Page 76 - Demo

74Orange County HomeThere it was, amid corn fields and woods%u2014the former Orange County Home. A spunky fellow in his mid-70s, walking with a cane, answered the knock, and offered to show John and me around. %u201cI%u2019m a bit slow since my back went out of adjustment, but I%u2019d be glad to take you through.%u201d He was Bill White, originally from Massachusetts, but he%u2019d lived in these parts for a very long time. Our tour began in the central section, which Bill had made into comfortable living quarters for he, his wife, and young son. Pictorial reference books, on every topic imaginable, were stacked here and there. After picking up a few, he glowed as he leafed through Technicolor illustrations of constellations, dinosaurs, and more. After lovingly setting each down, he led us on.We went outside, then entered the Home%u2019s west wing. This had been a second-hand clothing store run by his wife, but the business had closed. Amid racks of pre-owned jeans and other garments, Bill looked at us, %u201cWas this what you%u2019d like to see?%u201d %u201cActually,%u201d John answered, %u201cwe%u2019d prefer something a bit rougher.%u201d Amused, Bill nodded, and led on.Back in the central section, Bill pushed open a door to a room at the rear of the kitchen. Once inside, we were taken aback by the soaring space. Years ago, Bill had removed the upper floor, so his kids could shoot baskets and jump on their trampoline indoors. John took a few photos, then inquired if there was still rougher terrain. %u201cSo, it%u2019s chipped woodwork and peeling paint you%u2019re looking for,%u201d replied Bill, with a twinkle in his eye.To our delight, upon entering the east wing, we found what we were looking for%u2014here, little had been done since the County moved out. As was to be expected, there was dust, fallen ceiling plaster, places where the flooring had become soft and dark from roof leaks, and missing window panes. However, despite all that, the basic structure was remarkably solid.As John set up his camera, Bill filled me in on a brief history of the place. It had been erected in 1913, on the very spot where its predecessor had burned to the ground. In this %u201cnew%u201d Home, each indigent resident was assigned a small, sparsely furnished room, equipped with a tiny stove, which they had to tend themselves. Walls were unplastered brick, and the trim was basic. In stark contrast, the superintendent%u2019s family lived in comparable luxury in the rooms where Bill and his family now resided. Next, we stepped outside, and walked around back. Bill raised his arm and pointed. %u201cOut in those fields,%u201d he said solemnly, %u201cthere used to be a small building for folks who were hopelessly ill. Nothing left there now, but that%u2019s where they put the diseased unfortunates, to isolate them from the rest of the residents.%u201dThen, with a hopeful look, Bill turned to us, %u201cI%u2019d like to sell this place and move to Florida. I%u2019ve already had one offer, but it wasn%u2019t high enough. I%u2019m patient though. I know the right person will come along.%u201d As we left, we sincerely hoped his Sunshine State dream would soon come true.Orange County Home, 1913%u2014Orange Co. (240.07)