Views and multiple tables

I have an environment where I want to have current information stored in one table ( e.g. orders ) and historical information stored in another ( hist_orders ). The tables are identical in structure. Can I create a view that will allow me to give users access to both tables at the same time ( i.e. union ). The Informix manuals say I can do this ( i.e. a select statement that performs the equivalent of a union ), but I am not sure how or if this is possible. Thanks for any help. Harry Lynch harry@hpdmm43.boi.hp.com