Orange Historical Society

The Orange Historical Society is housed in the former home of local businessman, Stephen French. It was built in 1866-1867. Mr. French’s daughter Grace Weymouth was the original curator of the Orange Historical Society. Collections were housed in the basement of the library until the flood of 1936. Grace and her husband moved the salvageable items from the library to their home. She opened her home to the public to exhibit the artifacts. In 1942, the Orange Historical Society was chartered and purchased the house by paying off the mortgage of approximately $4,000, with the stipulation that Grace could live in the house until her death, which she did. The Orange Historical Society is located at 41 North Main Street, Orange, MA, and showcase an abundance of wonderful historical artifacts.  

One of the Grout Automobiles that are housed at the Orange Historical Society. Grout Brothers was a manufacturer of steam-powered automobiles in Orange, Massachusetts. The three brothers, Carl, Fred and C.B. were set up in business by their father William H. Grout who had made sewing machines under the New Home name in partnership with Thomas H. White. The early cars were sold under the New Home name.  The Grout name debut on autos in 1899.

The Grout assembly plant in Orange, MA was still standing in 2009 and was also home to Minute Tapioca Company and since 1977, has been the corporate offices of Pete’s Tire Barns, Inc. The initial structure is still intact with additions on the sides of the back of the building. Over the years, Pete’s Tire Barns has uncovered artifacts from the manufacturing facility including wheels, tires, etc.