Dear Sun Spots: I am desperately looking for a Simplicity bridal and specialty pattern that has been discontinued. The pattern number is 4478. I need this as soon as possible. If there is a reader that has one I could buy or borrow, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so very much. I may be reached at 461-2988 or via post at P.O. Box 716, Bethel, ME 04217 or via e-mail at [email protected]. – Lauri Littlefield, Bethel.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, there are several such patterns listed online at eBay, and you might consider trying to locate a copy there.

In the meantime, you might also consider contacting Simplicity’s customer service department to see if there’s any chance at all they might have a copy of this discontinued pattern in their archives. You may reach them at Simplicity, 888-588-2700. The Consumer Relations Department is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Dear Sun Spots: I’m new to Maine and have zero experience with oil-fired boilers/radiators of any kind. Can you recommend any companies in the L-A area that are knowledgeable in filling and servicing these systems? Likewise, can you recommend any good Web sites or other resources for the inside scoop on using, maintaining and getting the most out of these systems? It’s going to get cold soon, so any help would be great. – T.M.R., Auburn.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots contacted Richard’s Heating and Oil Burner Service, 782-5719, and was advised that owner Gary Gagnon should be able to offer you both service and other information on operating and maintaining such a system. They are a 24-hour-a-day business so you might consider contacting them.

Regarding Web sites, consider checking out www.craigslist.com, which lists a DVD on how to service oil-fired boilers and furnaces for $35. Alternatively, e-mail the seller at [email protected]. Another option is checking out www.onthehouse.com, which offers lots of handyman tips that might assist you in maintaining your system.

Dear Sun Spots: I am interested in exchanging information with anyone related to my ancestor, John Murray, who came to Leeds after the Revolutionary War. He was born in Scotland, deserted Burgoyne’s army and joined our side. I have a very interesting copy of a letter from Dana Murray describing how he escaped across Lake Champlain. Does anyone know where he lived and was buried, or of a family history that was done tracing his line way back?

He had sons Benjamin B., Samuel and Amos, and daughters Eunice and Rachel. Amos’ son, Lewis, lived in Greene by the bridge and had a retentive memory. Benjamin was a minister and schoolteacher whose son, Gen. Benjamin B. Murray Jr., was a brigadier general and U.S. marshal. Another son, J. Byron Murray, was a railroad man. His children were Lester R. and Hazel M. Murray. Rev. Benjamin’s daughter Eliza married George Cooper and had Ella, Emma, who married Frank Rackley, Ada, George and Eddie. There was a John M. Murray of Greene who married Annie Partridge and died in 1932. Was he related? Thank you very much for any help on this.

I may be reached at 174 Lower St., Turner, ME 04282, 225-3865. – Elvera Pardi, Turner.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots wonders if you may have considered contacting the Maine State Archives to see what you might be able to learn about your relatives. You can reach them at Maine State Archives, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, 287-5788. The Archives Research Room is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except legal holidays. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., access is limited to records available on microfilm, or original records previously reserved.

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