ANSWER: Over the years, the Sun Journal has published several accounts on this topic of interest to many. From an article written by staff writer David Anderson and published in 1991 comes this report:

Digs conducted by archaeologists have uncovered Indian campsites along the Androscoggin River above the dams in Auburn and Turner. The most likely downtown locality for interesting archaeological finds is Laurel Hill in Auburn, the high ground near the junction of the Androscoggin and Little Androscoggin rivers.

The Pennacook leader Worumbo established a stockaded village here in 1680, which may have been the largest pre-European settlement in the area.

Worumbo’s people were refugees from New Hampshire looking for security from Iroquois and English raids. The location was primarily strategic, although they had cornfields here.

In a well-documented historical incident, Worumbo’s “fort” fell to a surprise English attack in September 1690, led by Major Benjamin Church.

Most of the men were away at the time, but 20 Pennacooks were killed in the attack, according to Church’s report. Eleven women were captured, and several English prisoners liberated. The captive women were then killed, except for the wives of Worumbo and another sachem, (or chief), who were spared to be exchanged for English prisoners. The settlement was burned.

When ground was being leveled for the houses on Laurel Avenue, according to the Lewiston Journal of Feb. 23, 1861, pieces of charred wood and a large number of human bones were found.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Canton Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary’s third annual Wreath Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28 and 29, and Dec. 5 and 6. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. We are in need of donated wreaths for this event. To donate a wreath, contact Linda at 207-597-2929; Sherri at 207-597-2938; Katie at 207-713-6569; Donna at 297-2272; or Marsha at 207-597-2109. Bring in a non-perishable item for the food pantry and get a free raffle ticket. Thank you. — Donna Hebert.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last winter my husband and I played pickleball in Florida. It was a great way to get some exercise, meet people and have fun. Now that fall is here and we are less active outside, we’re hoping to find a place for us beginners to play in the L/A area. Do you know of any such places? Thank you for being such a valuable resource. — Jane N. of Peru.

ANSWER: The Lewiston and Auburn recreation departments offer indoor pickleball at the Lewiston Armory at 65 Central Avenue and the Hasty Community Center, 48 Pettengill Park Road in Auburn. The Lewiston website states: “Pickleball is traditionally played on a badminton-sized court with special paddles, made of wood. The ball used is similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller. The lower net and wiffle ball allow the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.” These games are for those 40 years old and up. The cost is $2 for L/A residents; $3 for non residents. No need to sign up, simply show up.

Also, the YMCA at 62 Turner Street in Auburn has pickleball for adults ages 45 and up on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. in the gym. Equipment is provided.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. 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 be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.

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