DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Jan. 29 Sun Spots about the manufacture of “white shoes,” according to the history, “Auburn: 100 Years a City,” page 115, the white shoe companies were Cushman-Hollis Company and Dingley-Foss Shoe Company. They made white canvas shoes for warm weather. The book has a photo in the Cushman-Hollis factory about 1916, “At the height of the ‘White Shoe Run.’” At that time, “Cushman-Hollis was employing 2,100 persons with a daily output of 26,000 pairs.”

— Doug, Lewiston

ANSWER: Thank you so much for writing in! I hope other readers who know something about the “white shoes” will do the same. We must keep this important element of our local history alive. Please share if you know more details.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Have you heard of anyone in the L-A area who repairs small lamps? I was away over Christmas so if it was in the paper, I missed it. I would sure like to know. Thanks for all your wonderful help!

— Claire, no town

ANSWER: Back in November, a reader needed a lamp fixed and another helpful reader recommended Lighting Concepts at 1033 Sabattus St. in Lewiston. She was very pleased with their service. The number there is 1-888- 753-8620. Let me know if there are any other lamp repair businesses to add to the Rolodex!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As co-chairs of the New Year’s Auburn Planning Committee, we would like to thank all the sponsors, food trucks, bands, vendors and the city departments that made this new event a huge success. In addition, we would like to thank everyone who attended our first New Year’s Auburn. The crowd was filled with great energy celebrating both the New Year and the City of Auburn. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and fun was had by all.

Thank you, Mayor Levesque, for being the driving force behind New Year’s Auburn! We are excited to have a mayor who believes in Auburn’s potential and makes things happen to promote growth in our community.

Considering all of the positive feedback, we hope the New Year’s Auburn event will continue annually. Please write to Mayor Levesque and/or the City Council if you would also like to see this happen. We look forward to more successful Auburn events! With appreciation,

— Lisa & Allyson, no town

ANSWER: I love the enthusiasm expressed in this thank you letter! It’s truly amazing what we can do when we work together to make our corner of the world a better place. Send your letters of support for this event to Auburn Hall, 60 Court Street, Auburn, ME 04210 or to info@auburnmaine.gov.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was at Hannaford on Jan. 11 standing in line when the gentleman in front of me paid for my groceries. I was thrilled and I can’t thank him enough for his generosity!

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I witnessed such a transaction just the other day at my local Hannaford when two male college students paid for a senior citizen’s basket of groceries. The look on her face was just priceless! Readers, do what you can to help your fellow humans. You will always be rewarded.

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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