Here’s Sandi’s review of the tour. To take it, just head to the cemetery and look for the red flags. You’ll find a bunch of them with small placards telling you about the person on the monument. For more Town events, see the calendar.
In 1864 Henry Brock enlisted for the Civil War, 5th NH Volunteer Infantry. He gave his age as 21, though he was actually only 16. The war was too much for him to handle and two months later he deserted—assuming the alias of George Greenwood and walking on foot back to his home in Orange. Back home, he would marry and have six kids; all would attend the District 7 one-room school house –the same one Henry had attended as a child.
This is just one of the many extraordinary stories from the self-guided cemetery tour of the colorful residents who lived in Orange in years past. There is the single woman homesteader who ran a store from her home, raised poultry, and served as our first librarian. The folks who owned the first radio in town, and the fellow who owned the first car. The woman suffragette banjo player. The potter whose wares were made from the clay in Orange Brook, who ran a tavern in town and had a license to sell “spiritous liquors.”
And so much more! I highly recommend the self-guided cemetery tour. This was made possible by the tireless work of Gary Hamel and Bob and Sharon Proulx and presented by the Orange Historical Commission as part of the series of programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of our charter.
They are currently working on a self-guided history tour of the town. Stayed tuned for details.