DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am hoping you might be able to help us with a unique query. When we moved into our Auburn house, we discovered an old tombstone had been left behind at the house. We came to find out from our neighbors that the previous owners of our house had found it somewhere (not in a cemetery) and brought it home.

The white tombstone reads: “George F., son of S.J.M. & Family Perkins, died June 20, 18(?)1, 9 ms. 15 ds.” The year looks like it could be 1871 or 1851 perhaps, but there is a dent in the stone.

We feel that the tombstone should be returned to its proper place, if it can be located, or at least given to a local cemetery. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for your resourcefulness! — Laura, Auburn

ANSWER: If the name was French, Sun Spots would send you to the Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society, which has extensive records of local deaths and might help track descendants. They might still be able to assist.

The MFGS is at 217 Turner St., Auburn ME 04210, 786-3327, in the big white Victorian that houses the Fortin Funeral Home (look for the MFGS sign on the side of the building). It is open for research from 1 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. There is a $3 research fee for nonmembers, but everyone is welcome. You can visit their website at www.simplesite.com/mfgswebsite/ or email mfgs@oxfordnetwork.net.

One thought is that the stone was at a family burial plot that no longer exists. Since George died too long ago for any family member to remember him, his stone may have been just set aside.

Coincidentally, one of Sun Spots’ colleagues also found a tombstone in her home, so it does happen. 

Readers, any thoughts?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I like doing crossword puzzles. I think they should have an award like an Oscar or Emmy to the people who are involved with getting the puzzles together day after day all yearlong.

It must be a mind-boggling task to put all the words in a puzzle so they all connect in the end result. I wish someone would do a television special showing how they do it and how many people are involved. Thanking you kindly. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: There are indeed a variety of contests and awards for both those who make and complete puzzles, including the Puzzle of the Year Award and Constructor of the Year Award. However, they are not hugely popular and thus don’t earn a lot of airtime on traditional television, which is probably why you don’t know about them.

There is a documentary about crossword puzzles and those who create and solve them, including former president Bill Clinton, called “Wordplay” that you might enjoy. It is available on Netflix and through the Maine library system (http://minerva.maine.edu). If you are not a computer person, just ask your librarian to order it for you. There are three copies — the Winthrop, Camden and Hampden libraries.

As for creating crossword puzzles, it is generally a solitary pursuit, with more than one person contributing a puzzle so that a newspaper or other publication has a fresh puzzle each day.

For example, Will Shortz, the editor of the New York Times crossword, does not create all those puzzles. Rather, other puzzlemakers submit their puzzles, which he then reviews, and perhaps suggests changes for, before publishing them in the Times.

Shortz also appears every Sunday morning on National Public Radio (usually between 8:30 and 9 a.m.) as the “Puzzlemaster.” During this weekly quiz, where a contestant plays an on-air puzzle, he often talks about puzzles, including the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, and other contests he attends or emcees.

At the end of each segment, Shortz presents a brain-teaser. Readers who correctly solve it have their names placed in a drawing to be on the radio for the following week’s contest.

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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