MARCH 16 ISSUE ANSWERS (photo to right): This metal object is a type of auxiliary heater that uses a kerosene fuel. It works on the same principle as an oil lamp. The light curved areas in front is isinglass, or mica, so the level of the flame could be adjusted to regulate the heat. Flat irons are placed on top to warm them when ironing clothes. There are places for two irons, so no need to wait for a solitary iron to heat up, just grab one and keep ironing. A resourceful housewife might take it outside to iron in a shady spot on a hot day. It could be useful as a space heater to warm up a small area in a cold room; or put a pot of stew on top and make a dinner on a hot summer day without firing up the big kitchen stove, heating up the entire house. To have such a versatile device, any housewife would be the envy of all her friends. This is part of the Church Street Museum’s display on “Romeo Before Electricity.” Gloria Billo, Romeo Historical Society staff