One of the gems you'll find in Central Orange County, California is a city named Orange. In a state rich in history, Orange remains one of its most preserved locals, shielding itself from the wear and tear of time. Originally founded in 1869, much of the original buildings and landmarks still stand, giving visitors and residents alike a glimpse into California's past.

Nowadays, a Burlington Ontario lawyer wouldn't expect to be paid for services with land, but thus is the origin of Orange, California. Lawyers Alfred Chapman and Andrew Glassell accepted 1,385 acres of land where the city stands today as payment for their services in a lawsuit settlement. Soon after, they built a one square mile town center, surrounded by ten miles of farmland. Today, the town center stands just as it did then, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Many of the original buildings have been restored, making the Old Towne center a site any Toronto architect would love to observe.

Though the name Orange might appear to come from the county it's situated in, the story of its naming is far more interesting. Originally named Richland, the town's bid for a post office was rejected in 1873, due to the fact another Richland was already established in Sacramento County. Needing a new name, Chapman and Glassell, along with two other men, chose the names Lemon, Orange, Olive, and Walnut. To decide, the gentlemen played a hand of poker to settle who got to name the town. Thanks to Glassell's talent for cards, locals were spared calling their town Olive.

Like many spots in California, the city experienced a population and economic boom from 1886-1888, during what many called the Orange Era. With agriculture to help keep the economy stable, Orange hit another boom in the 1950's, this time in the real estate market. Housing development continued through the 1970's, and though it has stabilized, the number of new Etobicoke decks continues to grow.

Today, Orange remains committed to its roots. With the second largest number of historic buildings in the state, as well as some of California's most well known antique stores, Orange continues to keep with tradition. A great example of this is the Orange International Street Fair, which has occurred every Labor Day weekend for over 100 years. Much like a fine quality notcher, some things just need never be replaced, like the Lewis Ainsworth House, Orange's oldest restored home museum. Having stood since 1910 when it was built by its namesake as a retirement home, it was bought by the city in 1975 and restored some time later. Like so many things in Orange, it stands in tribute to the past and reminds us that not all things must fade away.