By Priscilla Searles
Children participated in Orange’s sesquicentennial in 1972 by dressing up in vintage costumes. Photos courtesy of Priscilla Searles.
Looking back to Orange’s sesquicentennial celebration is apparently a temptation I can’t resist…especially when it involves “little people.” First Selectman Ralph Capecelatro held court over what I remember as a parade of babies, toddlers and preschoolers. If he had to pick a winner, he certainly earned his pay that day. Frankly, I don’t remember if it was a contest or just a wonderful parade. Participants showed up in vintage carriages and strollers of every description, wagons and other vehicles I can’t describe. The costumes were extremely creative, thanks to mothers with a lot of imagination. Pictured are just two of my favorites.
If you have a vintage photo of Orange and are willing to loan it to Town Historian Priscilla Searles, contact her at publisher@theorangetimes.com. All photos on loan will be scanned, with the scan becoming the property of the Orange Historical Society. Originals will be returned to the owner.
Priscilla Searles is the Orange town historian.