By Priscilla Searles
Workmen in the 1920s prepare to load a woodshed in Orange with fresh cut logs. Photo courtesy of the Doris Russell collection.
Winter is finally behind us, along with the high heating bills. For those of us who were supplementing those bills by burning wood, rest the saw, rest the ax, park the plow and get the outdoor furniture ready for the season.
For most of us, burning wood is a choice; we can survive without it. But this 1920s photo reminds us that 100 years ago wood logs were mandatory for survival. These two workmen are preparing to load the woodshed with fresh cut logs. And when you remember that they had to do it without a chain saw, well, it gives you a whole new appreciation as to how lucky we are. Note also the outhouse located next to the woodshed.
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.