100 Years and Counting for Orchard's

It's not too often a business gets to celebrate 100 years of existence.

But, that's what did Wednesday night, when the town presented owner Fred Orchard Sr. with a proclamation, declaring November "Orchard's Auto Glass & Radiator Inc. Month," celebrating the Bank Street business' centennial.

Fred Orchard Sr., with wife Evelyn, and their pastor, Sean DeMoss and his wife Mary in tow, stood before the council room at Town Hall to receive the honor.

"This business has been around for 100 years. That's quite a feat," said Mayor Tim Dougherty, who presented them with the proclamation."It's quite an honor."

The family business, founded in 1911, is now in its fourth generation, with Fred Orchard Sr. and his son, Fred Orchard Jr., the primary owners. Fred Sr. took over the business in 1957, which has been at 51 Bank St. since 1941.

A visibly-moved Fred Orchard Sr. accepted the proclamation, wiping a couple of tears from his eyes.

"I was born in Morristown, raised in Morristown," Fred Orchard Sr. said. "I did move to Chester, but I am still here every day."

He told the audience the only time he left this area was to fight in the Korean War.

"You don't know how much of an honor this is, to hit this milestone," a smiling Fred Orchard Sr. said. "It doesn't happen too many times."

Following a standing ovation from the room, and handshakes from council members, Fred Orchard Sr. again thanked the town, mayor and council for bestowing him and his family the honor.

"I hope I'll be back in another 100 years," he said.