FORMER ORANGE RESIDENT PAUL MATTINGLY TO HAVE BOOK SIGNING AT DEPOT

Paul Mattingly, who spent his young years in Orange, will be introducing and signing his new book, From Orange to Singapore: A Shipyard Builds a Legacy, on Saturday, June 3, 2-4PM, at the Orange Train Depot Museum, 1210 Green Avenue.

At the beginning of World War II, Paul moved with his family from Houston to Orange when his father became CFO of Levingston Shipbuilding Company. His book centers on the can-do spirit that combined human ingenuity and hard work that was the culture of Levingston. Visitors who arrive at 2PM will be treated to a 15-minute journey through the book by the author.

Mattingly spent four years researching for the book and what he uncovered were many fascinating stories about the founders and the people who worked for Levingston who turned this small company into a renowned shipbuilding firm in the small town of Orange.

Founded in 1930, Levingston Shipbuilding Company soon established itself as the leading builder of ocean tugs in World War II. Later the company went on to become one of the first shipbuilding companies involved in offshore drilling. Expanding upon their success, Levingston established Keppel (FELS) in Singapore in 1968, which became the world leader in offshore drilling vessels. In the book, Mattingly includes the story of one of Levingston’s greatest achievements: the Glomar Challenger, the scientific drillship launched in 1968 which proved to be a significant milestone in the growing science of oceanography.

Mattingly was a student at St. Mary’s School in Orange through the eighth grade before returning to Houston, where he eventually received his BS in Business from University of Houston. Later he took over leadership of Marine and Petroleum Manufacturing, Inc., a company his father founded after leaving Levingston. He currently resides in Houston with his wife of 52 years, Carole.

Because he is a champion of the mission of the Friends of the Orange Depot, he is donating his book sales at this event to the organization. The Orange Train Depot Museum will spotlight the shipbuilding industry in one of its exhibits.

Mattingly encourages all of those who did or currently are working for that industry to please come and share memories, even photographs.

The book signing is free to the public. Light refreshments will be served.