Any suggestions?  Perhaps the lantern simply illuminated the doorway.

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "William E. Allison" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: February 7, 2005 11:19:15 PM EST
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Fw: IOGT website RE:
>
> Dear Mr. Fahey:
> I sent this message to the IOGT some time ago and they replied today,  
> that they had no record of such an item, or a lodge in the Havana, IL 
> area.  They did, however give me your name and told me you had written 
> books on the Good Templars. 
>  A retired teacher friend of mine looked up your name and came up with 
> this address.  I wonder if you know anything about this lodge.  I am 
> attempting to forward you the e-mail I sent to them on the subject.  
> Perhaps if you have time you could tell me what you know about the 
> item, or the lodge.  Thank you very much for your time.
>  
> respectfully,
>   
> William E. Allison
> [log in to unmask]
>  
> ----- Original Message -----
>  From: William E. Allison
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 9:37 PM
> Subject: IOGT website RE:
>
> I am seeking information on an object I found in a building we just 
> purchased in Havana, Illinois.  While checking the attic, I came upon 
> a three sided box with glass on two of the sides.  It has a metal 
> chimney on the top and was apparently lighted by a candle or a lamp.  
> I suspect it hung on the front of the building  some time ago.  
> Looking down on it from the top, it is triangular in shape.  One of 
> the glass sides is on hinges, and it opens to insert the lamp. (or 
> candle) I suspect.  On one side it has Havana, Illinois, Lodge 259 
> I.O.G.T. painted in red on the outside of the glass.  On the door side 
> it has I.O.G.T  Hall painted in black on the inside. I never measured 
> it but it is probably 16" Tall and each side is probably at least a 
> foot wide.  It is made of wood.  Probably hand made from the looks of 
> it. 
>  The Masonic Lodge in Havana used to own the building, and we thought 
> It might have something to do with them,  but one of the members 
> looked at it yesterday and called me later to give me your web site.  
> They did not think they had any connection with it.  We are probably 
> talking something from the late 1800's or early 1900's. 
>  I would appreciate any information you could give me.  We really 
> would like to find out what it is. 
>  Thank you very much for your time.  Our address is:
>  
> Allison's mini mall
> 228 W. Main Street
> Havana, IL 62644
>  
> E-mail [log in to unmask]
>  
> Respectfully.
>  
> William E. Allison