Regaining Bits of Overlooked History

Every now and then, we are able to accept donations that belong to an often overlooked portion of local history, our Black-owned business community. There is a quaint looking building on Short Street across from the train depot and railroad tracks that used to be home to Matthews Taxi, then Coleman's Taxi services; both businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs. Native and life-long resident of Orange, 91 year old Mr. George Long confirmed this information recently. "D.C." are the initials believed to have been Mr. Matthews and I am researching further to try to get his story. The "Matthews TaxI" sign was still affixed on the Short Street building when purchased and then renovated by Paul Viarengo; it has been in his custody until he donated it to the museum on December 2, 2020. It appears that the sign may have had neon gas tubing at some point.