DEAR SUN SPOTS: In preparation for its newest gallery exhibit about shoes, “Footwear: From Function to Fashion,” Museum L-A’s guest curators are searching for more information about the shoe industry in Auburn.

Museum L-A has heard through various sources over the years that Auburn was once known as the “White Shoe City of the World.” After many research attempts, museum volunteers have not been able to locate a concrete record of which companies were making these famous shoes or the style they are supposed to represent. We’re hoping to get more information about where these “white shoes” were made and what they looked like.

We’ve also been told that Auburn was one of the largest manufacturers of Capezio shoes in the country, but we haven’t found any indication that there was a Capezio factory in our local area. Most likely, there was a local company that was contracted to make Capezio shoes here, to be shipped out and sold elsewhere.

We’re hoping readers might be able to provide information to include in the upcoming exhibit to more accurately represent Auburn and its shoe industry history. If you have any information, please contact Emma Sieh at 207-333-3881 or esieh@museumla.org.

— Emma, no town

ANSWER: This sounds very interesting and I know I can count on Sun Spots readers to solve these mysteries!

Museum L-A is located in the Bates Mill Complex at 35 Canal Street. Its hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. Special tour requests and large group tours outside of these hours are available by appointment. Contact info@museumla.org or call 207-333-3881.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: “Mr. Drew and His Animals Too” is seeking nature items to use in children’s educational and craft programs such as minerals, crystals, fossils, shells, furs and anything nature-related. Nature/animal books for any age level are also needed.

We’re opening a geology department with crystals, fossils, meteorites, and more. There will be natural history displays, a nature library, and a cave where children can search for gems they can keep. These are the first steps in bringing a children’s museum to Lewiston. Thank you for your support!

— Drew, Lewiston

ANSWER: Children having access to and exploring science and nature in this way is a wonderful addition to what they learn beyond the classroom and with their personal experiences.

Mr. Drew’s Exotic Rescue and Education Center is at 550 Lisbon St., Suite 17 in Lewiston in the Pepperell Mill. He has more than 150 reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from all over the world including a walk-in tortoise pen where you can go in and feed the tortoises. You can also hold snakes and lizards, and learn about tarantulas and other creepy crawlers. Admission is $3 per person and birthday parties available. Mr. Drew also gives presentations at libraries, classrooms, and other venues. More information is available on their Facebook page.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My request for a Brownie 8mm movie projector in the Jan. 8 Sun Spots was answered by a lady from Otisfield who has one she no longer uses. We’ll be meeting up this week! Many thanks to Sun Spots, a very valuable asset to the community.

— Don, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m so happy! Making these successful matches is so satisfying.

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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