Orange Historical Society let folks hold events in historic house

ORANGE – Did you know that the historic Bryan-Andrew House is available for use for special events?

The house can accommodate about 18 people seated at tables in the various rooms of the home, the parlor, the hall and the keeping room, all with working fireplaces, Orange Historical Society officials said. 

For the events, docents dressed in period costumes give tours of the home.  All food and beverages must be brought by the family or group using the house as no kitchen is currently available.

For information, including about rates, call 203 795-3106 and leave a message.  All calls will be returned.

Further, those interested in history and helping to keep the society going can visit The Academy Museum Antique and Gift Shop at 605 Orange Center Road,

 

The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturdays.

 

 

An example of the items displayed in the museum is a hand-painted postcard from the 1940s, society President Ginny Reinhard said. The Dutch postcard has a message on the back that says "our camp has fifty barracks like this there are two hundred men in one barrack.  The Germans invaded the Netherlands in May of 1940 despite their declaration of neutrality.”

The postcard (shown at right) is in the society’s collection, “which is highly prized to WWII collectors and postcard collectors as well.”

“We have an extensive collection of hand painted cards and cards from the 1900s,” she said. “The card was sent to the US Patent Office in Washington but no stamp or
postmark....a research into the post cards that look this date it 1940.”

 

Grapes, history and jam

The staff at the historic Stone-Otis House, over the years, has made grape jelly from the vine in back of the 1830 homestead, but this year, without any attention from the gardeners, the vine has flourished and found its way here and there, according to a release.

Recently, Jan Clarke and Orange Historical Society President Ginny Reinhard cut the grape clusters, which totaled more than 30 pounds, the greatest yield ever seen produced by the vine, the release said., Normally when making one jelly batch, 6 pints are produced. Each batch produced 10, 8 ounce jars, the release said.

“It is understood that Mr. Dennis Stone, planted the vine where it is located, using a letter to his nephews, Fred and Clark Stone, to send him some shoots as he had moved to Twelve Mile Creek in Kansas in the mid 1800's to help his son, Legrand start a community of New Haven families there,” the release said.

“Since Mrs. (Sarah) Stone had died earlier, we can assume that the grapes, in Kansas, would be for wine but…can imagine that while her children were growing up that she too made jelly, maybe even jam.”

Society members are “sure Mr. Stone would be very happy to know that the Orange Historical Society has kept his precious plant alive and well.  It has not been neglected over the years but this year, it did itself proud, all by itself,” the release said.

The Stone-Otis House will be open Oct. 3 and Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment by calling  203-795-3106.

Summer Historical American Girl Doll Camp in August

The Orange Historical Society will present a Summer Historical American Girl Doll Camp at the Stone-Otis House , 615 Orange Center Road, from 9:30 a.m. to noon August 17, 18 &
19.
The camp is for ages 7 to 12, the release said.
The camp will allow participants to "come join with Historical American Girls as they travel through American history," the release said, and read, write and create.
"Learn about their everyday lives by reading their stories, hear about when they
lived, write in your own journal, make crafts, play games from the doll's
time period and sample food from recipes they would have used." 
The cost is  $60 and includes project materials. Participants also may bring theirown American Girl Doll.  The camp is limited to 10 girls so make your reservations early by sending a check to Orange
Historical Society PO Box 784, Orange, 06477.

Orange Historical Society will be front and center at Strawberry Festival Saturday

ORANGE - The Orange Historical Society will be "on the road" again with participation  in the Orange Congregational Church Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on grounds of the High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, according to a release.

"All but the kitchen sink will be available at this wonderful event with the society adding to the festivities with their antiques and collectibles," the release said.

"In keeping with the day, the Church will present a Red Car and Truck event held in commemoration of the event.
Look for the red, white and blue antiques' and collectible table at the OHS
booth, the release.  For information call 203 795-3106.

Read more about the society's work.

Check out a video of some of the antiques and collectibles:

Orange Historical Society "Snow Storm Sale" prices continue

At the Orange Historical Society Antique Shop, "Snow Storm Sale" prices continue, organizers said in a release.
This means that any purchase, with a total of $10 or more "will receive 10% discount on that purchase," the release said.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday. The shop offers "unique antiques and
collectibles for that hard-to-buy-for friend or family member."
"If you didn't get what you wanted for the holidays stop by and buy yourself something from the OHS Antique Shop."
 For information call 203 795-3106. The store is located at 605 Orange Center Road, Orange. Editor's note:



All information in this post was contributed. The photo is an item really bought at the store!

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Orange Historical Society gift shop is open Saturdays for holiday shopping

ORANGE - The Orange Historical Society "is ready to present its holiday
collection of antiques and collectibles for the Christmas season:" at its Antique Museum, according to a release.
The shop, 615 Orange Center Road, is open each Saturday from 10 am. to 3 p,m. 
"Come visit the museum and shop for those hard to buy for friends and family. You are sure to find something for everyone," organizers said in trhe release
For information and directions to the shop call 203 795-3106.

Editor's note: All information contributed. Photo by Helen Bennett Harvey at the historic Stone-Otis House in Orange.

Orange Historical Society tag sale Saturday

The Orange Historical Society will hold its last tag sale of the season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at
the Academy Museum at 605 Orange Center Road.
"Combining it with the antique sale, the staff has priced a number of historical society items purchased for the Bryan-Andrew house which are no longer needed," organizers said in a statement.
Ironware, crocks and other items will be available as well as the items in the shop. For information call 203-795-3106.