James Edgar (entrepreneur) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Edgar
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Edgar dressed as a clown
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| Born | 1843 |
| Died | 1909 Lakeville, Massachusetts, United States
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| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Uncle Jim |
| Occupation | Store owner |
| Known for | Being the first department store Santa |
James Edgar (born 1843, died 1909) was a clever businessman. He is famous for starting a wonderful Christmas tradition. In 1890, he was the first person to dress up as Santa Claus in his store. This happened in Brockton, Massachusetts.
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About James Edgar
James Edgar was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1843. In 1878, he moved to Brockton, Massachusetts. There, he opened a store that sold dry goods, like fabrics and clothing.
The First Santa Claus
In 1890, James Edgar had a brilliant idea. He decided to dress up as Santa Claus in his store. This was a completely new thing to do! News spread quickly about the "Santa" at Edgar's store. Soon, children from faraway cities like Boston and Providence traveled by train just to see him.
At first, Santa Edgar stayed inside his department store. But as years passed, he also walked around the streets of Brockton. He loved to surprise children and bring smiles to their faces.
More Than Just Santa
James Edgar didn't only dress up as Santa. He also wore many other fun costumes! People saw him dressed as:
- George Washington, a famous American leader
- A sportsman in a cricket uniform
- A sea captain
- A funny clown
- An Indian "Big Chief"
He was known for his kind heart and new ideas. He also helped children in need. He sometimes paid for their medical care. He even offered jobs to young people who needed work.
Later Life and Passing
In 1904, James Edgar had a stroke. This made him partly unable to move. He passed away in 1909 at his summer home in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
James Edgar's Legacy
Even after James Edgar died, people remembered him fondly. Many years later, in 1976, an old man who had seen Edgar as a child shared his memory:
"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 Brockton. In 2008, a special plaque was placed in Brockton. It is at the corner of Main and Centre streets. This plaque honors James Edgar's amazing achievements. Some people even think Brockton should become a special Christmas town, like North Pole, Alaska, because of Edgar's connection to Santa.
