DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to buy the book “Danger in the Everglades” by Frederick W. Keith (1957). Does anyone have an unwanted copy on their bookshelf? I have tried all the usual sources (Amazon, eBay, etc.) This would be a very meaningful acquisition for an older friend who remembers it from childhood. Thank you for your help. — Anne, South Paris
ANSWER: This juvenile fiction book went out of print long ago so I’m hoping all my librarian and prolific reader friends in Sun Spots Land will check to see if they have a copy to send out as a gift. An extensive search in all my usual places turned up nothing, but I have faith that this special book is somewhere out there and will make its way to Anne’s friend.
While I’m thinking of it, I invite readers to share their favorite book titles from their childhoods. One of mine is “The Pink Motel” by Carol Ryrie Brink (1959), which, coincidentally is a mystery set in the Florida Everglades. I found a copy of it on AbeBooks exactly like the one I used to borrow from my elementary school.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Woman’s Literary Union owes a large debt of gratitude to Sun Spots for getting word out about our activities in support of the community and the conservation of the Foss Mansion. — Kathy, no town
ANSWER: This letter and the following are in response to the call for Sun Spots’ 50th Birthday letters. I’ll continue to include them in the column as they come in.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read that you were seeking letters for your 50th birthday.
A few years ago, Sun Spots published a letter from someone who was looking for a woman. The letter contained her name and details that led me to believe the person was looking for my aunt.
My aunt estranged herself from our extended family years ago, but I had her address. I sent the Sun Spots column to her, but she said she was not the person being sought and asked that her information remain private.
I corresponded with the woman seeking my aunt. She had lived overseas for years and eventually, when the writer was in the United States, my sister and I met with her. My aunt is her birth mother! The woman had documentation which confirms it with absolute certainty.
We weren’t able to connect her with her mother, but we did the next best thing. We gave our new cousin a family tree, a great deal of medical information, and a history of the family. We also gave her pictures of her mother, including a few photos I found in a year book at the library.
Now in my house, I say not to recycle the paper until I check Sun Spots to see if I have any new cousins. Thank you. — No name, no town
ANSWER: That is quite a story. I commend you and your sister for handling the situation so well, with kindness, grace and respect for all involved. And thank you for sharing this in a way that protects everyone’s privacy, but also explains that sometimes letters to Sun Spots can be life changing.
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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