Orange

Orange is the easternmost town within Franklin County along its border with Worcester County. It lies on 36 square miles and is bordered by Royalston to the northeast, Athol to the southeast, New Salem to the south, Wendell to the southwest, a small portion of Erving to the west, and Warwick to the northwest. The Town of Orange owns and operates Orange Municipal Airport, a small air service airstrip which also serves as a flight training center and parachuting center. The population is approximately 7,839.

Attractions

Orange Historical Society, located at 41 North Main Street, is housed in a Victorian home and is furnished in that period. Included are a special children's room, military room and alumni room. Barn exhibits include a fire pumper, steam automobile (circa 1904) made in Orange by the Grout brothers and other industrial items. Open Sunday and Wednesday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm., June through September. Call (978) 544-2861 for further information.

Lake Mattawa is a popular swimming, boating and fishing spot on Holtshire Road. The lake is stocked with trout and salmon and has a beach and a boat ramp.

Peace Statue is in Orange Memorial Park on South Main Street. It depicts a veteran soldier from World War I explaining to a child the futility of war. The 12-foot statue, sculted by Joseph Pollia of New York, was unveiled in 1934. It is dedicated to the residents of Orange who served in the war. A bronze plaque at the base reads: "It Shall Not Be Again."

Starry, Starry Night, by Orange Revitalization Partnership(ORP), is a free regional New Year's Eve celebration. For more information about both, go to
orangerevitalizationpartnership

The River Rat Race is held the second weekend in April.

The North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is held in late September at Forster's Farm located at 60 Chestnut Hill Road.

For more information, visit the Orange Home Page