The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Tickets are on sale now for the event of the season, "Boarding pass to save the Depot", presented by the Friends of the Orange Depot, at the Brown Estate, 4205 W. Park Avenue in Orange, Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:00-9:00 PM. Because the event is being underwritten by a generous volunteer, every $25 ticket is a donation to that non-profit organization.

Tickets are available by calling 883-5427, dropping by Lookin Good Salon at 3711 N. 16^th St., or from 40 volunteers working with Friends who will circulate around town. Every tax deductible donation will be used to renovate the Southern Pacific Depot located at the entry of the historic district of Orange, which has been in a state of disrepair for years. Everyone who contributes can take pride in saving the train station, which played such an important part in the city’s history.

On Nov. 20, guests will be welcomed by Chief Conductors Brown Claybar and Michael Hoke and ushered into a beautiful dining room for hors d’oeuvres and wine and beer. They will be surprised by a sparkling Christmas scene in another room, learn about the plans for the Depot from architects Rob Clark and Nina Rivers of Architectural Alliance, Inc., of Beaumont. Then, they will be entertained by performers from the Orange Community Players before the program begins.

Co-chairmen Rose Simar and Pam Stelly announced that the evening will be in honor of Dr. Howard P. Williams, historian of Orange and local physician. Dr. Williams has written books on the history of Orange, namely the Gateway to Orange.

Following a showcase of the plans of the Depot museum, guests will enjoy bidding for very special items presented in a live auction, and throughout the evening, free raffle items, donated by local citizens, will be announced.

According to the chairmen, this event was planned to include all Orange area citizens, a “grass roots” effort to get everyone “on board” and excited about the project to preserve a very visible icon downtown.

Photo: Volunteers of Friends of the Orange Depot have their boarding passes ready for the exciting party on Nov. 20, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, at the Brown Estate. Left, from bottom to top are Karen McKinney, Carol Sims, Rose Simar, George Bohn, and June Baker. On the right are Rose Tarver, Bill Simar, Susan Quigley, Rebecca Flickinger and Dave Derosier.