James Edgar (entrepreneur)
Encyclopedia
James Edgar was a businessman who has been credited with being the one who first came up with the idea of dressing up as Santa Claus
for Christmas
. He started the tradition in 1890 in his Brockton, Massachusetts
, department store.
. Within days, children from as far as Boston
and Providence
came by train to see Edgar. He initially hung around his department store, but over the years, he was known to walk around the streets of Brockton. In addition to dressing up as Santa, he also dressed up as a variety of other figures including, George Washington
, a sportsman in a cricket uniform, a sea captain, a clown, and as an Indian “Big Chief”. He was also known in town for his progressive ideas. His store was the first in the city to have electric light
s and cash register
s. He also instituted the Edgar Layaway Plan. In 1906, he built the James Edgar Building.
Although he might be best remembered for dressing up as Santa, he was also known for the sharing of his good fortune. He also helped to pay for children's medical care and he also offered jobs to youths in need.
In 1904, Edgar suffered a stroke which partially paralyzed him. He died in Lakeville, Massachusetts
, in 1909.
Years after his death, a city park was named after him. In 2008, a plaque was placed at the corner of Main and Centre streets noting Edgar's achievements. John Merian, the president of the Downtown Brockton Association, believes that Brockton should be revived and styled as a Christmas
town, similar to North Pole, Alaska
, and other Christmas themed locations.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
for Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
. He started the tradition in 1890 in his Brockton, Massachusetts
Brockton, Massachusetts
Brockton is a city in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States; the population was 93,810 in the 2010 Census. Brockton, along with Plymouth, are the county seats of Plymouth County...
, department store.
Biography
Edgar was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1843. In 1878 he arrived in Brockton, and he eventually set up a dry goods store on Main Street. In 1890, he got the idea to dress up as Santa ClausSanta Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
. Within days, children from as far as Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
and Providence
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
came by train to see Edgar. He initially hung around his department store, but over the years, he was known to walk around the streets of Brockton. In addition to dressing up as Santa, he also dressed up as a variety of other figures including, George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, a sportsman in a cricket uniform, a sea captain, a clown, and as an Indian “Big Chief”. He was also known in town for his progressive ideas. His store was the first in the city to have electric light
Electric light
Electric lights are a convenient and economic form of artificial lighting which provide increased comfort, safety and efficiency. Most electric lighting is powered by centrally-generated electric power, but lighting may also be powered by mobile or standby electric generators or battery systems...
s and cash register
Cash register
A cash register or till is a mechanical or electronic device for calculating and recording sales transactions, and an attached cash drawer for storing cash...
s. He also instituted the Edgar Layaway Plan. In 1906, he built the James Edgar Building.
Although he might be best remembered for dressing up as Santa, he was also known for the sharing of his good fortune. He also helped to pay for children's medical care and he also offered jobs to youths in need.
In 1904, Edgar suffered a stroke which partially paralyzed him. He died in Lakeville, Massachusetts
Lakeville, Massachusetts
Lakeville is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 9,821 at the 2000 census.For geographic and demographic information on the village of North Lakeville, please see the article North Lakeville, Massachusetts.-History:...
, in 1909.
Legacy
After his death, people still carried fond memories of Edgar. One man, who was in his 90s at the time, said in 1976:
You just can’t imagine what it was like. I remember walking down an aisle and, all of a sudden, I saw Santa Claus. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and then Santa came up and started talking to me. It was a dream come true.
Years after his death, a city park was named after him. In 2008, a plaque was placed at the corner of Main and Centre streets noting Edgar's achievements. John Merian, the president of the Downtown Brockton Association, believes that Brockton should be revived and styled as a Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
town, similar to North Pole, Alaska
North Pole, Alaska
North Pole is a small city in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Fairbanks, Alaska metropolitan statistical area. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated its population as of July 1, 2009 at 2,226. The name "North Pole" is often applied to the entire area covered...
, and other Christmas themed locations.