she wasn’t worried about the research that she would be required to complete because she expected the column to fizzle; instead it took off. One tidbit offered in the column: To get the column going, former managing editor Kent Foster wrote a few questions to prime the pump.

Your current Sun Spots has it much easier, thanks to the Internet. Information is usually readily available. The issue now is weeding out the correct and helpful from the false and misleading.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would very much like to contact Peggy Shepard of Greene (March 6) and discuss my many experiences with Effie Shearer, the matron of the children’s home.

As a ward of the state, I lived at the Lewiston-Auburn Children’s Home off and on about five different times from 1946 to 1954, so I knew her quite well. I lived there for my entire senior year while attending Edward Little High, from which I graduated in 1954.

For many years, Miss Shearer was totally in charge of an absolutely vital social service to a great many people in the Lewiston-Auburn area. I find it absolutely amazing that these communities have done nothing at all to permanently commemorate her wonderful, dedicated service to all the people of Maine. I’m certain that the details of her life would make an extremely interesting book. — Roland Fleming, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots supplied Peggy’s phone number last week (946-2460), but she thought readers might find your letter interesting. Your memories of the matron are heart-warming. How many movies have been made with mean-spirited people in charge of orphaned children?

Incidentally, Peggy spelled the name Scherer. Sun Spots does not know which is correct.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As I never would want to be without my typewriter, I read with much interest the Feb. 26th request for someone to restore a 1960s Royal model.

Another possible place for such a service is Cosco Technologies Inc., 50 Bearce Road, Winthrop, ME 04364, 377-2897.

For the past 25 or so years I have been quite satisfied with this company’s prompt service. — Lawrence Merckens, Manchester

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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