CITY COLLECTION: O IS FOR ORANGE

O IS FOR ORANGE. There are four communities that border on each other in New Jersey. "ORANGE" is one of two that are cities.

I have a couple of badges from the City of Orange, but no recollection as to how I got so lucky to get them. I have two fine badges, only one is in the "City Display." First, as usual, I have to write something about the City.

I remember "Orange" quite well. The City is the size of a postage stamp, and is cut in half by Interstate 280. I'd like to say that this community is a quiet suburban town, but that would be a huge stretch of the imagination.

This City was a fun town: They had a bar on almost every corner. At one time Rheingold Brewery was located there - right next to the Interstate. The beer was decent, but the Miss Rheingold Contest's were better. Those are pleasant memories.

I guess it was a good 40 years ago that I visited some night spots in Orange. One joint was said to be frequented by "Two Ton" Tony Galento. He was a boxer and a colorful guy. In the 1940's, into the 50's, he reportedly owned a bar in this City. Later he was a bar tender and a community hero. He was still a legend in the 60's when I was just learning about "whiskey and women."

Galento fought Joe Louis, and boasted before the fight that: "I'll moider da bum." He became pretty famous for that line. He also became a legend for knocking Louis off his feet. Despite that famous knockdown, Galento lost the fight.

As a boxer he had a style that has been reported to make: "Mike Tyson look like Lord of the Princes." Tony Galento could have been the SWAT Team if he were a Cop. In the early 70's I believe Orange P.D. did have a cop that, alone, qualified as "The Swat Team." He taught self defense classes at the Essex County Police Academy. This brings me back to the badges from Orange in my City Collection.

Looking in the case where the majority of my "City Collection" is housed, there is an old traditional style "Officer's Badge" from Orange, N.J. It is in excellent condition, and carries the number 80 in the lower panel. The top panels are marked: "City of Orange" followed by "Police." I also have a Lieutenant's badge that is a real relic. This one is in pretty good condition. The paint in the letters is somewhat worn. The State Seal was placed in the center of the badge prior to plating. The overall finish is still very good.

As noted above I don't recall how I obtained these fine collectible badges. I am very happy to have them, along with some good memories relating to this City.