DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read your column every day. You have been so helpful in everything.

I have been a big fan of harness racing for a long time. It was sad when Lewiston Raceway closed in 1990. I was wondering when it first opened up and the history about it?

Also, when did Gorham Raceway close? Thank you for all you do. — C.G., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not have much luck with this question. There is very little online. She did find a grainy YouTube video of a 1987 wreck at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6AYxX-dMts and a record of the fastest miles at www.meharness.com/subtwo/lewfastest.shtml

Sun Spots had the bright idea to contact the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and promptly received an answer from the president, suggesting she contact two different people. Unfortunately, an email to one went unanswered and the other has such a common name Sun Spots couldn’t find her phone number.

A visit Sparetime Recreation was also suggested, as there are a lot of things on exhibit at the OTB concerning Lewiston Raceway.

The off-track betting establishment’s website (www.lewistonraceway.com/winners_circle/page_1/) offers this:

“Located on the site of the former Lewiston Raceway, the Winner’s Circle OTB at Sparetime Recreation has a rich history for the sport and its history. From the mint condition of the Big Wheel Sulky or the 30-foot mural remind the patrons of the fair racing days that brought us to the multimillion dollar showcases that we now view and wager on regularly at the Winner’s Circle.”

As for Gorham Raceway’s closing, Sun Spots could only locate a decade — the 1970s. She found that and more racetrack history at www.scarboroughdowns.com/about.php.

Perhaps readers will share their memories, too.

Horse racing of all flavors has been slowly declining for decades. Many of the racetracks where Sun Spots worked with harness horses in the 1970s are gone now.

Sun Spots heard one commentator note that it was at its most popular when horses were used for everyday transportation. Now that cars and trucks have taken over that role, auto racing is far more popular.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you, Sun Spots, for all you do!!

I went to a lawn sale and found two very old scrapbooks. I asked the lady who was selling them if she didn’t want to give them to a family member. She said she didn’t know whose books they were and that she thought about throwing them away. I bought the two for a $1.

The books show a graduating class of 1967 of a Robert Chisholm in Dover. I’m thinking it’s Dover, N.H.? There is no reference to who put the books together. It seem it must be Robert Chisholm’s grandmother or grandfather.

The best part of the books is that they show very old pictures and clippings from all over Lewiston, Auburn and many areas of Maine. I would really love to get these back to a family member. Hope someone will read this and respond. — Randi Tolman, randitolman@hotmail.com, 207.513.7796

ANSWER: Perhaps Robert Chisholm lacks family? Sun Spots has that problem. She is currently trying to figure out what to do with things that belonged to a great aunt who has no direct descendants. Since Sun Spots has no children, no one is interested in the items, and they will undoubtedly end up in the trash.

As for the historical photos of the city you found, they could possibly be of interest to the Androscoggin Historical Society. You can find the society in the County Building on Turner Street, 207-784-0586. The society is open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays. Call first to make sure a volunteer is available.

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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