At a dance hall in Prospect, back during the Depression, Barry Kane was “the best dancer anywhere around.” Just ask Virgie.

Thanks to Karen Saum, who wrote up the dance hall story of Virgie Alley Betts – a woman you may know from the years she ran the craft store at H.O.M.E. Inc. in Orland, these memories are in the winter-spring issue of Narramissic Notebook.

There are nice pictures accompanying the little story, as there are for “Stories Told By Her Sister,” based on the writings of Frances Bray after the recent death of her sister, Cleo Mildred Bray Noonan. The women were two of six children of Joe and Wilma (Snowman) Bray.

The magazine also contains poetry by familiar authors such as Clarine Coffin Grenfell and Patricia Smith Ranzoni, information on local historical societies, and a wonderful photograph of basketball players and cheerleaders from Orland Consolidated School in 1960. There’s also one of those grand snow pictures, in this case of the First National grocery story on Main Street in Bucksport, in the 1940s.

Individual issues are $2.50. For ordering information, write Sharon Bray, editor, at Narramissic Notebook Project, P.O. Box 106, Orland, ME 04472; call 469-7308; or e-mail narramissicnotebook@yahoo.com.

Alice Beal wrote to say that the Milbridge Cemetery Book was ready to go to press. Diana Hutchins Bartlett has been putting the finishing touches on it. The pre-publishing price is $25, plus $4 shipping and handling on the first book, $2 extra shipping for each additional book ordered. Maine residents should also add $1.25 sales tax on each book. After publishing, the cost will be $30 plus shipping.

Make checks out to Milbridge Historical Society and send them to P.O. Box 194, Milbridge, ME 04658.

In February we told you about Sandra Wintle Blaney’s new book, “Entering Ripley.” Blaney sold out the books she had, but has now printed more. The price is still $21 plus $3 shipping, and you may order from Sandra Wintle Blaney, 98 Deer Run Lane, Ripley, ME 04930. You may e-mail her at ripleypd@kynd.net.

3231. BRIDGES-BAYLEY-CRAFT. Seeking info on parents of Jane Bridges, b. Sept. 1, 1806, New Brunswick, d. May 11, 1861, buried Alexander. Md. Nathaniel Bayley, son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Jane (Craft) Bayley. Elizabeth b. Nov. 4, 1829, New Brunswick, no death record for her or husband Nathaniel, b. 1827, md. March 20, 1841. Clues for Elizabeth Jane Craft Bayley may be in the names given her four Bayley children: Jacob Bridges, Elizabeth Stoddard, Mary Libby, Eliza Ellen. Connee Jellison, 80 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609.

3232. QUIGLEY-MCKNIGHT-MCKAUGHIN. Seeking information on Micheal or Micheal T. Quigley, my great-grandfather. It appears he md. a Gerusha McKnight or McKaughin from the Fort Kent area, May 15, 1856. He was from Londonderry, Ireland. No idea whether he came alone or had siblings. Any information appreciated. Lilly Bryson, 850 Walker St., Grand Falls, New Brunswick E3Z 1A4; or send e-mail to Lbryson@nb.sympatico, ca.

3233. OAKES-HODGDON-BLAISDELL. Searching for parents of Joseph Oakes, b. Sept. 28, 1815, town of Hancock; d. July 22, 1881, Brewer. He md. Margaret H. Hodgdon of Nobleboro. Their children: George Harrison Oakes, Joseph Dudley Oakes, Sophia Oakes, Clara A.C. Oakes. Atherton Oakes was b. May 30, 1765, d. May 19, 1842, Brewer. He lived in or near Hancock in 1815, sold his land to Joseph in 1842. Atherton and second wife Hannah (Blaisdell) are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Brewer, as are Joseph and some of his family. I suspect that Atherton and Hannah are Joseph’s parents, but would like proof of relationship. Mary Mossman, 60 Montgomery St., Bangor, ME 04401; MaryHSSC@yahoo.com.

3234. BOUCHARD-COTE-CYR-DAIGLE-DOUCETTE-MICHAUD-PARENT-PELLETIER. Looking for family books for the following families: Bouchard, Cote, Cyr, Daigle, Doucette, Michaud, Parent, Pelletier. If you know where I can buy them of if you have one for sale, write Robert L. Rossignol, 52 Frances St. Side Apt., Auburn, N.Y. 13021-4120. E-mail rlrossignol@adelphia.net.

Send genealogy queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or send e-mail to familyti@bangordailynews.net.