Pitcher Park: A Slice of Orange's Past

Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood of Old Towne Orange, Pitcher Park provides a serene escape and a unique look into the city's past. The park, located at the intersection of Cambridge and Almond, occupies what was once the home and farm of the Pitcher family, who donated their land to the city in the late 1980s. The park officially opened in 1992. Visitors can explore the park's charming features, including a replica of the Pitcher family's barn, which now houses a Fire Museum displaying firefighting memorabilia and artifacts from Orange's agricultural days. The park also boasts a restored honey house, a nod to the Pitcher family's beekeeping endeavors. The Orange County Beekeepers Association sometimes uses the honey house to process honey. Adding to the park's appeal are the numerous fruit trees scattered throughout the grounds, remnants of the Pitcher family's original orchards. These include avocado, fig, persimmon, banana, and orange trees, offering a delightful sensory experience. A particularly notable feature is the large avocado tree at the southwest corner. The park also has old-style street lamps and stone tables with checkerboards. Pitcher Park is a great spot for locals to enjoy.