DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I was a kid there were these spotlights that would illuminate back and forth every night in the Lewiston sky. It’s like the spotlights you see in the 20th Century Fox movie ad before a movie starts. Do you remember them? Where did they originate from? Thanks! — Scott Hebert, movinupnorth@yahoo.com

ANSWER: Those lights were at Paradise Park in Lewiston. Readers might like to share their memories of this attraction. Here is another question about things that used to be.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy reading your column every day. You are a great help when someone wants to know something. 

A recent Looking Back column in the 1963 (50 years ago) section was about the Northwood Park Shopping Center on Main Street. I remember that place as a child. A Dari-Delight was opening at that time. 

The building is still there and now houses Antigoni’s Pizza. But it had a lot of names in the last 50 years, including The Little Hobo, Fat City Grill, Little Dan’s and Moose Creek Grill.

There were probably one or two more names before Fat City Grill. Could you please tell me what they were and what the years were on all of them? Thank you. — C. G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Going to City Hall and digging through all the records for the years when those businesses operated is a bit beyond Sun Spots’ job description, but readers will surely respond with their memories and some dates.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Reading Sun Spots with my cup of coffee in the morning has been a ritual forever. One wonders if you realize how many lives you’ve helped with solutions to requests both complex and simple.

Here is one that may be simple enough. When given a choice between flat or round toothpicks, I prefer flat. Does anyone know where I can purchase boxes of flat toothpicks? Everywhere I go, they only carry round ones.

I’m confident Sun Spots will come through as always. If not, some reader out there knows. Thank you in advance. — Ray, Livermore Falls

ANSWER: Sun Spots hopes that readers will know of a local source. There are, of course, flat toothpicks available at several places online, including at Amazon.com.

Walmart’s website also has them. It says you can order them online and they will ship to the store without a shipping charge. If you don’t use a computer, perhaps the store will order them for you, too.

You might also want to ask the manager at your favorite grocery. They may be willing to order them for you, but you may find you have to buy a whole case of them!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends will be hosting its annual yard sale and barbecue on Oct. 4 and 5 (rain dates will be Oct. 11 and12) next to Ferris Equipment on Route 202 in Greene.

Tommy’s is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter caring for feral cats. We receive no federal or state funding and rely solely on the generosity of individuals to help pay for food and veterinary care for the hundreds of discarded cats in our care.

Donations for our sale must be clean and saleable. No large appliances, large furniture or clothing. Any donations will be greatly appreciated. For more information call Norm at 650-8374. Thank you. — normblais39@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am an art teacher at Edward Little High School. My department is looking for donations of sewing machines for the students to use in their art projects.

They can be old but should be in good working condition, and we would prefer that they not be the type in a cabinet because of space restrictions in our classrooms.

We can pick them up or you could drop them off at school. Please contact me at ehodgkin@auburnschl.edu or 207-333-6652. Thanks!— Ellen Hodgkin

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.

Copy the Story Link