Brockton; first settled in 1700; was originally a part of Old Bridgewater; known as North Parish and later as North Bridgewater. On April 9; 1881; it officially became the City of Brockton. During the Civil War; Brockton was the largest producer of shoes in the country; earning it the nickname �Shoe City.� As a growing industrial center; Brockton had the proud honor of being first in the world and nation in many ways. On October 1; 1883; the city became the first in the world to have a three-wire underground electrical system; initially turned on by Thomas Edison. In 1884; the Central Fire Station became the first electrically operated fire station in the country. In 1894; the City Theater had the distinction of being the first in the world tied to a three-wire underground system. In 1890; Col. James Edgar; owner of Edgar�s Department Store; donned a Santa Claus outfit; becoming the first department store likeness of the jolly old man. Brockton is also known as the �City of Champions;� being the hometown of boxing greats Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
#2082261 in eBooks 2009-07-13 2009-07-13File Name: B0093OEMP8
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