GOOD MORNING, SUN SPOTS: Sun Journal reporters are frequently asking readers to express their thoughts on different issues. When are they going to ask readers for opinions about the Sun Spots’ column?

Anyway, now for today’s business: The 1961 Lewiston High School Folio recognized the city of Lewiston’s centennial in several ways.

* The cover of the the book was gold instead of the traditional blue and white.

* On the first two pages as well as the last two, about 30 students posed. On the left-hand page the students were in antique clothing in an antique auto, while on the right-hand page the students were dressed in modern sport uniforms and fashions with a 1961 model car. A caption under the photos saluted Lewiston’s 100th birthday.

In addition to the Folio honoring the Lewiston centennial, I think I recall a large parade celebrating the centennial in the summer of 1961.

However, today’s official seal of Lewiston indicates it “became a city in 1863.” Your comments, please. — Gene Gilbert, Lewiston

ANSWER: For local history questions Sun Spots frequently turns to Doug Hodgkin of the Androscoggin Historical Society and Bates College professor emeritus, who wrote:

“The Maine Legislature granted Lewiston a city charter on March 15, 1861, subject to adoption by a popular vote. However, the Civil War broke out the next month, so Lewiston officials were distracted by the requirements to recruit soldiers for the war effort and to provide assistance for their families. Finally, in a town meeting on Nov. 22, 1862, the voters ratified the charter.

“The election of the new mayor, Jacob B. Ham, and the City Council occurred on March 2 and 9, 1863. The city government organized on March 16, 1863.

“Therefore, those who organized the celebration in 1961 chose the date the Legislature took action. The city seal reflects the date when Lewiston actually became a city. I prefer the 1863 date. I explain all of what happened in Chapter 19 of my book ‘Frontier to Industrial City, 1768-1863.’

“Incidentally, note that we could have celebrated the 150th anniversary this year, 2013. I guess this entry in Sun Spots will be the only notice taken of this milestone.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In regards to Laura of Auburn who found a tombstone in her new home (Dec. 5), I bought an old farmhouse years ago that had several in the cellar.

After investigating, I was told that there had been an individual family cemetery at one time, but as the town grew the cemetery was moved. More modern stones were used in the community cemetery. — Lewis, Fayette

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here are some thoughts about the tombstone found on a local property. In the 1800s a resident of my current neighborhood built caskets. Several years ago the owner of that home found a tombstone under the granite steps. Others were also found.

It is thought that perhaps a mistake had been made in the lettering or the date, or possibly they were dissatisfied with the way it came out and decided to reuse the stone in another way.

I know that you have times when you could use more letters, so I have a few questions that perhaps you could answer at your convenience. — Just Wondering, No Town

ANSWER: Just Wondering sent several questions on varying topics. Sun Spots appreciates them, especially during this slow season, and she will answer them over the coming week or so.

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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