The Town of Orangeville has a colourful, exciting past - a history being
documented in book form for the first time. From the early days of the
Irish pioneers escaping the political problems of Ireland to the present
influx of new residents fleeing the pressures of cities, Orangeville has
been a town that has adapted well to change, always ready for new ideas.
The strength of the community has been the people who have chosen to
live there and who have left us interesting traces of their lives and
the times. Much of the material used to research this book comes from
newspapers, diaries, letters and other first-person documents, and
archival photographs. Wherever possible, original quotes and stories in
the language of the residents of the town appear throughout this
history.
The story of Orangeville and its surrounding area starts with the story
of the Credit River, which rises within the town limits and maintains
its presence as the town enters the 21st century. Brimming with stories
never before heard, the pages are filled with humour, sadness and the
range of emotions characteristic of a small Ontario town. For some the
book will awaken memories; for others, it will introduce them to the
community where they have chosen to live.