DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just found an old book given to me years ago. It is titled “Maine and Its Gems,” published in 1897 by Geo W. Morris publishers. Would Sun Spots know if this has any value? — Jackie, jacvictor@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: It is easy to get a rough idea of a book’s value by simply putting the title or, preferably, the ISBN number in Google. You can also go to Amazon.com, which also sells used books, or to www.abebooks.com.

Sun Spots did not find a title by the name you gave, but there is a “Maine and Its Scenic Gems” by the same publisher.

Amazon.com lists a copy of that book for sale at $83.99. If yours is in good condition, then it should garner a similar price. You can sell it on any one of a number of websites, including those above and eBay’s Half.com.

You could also see if any one of the local used bookstores would like to buy it from you. The Maine Book House, 1545 Main St. (Route 26), Oxford, ME 04270, 743-9300, deals with collectibles, as does Carlson Turner Books, 241 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101, 773-4200.

If other bookstores deal with antique books, please let Sun Spots know.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Leavitt Institute Turner Center Class of 1963 will hold its 50th reunion from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Dale Talbots on the Cobb Road in Turner Center. 

You are asked to bring or send memories and an account of your experiences of the past 50 years.

Spouses and children welcome.

We have not been able to locate several classmates: Doug Mason, Linda Sampson Gauthier, Tom Burdin, Joyce Eaton, David Newton, John Harkins, Robert Benson and Shirley Brown Ouillett. 

Anone who has information on them is asked to call Rose Ann Newton (225-5470), Lin Gilbert at molingil@megalink.net or me as soon as possible. — Marion Bubier, P.O. Box 422, Greene, ME 04236, 946-5579

ANSWER: Marion also provided another name and email, but it was incomplete. Sun Spots hopes she got the spelling and numbers right for all the rest.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I made a couple of errors in my May 22 answer to Betty who had asked for more information about LeBlanc’s Cleaners.

Firstly, I forgot to say that Alfred LeBlanc passed the business not only to Julien, his son, but also to Julien’s brother, Alfred Jr. The pair were partners in the business.

The second error was that I incorrectly said that the business closed in 1976. In fact, in that year, Alfred Jr and his son, Alfred III, bought Julien’s share of the business, which continues to operate to this day.

I am indebted to Alfred LeBlanc III, the current president, for this information. He also revealed that the cause of the many fires at the business was the dry cleaning fluid, which at one point was chemically very similar to gasoline.

I apologize to any confusion caused. — James Myall, coordinator, Franco-American Collection, University of Southern Maine

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Was I ever surprised when I opened my paper this morning regarding the telephone number and hangers for LeBlanc Cleaners! Thank you to Sun Spots for answering questions. Second, thank you to all of your readers.

They hold a wealth of information and wisdom that they so willingly share with everyone. We are so very blessed to live in this wonderful state that we call home. — Betty M. Bean, seauinheaven52@aol.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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