Interesting Ballot box... on eBay

Hello Brethren and readers,

Today I have an item that presents a few questions. It is a ballot box with glass sides from a Masonic Lodge in the US. The ballot box is stated as being from the 1800's in the listing. To add to the mystery is a newspaper clipping on the bottom of the box with details of the officers of the lodge at that time. They are from Lotus Lodge. (In the eBay listing you can see the photo of the clipping and read it.)

So my questions are:
Is this really a ballot box? In my jurisdiction the ballot box is closed to keep the balloting secret. Could this have been for another purpose?
Does anyone know anytihng about Lotus Lodge? Is the lodge still operating? I can assume the ballot box or whatever it is is here because the lodge went into darkness but I'd be interested to find out.

So brethren let's do some research and see if we can get to the bottom of this Masonic Mystery. Comment here on anything you find out or your opinion on the box.

Here is the link to the listing:
Click here to see the ebay listing with photos

Solid Gold Masonic Dues Receipt Case

Today is an item that many of us would like to have. It implied we have enough time to belong to enough lodges that we need a case for all the dues receipts, which also implies we are paid up at all those lodges as well. Well maybe that's streatching it. But as a former chair of the finance committee of my mother lodge I encourage you to keep your dues paid-up. OK enough of the lecture...
This case would make a nice addition to a masonic collection. I don't see a lot of this item on e-Bay. It may also be handy for the few of you that belong to a handful of lodges and need to organize your dues cards in a nice manner, with some class. A gold case would do that for you.

Take a look and bid accordingly...
click here to see e-bay listing for the dues receipt case

Masonic Barong from Philipines for Sale - Very Interesting

I think I found something neat today. The other day I found kilts at a great price with choice of Masonic or clan accessories included in the price. Today it is a Filipino Barong. I looked at the listing and I couldn't believe the detail in the stitching. The masonic symbols, pillars, etc... and it looks like it would be very comfortable in a formal setting on a hot day. How many of us have wanted to increase the AC in the lodge room and you can not get it quite high enough on the hot days as the brethren sweat in their suits? Perhaps this is the answer? I've never worn one of these but perhaps I may have to check into this myself. If a Filipino brother can comment on the suitability of this item for lodge functions that would be great!!!

Interesting Masonic Barong (XL) on E-bay

E-Bay "Buy It Now" page for MASONIC ITEMS

A listing of current "BUY IT NOW" Masonic items for sale on E-bay. No Auctions... Get what you want now at THAT price!