DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the inquiry about the Androscoggin River freezing enough to allow for ice skating, the answer is yes. I was born at home in Lisbon Falls in 1934 and my house was only 200 yards from the river that froze over enough for ice skating before Thanksgiving Day for a number of years.
Many families in town skated on the river. I skated on it every year up until I graduated from Lisbon High School in 1952. Also, after a heavy snowstorm, I skied on the river and often skied across it to the Durham side where there was a large hill for good downhill skiing.
In addition to ice skating, horse races were a popular attraction held on the river in Lisbon Falls. Some people would drive their cars out on the river to watch the races, and I remember witnessing one tragic event that took place when a large flatbed truck that drove onto the river broke through the ice and the driver and passenger both drowned.
Also, I became friends with a pilot who had a plane with snow skis that he kept tied up on the shore during the winter and I used to enjoy watching him take off and land on the river.
I have many more memories relating to skating on the river, but don’t want to take up any more space. Please know that I enjoy reading your column very much. — Charles, no town
ANSWER: Never worry about your letters being too long, dear readers. I will edit them as needed. This letter full of rich memories made my day and I’m sure Sun Spots readers will find it to be very interesting as well.
We would love to read more of these stories if any Sun Spotters have them to share.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: During the 1970s, my husband and I cross-country skied across the Androscoggin River near the Auburn/Durham line power cut, skied up the power cut on the Lewiston side, returned to the Auburn side and home to Durham. — Barbara, Durham
ANSWER: Another great memory about the fun you can have when you bundle up and enjoy the great wintry outdoors! Just remember to take the proper precautions when on or near iced-over waterways. Be safe!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for someone who repairs dolls. I have several that need to be restrung. Their heads, arms, and legs have become too loose. I have the name that was in Sun Spots before, but the phone is no longer in service. Who do museums and collectors use? Would you have any names for me to check out? — No name, no town
ANSWER: Linda Tibbets at A Special Place for Dolls in Wales is still very much in the antique doll repair business. Her services include, but are not limited to, restringing, wig washing, cleaning and modeling missing pieces. For more information, call 375-7255.
Although Linda winters in Florida, you can reach her at that number and she will talk with you about your project and make arrangements to accommodate you and bring your doll back to its original splendor!
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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