DEAR SUN SPOTS: Many thanks for all the help you provide people. I have had good luck before so will ask for help again. I want to know if anyone has the book “Thunder over South Parris.”

Also, I need the names of people who repair clocks. Many thanks. — Kathleen, 743-8336

ANSWER: The name of the book is actually “Thunder over South Parish.” It is about the October 1937 murder of a country doctor, who was beaten and strangled in an elegant 19th century home on Paris Hill. His wife was killed two days later.

A teenager confessed to the doctor’s murder and went to prison for life. Later, a deputy sheriff was also charged, tried and convicted. But his conviction was overturned 12 years later when the superior court said the evidence had been trumped up.

As this event took place before TV moved into our homes, it was prime entertainment, and an Associated Press story recapping the coverage (http://tinyurl.com/ndz97tl) says that people lined up for hours to watch the trial.

The book is available at Amazon.com and other online sources, but it isn’t cheap. Perhaps a local bookstore has a copy or a reader has one they’d like to sell.

As for clock repairers, Sun Spots has:

* Harry Hepburn III of Harrison, 583-2821

* Rohman Clockworks, 350 Minot Ave., Auburn, 784-1211

* Leroy Blauvelt, Porter Road, Dixfield, 562 8955

Please let Sun Spots know if her list needs to be updated.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I was moving out of a house I had lived in for 35 years, I found in a closet a small three-ring photograph album containing pictures of several generations of people dating back about 100 years. I have no idea how it got into my closet!

The family name under many of the photographs is Rulst. I would love to return it to someone to whom it might have sentimental meaning. — No Name, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for all you do to help everyone.

I am a great-grandmother. I want to show the children movies of their parents, but the projector broke. I need an 8-mm projector in good condition. — No Name, 353-8801

ANSWER: Instead of trying to find another projector, which will undoubtedly give out too, why not have the films transferred to a modern medium? That way everyone can have their own copy of those movies to cherish.

Sun Spots knows of at least one business that transfers 8-mm for sure:

* Francis Gagnon, Via-Vision, 18 College St. in Lewiston, 783-2550, www.viavisionproductions.com

Other businesses may do this as well. Please email sunspots@sunjournal.com if so. Sun Spots has a long list of those who do audio transfers, but she’s not sure if any also do video.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This is not a request for another problem I want you to solve. In fact, this is in the line of a thank-you note.

When I turned to your Aug. 17 column and saw the headline “Free TV not picked up, still available,” I was sure this time it was going to be “do or die” for me in trying to give away a free TV.

Well, this time it worked. A lady from Monmouth called me around 9:30 a.m. that Saturday to ask if the TV was still available, and of course I said yes. She then told me she would cover over on Monday morning after her appointment at the eye doctor and bring her husband.

By 10:15 a.m. the TV was gone, thanks to you.

I received another call on Saturday around 2:45 p.m. I told him that someone was coming to get it, but I would let him know. After they left with the TV I called him to say that they did show up, and he thanked me for doing so. 

The woman that did show up, by the way, wasn’t the Linda who had called me before. I never did hear from her again.

I was so glad to be able to give my TV away, not only because it took up a lot of room on my enclosed back porch, but because I hated to see it end up in the city dump, especially since it was still a very good TV. 

Thanks again for all you do. — Louis Godin, Lewiston

ANSWER: It seemed to Sun Spots that you would be inundated with requests for a free television, but it appears that most people only want the newer models, which do take up a lot less room. But still, free is free.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Quite some time ago someone in your column asked about Dr. True’s Elixir. I have found a six-inch ruler used to advertise the product. 

On one side there is a picture of a doctor. It says Dr. True’s Elixir, Auburn, Maine, for children and adults. In use 54 years. Expels worms. Cures constipation, stomach and liver disorders. 

This ruler is quite old, as I am 88 and it was among my grandmother’s sewing things. — Irene, Lewiston

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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