DEAR SUN SPOTS: The J & O Irish Museum in Hartford is looking for antique dolls, stuffed animals and children’s games for the museum.
We have been given a donation of an antique highchair, doll’s cradle, and a child’s wooden wheel barrow. It would be nice to have items to exhibit in them.
The J & O Irish General Store closed in 1953 along with the post office that was inside the store. The second and third floors were the living quarters for one of the owners.
We are always looking for items that you might find in a General Store during that time as well as old tools and farm equipment for the barn and grounds.
The museum is open Sundays during the summer from 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Thank you, Sun Spots, for all you have done for us and for the great information that you give us daily. — Doreen, Hartford
ANSWER: Keep up the wonderful work!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding recommendations for a dog groomer (July 20 Sun Spots), my daughter uses Aussie Pet Mobile. She really loves the job they do. She said they are very careful and loving people to Vette, her labradoodle. — Karen, Hebron
ANSWER: I just checked out this dog (and cat!) grooming business on line (https://petgroomingsocomaine.com/) and it looks awesome — just the ticket for our reader who can no longer groom her pets by herself and has to give up driving. You can schedule an appointment for your furry friends through the website or call or text 747-03248.
The service van is equipped with everything needed — water, electricity, the works! The groomer can come to your home Monday through Friday or on Saturday mornings. What a great find. Thank you, Karen!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a good paring knife blade that came out of the handle. Where would I go to get a new handle? Also, who does knife sharpening? — No name, Lewiston
ANSWER: Depending on the brand of your knife, it could have a lifetime warranty. If you know the brand and the manufacturer is still in business, you can contact them and they will replace the handle for you.
Another way to go is to look no further than Mathieu Saw & Tool at 7 Enterprise St. in Lewiston. The technicians there can sharpen anything from biscuit cutters to ice augers and can certainly take care of sharpening your paring knife. Just allow a one-week turnaround time. You can drop off your items or ship them. The business is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
They can help with the handle as well or at least point you in the right direction for assistance in making your special knife as good as new.
You can get all the information about their sales and service here: https://mathieusaw.com/ or you can call 783-9087 or email todd@mathieusaw.com
Another option for the handle replacement is to contact Dereck Glaser, administrative director/metalsmithing program director and resident blacksmith at New England School of Metalwork. You would have to drop the knife off at the school at 7 Albiston Way in Auburn. You can contact him at 777-3375 or at dglaser@newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com. Let us know how it goes!
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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