Mrs. Bessie Orphan at the dessert counter in the WIE Shop, Photo Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun, (Unknown Date).
Bessie Orphan
November 19, 1911 – December 16, 1990
Bessie Faye Fletcher Orphan was born on November 19, 1911, in Princeton, West Virginia. Affectionately known as Mrs. Orphan, she was a well-known figure at the Exchange’s consignment shop. From February to April 1974, she was splitting part-time work at the shop as a volunteer 2 hours each week and paid work three days a week. In April of 1974, she was gifted a locket by the board of managers for her dedication to the job. In May of 1975, Bessie’s son, Hercules, rented an apartment at the Exchange building for $75.
Bessie was married to Peter A. Orphan and had sons Hercules, Theodore V. Orphan, Hugh Orphan, and James A. Fletcher. Bessie died on December 16, 1990, at 79 years old.
Sources:
“Bessie Faye Fletcher Orphan.” FindaGrave.
“Mrs. Orphan.” Painting by Christy Bergland.
“Orphan, Hercules.” Baltimore Sun, February 5, 1993.
“Woman’s Industrial Exchange Meeting of the Board of Managers.” WIE Archives, May 13, 1975.
Mrs. Orphan, Painting by Christy Bergland, used with permission of the artist