The Town of Orangeville has a colourful, exciting past - a history being documented in book form for the first time. From the early days of the Irish pioneers escaping the political problems of Ireland to the present influx of new residents fleeing the pressures of cities, Orangeville has been a town that has adapted well to change, always ready for new ideas. The strength of the community has been the people who have chosen to live there and who have left us interesting traces of their lives and the times. Much of the material used to research this book comes from newspapers, diaries, letters and other first-person documents, and archival photographs. Wherever possible, original quotes and stories in the language of the residents of the town appear throughout this history.

The story of Orangeville and its surrounding area starts with the story of the Credit River, which rises within the town limits and maintains its presence as the town enters the 21st century. Brimming with stories never before heard, the pages are filled with humour, sadness and the range of emotions characteristic of a small Ontario town. For some the book will awaken memories; for others, it will introduce them to the community where they have chosen to live.