The Town of Orange Draws Seniors

Orange, Connecticut with a population of just under 14,000, is a desirable town in which to live. In Orange, seniors find an admirable school system, a plethora of community services and easy access to urban areas of Connecticut via Routes 1, 15, 34 and I-95, all of which cross Orange. So you can’t miss it.

The rolling hills which make up the 17.6 square miles of Orange, located just west of New Haven, were once owned by the Paugusset Indians. In 1639, the Rev. Peter Prudden purchased the land from the Indians for six coats, ten blankets, one kettle, twelve hatchets, twelve hoes, two dozen knives and a dozen small mirrors.

Orange remained a simple farming community until the mid-1940′s when postwar residential construction began. Orange has develop into an open, well-planned residential community which retains the New England simplicity of which the residents are proud.

Seniors Enjoy A Town Of National Historic Sites

How much did Peter Minuyt  pay the Native American Indians for Manhattan in 1626? If I recall my history, sixty guilders ($24) worth of beads and trinkets. Such a deal. Like many communities on the east coast, the town is named after someone from England. In this case William II, who was Prince of Orange.

As you probably know by now, this senior is big on National Historic Sites and Orange has its share.  Orange has its traditions that include its rural roots at the annual Orange Country Fair.

This event originally ran from 1898 to 1912 and was revived in 1975. It has continued since then featuring horse, oxen and tractor pulls as well as exhibits of animals, flowers, fruits, vegetables and baked goods.

In early August, the town also promotes the Orange Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival. Both annual events are held at the fairgrounds at High Plains Community Center near the center of town. The Orange Historical Society is a great place to learn all about the foundations of the community.

 Seniors, Do You Like PEZ?

The folks at TripAdvisor would like senior visitors to Orange to be aware of the PEZ Visitor Center at 35 Prindle Hill Road. PEZ was first marketed as a compressed peppermint candy over 83 years ago in Vienna, Austria. The name PEZ was derived from the German word for peppermint… PfeffErminZ. Today, over 3 billion PEZ Candies are consumed annually in the U.S.A. alone. Do you like PEZ?

Bear & Grill evokes images of a bygone era of the great camps and lodges of the Adirondacks. Orange Ale House features an ever-changing selection of bottled and draught beers  to choose from.

The Grassy Hill Country Club would be a fine place for senior golfers to play a round or two. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Connecticut, the course features a challenging and scenic 18-hole, championship course.  Enjoy Orange, okay? -jeb