ORANGE

Population 19,701

Altitude 20

General

Texas' easternmost city on the Sabine River boundary with Louisiana; established 1836, the year of Texas' independence. Named for landmark of wild orange groves on banks of the Sabine, as cited by early French and Spanish boatmen. Today Orange is both a recreational and industrial portal to Texas. Abundant fresh and saltwater fishing; hunting and bird watching in vast coastal marshes.

A walking tour map of downtown, available from the chamber of commerce at 1012 Green Ave., visits such sites as the central fire station where an antique fire engine and fire fighting memorabilia are displayed, plus other historic or interesting structures. The First Presbyterian Church with its opalescent glass dome and stained glass windows is worth visiting. Its modified Greek Revival architecture is striking. The exterior is native Texas pink granite; lampposts are bronze, Napoleonic Second Empire Period. At 902 W. Green Ave.

BROWN CENTER OF LAMAR UNIV., THE

CHEMICAL ROW

COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

FARMER'S MERCANTILE

HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM

LUTCHER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

PINEY WOODS COUNTRY WINES

PORT OF ORANGE

RAINBOW AND VETERANS BRIDGE

VETERAN'S BRIDGE

STARK MUSEUM OF ART

SUPER GATOR AIRBOAT TOUR

TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER

W. H. STARK HOUSE

Attractions

• BROWN CENTER OF LAMAR UNIV., THE-Built as family residence for oilman Edgar Brown, whose wife wanted a Southern Plantation house like "Linden" in Natchitoches, LA. Brown re-created the house where the family resided. The property was given to Lamar Univ. by the Brown family where it is used as a conference center today. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Group tours by appointment only.) 4205 Park Ave. Admission.
• CHEMICAL ROW-Miles long complex of modern plants producing myriad products derived from petroleum. An impressive drive day or night on F.M. 1006 south and southwest.
• COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE-Excellent 200 seat little theater with several productions a year; summer children's theater. Inquire locally for schedule. 700 Division St.
• FARMER'S MERCANTILE-Fabulous browsing among incredible variety of farm, ranch, and agricultural items on display, from horse collars and 19th Century cream crocks to modern hybrid seeds and pH soil testers; 6th and Division Sts.
• HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM-Large, rambling, two story structure built as home in 1902; listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Changing historical exhibits plus authentic room settings with period furnishings. Open Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Closed holidays. 905 W. Division St. Admission.
• LUTCHER THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS-The 1,500 seat theater of spectacular modern design showcases concerts, musical comedies, opera and drama. Inquire locally for current schedule; 7th and Front Sts. downtown.
• PINEY WOODS COUNTRY WINES-Specializing in wines from locally grown fruits, berries, and Muscadine grapes, takes name from location in the piney woods. The winery is set among parklike woods, orchards, and vineyards. Usually open for tastings year round Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Sun 1:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. (Some weekend and vacation closings, call ahead for confirmation 409/883-5408) Group tours by appointment only.
• PORT OF ORANGE-Deep-water terminal 42 miles inland at junction of Sabine-Neches and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Port not open to casual visitors, but views available along Border St. from downtown.
• RAINBOW AND VETERANS BRIDGE-A high, graceful arc on Texas 87 spans the Neches River joining Orange and Bridge City on the north with Port Arthur to the south. The two-lane, vintage Rainbow Bridge, completed 1938, spans salt marshes and industrial river channel for 1.5 miles including approaches. The bridge's 177-foot clearance height resulted from requirement that any U.S. Navy ship could pass under; tallest ship of the Navy's 1938 fleet was a dirigible tender than never sailed up the Neches.
• VETERAN'S BRIDGE was completed in 1991; with 143 foot navigation clearance, it is first cable-stayed bridge on Texas highways. Park at south end has playground, picnicking, and good view of bridge and ships in the intracoastal waters.
• STARK MUSEUM OF ART-Facility created to showcase outstanding collections. Changing exhibits plus paintings of Taos School of New Mexico, work of Audobon, Remington bronzes, Steuben crystal, porcelain sculpture, Indian art and artifacts. Open Wed.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Closed holidays. 712 Green Ave.
• SUPER GATOR AIRBOAT TOUR-Travel through the beauty of the swamplands with giant cypress trees, Spanish moss, swamp flowers, and birdlife. Minimums apply. Tours available May-September 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 106 E. Lutcher; 409/883-7725
• TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER-One of the centers provided by state at key highway entrances to Texas, in State Capitol and at Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Operated daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Staffed by uniformed, trained travel counselors, services free to all visitors include information, maps, literature about every part of state and expert help in charting routes. At Texas-Louisiana state line, I-10 three miles northeast of downtown; operated by Texas Department of Transportation.
• W. H. STARK HOUSE-Opened in 1981 after 10 year restoration, the 15 room, 1894 Victorian mansion is a distinctive example of the era's architectural elegance. Period furnishings accented by displays of superb cut glass, rare porcelains, imported bronzes, and Oriental antiques. Visitation by tour only (includes stair climbing); reservations advisable. Tours start at carriage house; no children under 14; each child 14 and over the responsibility of one adult. Tours Tues.-Sat. at 10, 11, & 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, & 3 p.m. 610 W. Main St. at Stark Civic Complex. Admission.

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