A region rich in firsts
Boston Globe, MA
August 10, 2006
When I read about Marshfield's recent celebration of the world's first radio broadcast, made by Reginald Fessenden in 1906, it got me thinking about other firsts connected to our region. I knew that Boston was home to the invention of the typewriter and sewing machine, the printing of the first Christmas card, the building of the first subway, and the founding of the first newspaper, just to name a few. But it seemed that Boston must not be the only spot in Massachusetts where significant accomplishments could be found.
So I began a little online research to see if I could compile a list of Southeastern Massachusetts firsts.
Starting the list was fairly easy, thanks to the Pilgrims. Of course the first Thanksgiving was held right here in Plymouth in 1621 and sadly the first war between the white settlers and the N ative Americans, better known as King Philip's War, started in our region.
Then there was John Hancock of Braintree, who with a defiant flourish became the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. And there was the Adams duo of Braintree and Quincy who became the first father-and-son presidents in our nation's history.
But Quincy's contribution goes beyond those well-known firsts in the political arena. It was where the nation's first railroad was built, in 1826. And the city is credited with launching the first nuclear-powered surface ship, the USS Long Beach, from the Fore River Shipyard in 1961.
Brockton also offers some firsts. There was William Douglas, the shoe king of the city, who is recognized as starting the first retail shoe chain in the country, with 127 stores opened from New York City to Minneapolis. Douglas is also viewed by many in the advertising industry as the first retailer to use newspaper ads to sell his product. The first advertisements for shoes appeared in 1884. This is the same William Douglas who would go on to become governor of Massachusetts in 1905.
And any mention of Brockton must include mention of Rocky Marciano, who retired after six title fights to become the first and only heavyweight boxing champion to retire undefeated.
I would be remiss if I didn't put a plug in for my employer, Bridgewater State College, which holds the distinction of being the first state normal school -- that means teacher s college -- in the United States. The year was 1840. (I say that with a respectful nod to Framingham State College, which may have started its school one year earlier, but then folded.)
And I would be even more remiss if I didn't recognize the accomplishments of my hometown, Whitman. The town holds the distinction of being the first to answer the call of President Lincoln in 1861 for men to fight in the Civil War. The men boarded the train from Whitman to South Station and then on to Washington, where they were greeted by surprised officials, who couldn't believe the dedication, determination, and the patriotism of the men from Whitman.
And who can forget that my town is where the first Toll House cookies were baked by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s?
These are just a few of our region's firsts. I am sure there are many other inventions, accomplishments, and contributions worthy of recognition.
But the important point is that our region is not without distinction and that there will be many more distinctions credited to individuals and institutions in the future. How about recognizing Aerosmith (headed by local guys Steven Tyler and Joe Perry) as the first great American rock band?
Michael Kryzanek of Whitman is professor of political science at Bridgewater State College. He can be reached at mkryzanek@bridgew.edu.
August 10, 2006
When I read about Marshfield's recent celebration of the world's first radio broadcast, made by Reginald Fessenden in 1906, it got me thinking about other firsts connected to our region. I knew that Boston was home to the invention of the typewriter and sewing machine, the printing of the first Christmas card, the building of the first subway, and the founding of the first newspaper, just to name a few. But it seemed that Boston must not be the only spot in Massachusetts where significant accomplishments could be found.
So I began a little online research to see if I could compile a list of Southeastern Massachusetts firsts.
Starting the list was fairly easy, thanks to the Pilgrims. Of course the first Thanksgiving was held right here in Plymouth in 1621 and sadly the first war between the white settlers and the N ative Americans, better known as King Philip's War, started in our region.
Then there was John Hancock of Braintree, who with a defiant flourish became the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. And there was the Adams duo of Braintree and Quincy who became the first father-and-son presidents in our nation's history.
But Quincy's contribution goes beyond those well-known firsts in the political arena. It was where the nation's first railroad was built, in 1826. And the city is credited with launching the first nuclear-powered surface ship, the USS Long Beach, from the Fore River Shipyard in 1961.
Brockton also offers some firsts. There was William Douglas, the shoe king of the city, who is recognized as starting the first retail shoe chain in the country, with 127 stores opened from New York City to Minneapolis. Douglas is also viewed by many in the advertising industry as the first retailer to use newspaper ads to sell his product. The first advertisements for shoes appeared in 1884. This is the same William Douglas who would go on to become governor of Massachusetts in 1905.
And any mention of Brockton must include mention of Rocky Marciano, who retired after six title fights to become the first and only heavyweight boxing champion to retire undefeated.
I would be remiss if I didn't put a plug in for my employer, Bridgewater State College, which holds the distinction of being the first state normal school -- that means teacher s college -- in the United States. The year was 1840. (I say that with a respectful nod to Framingham State College, which may have started its school one year earlier, but then folded.)
And I would be even more remiss if I didn't recognize the accomplishments of my hometown, Whitman. The town holds the distinction of being the first to answer the call of President Lincoln in 1861 for men to fight in the Civil War. The men boarded the train from Whitman to South Station and then on to Washington, where they were greeted by surprised officials, who couldn't believe the dedication, determination, and the patriotism of the men from Whitman.
And who can forget that my town is where the first Toll House cookies were baked by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s?
These are just a few of our region's firsts. I am sure there are many other inventions, accomplishments, and contributions worthy of recognition.
But the important point is that our region is not without distinction and that there will be many more distinctions credited to individuals and institutions in the future. How about recognizing Aerosmith (headed by local guys Steven Tyler and Joe Perry) as the first great American rock band?
Michael Kryzanek of Whitman is professor of political science at Bridgewater State College. He can be reached at mkryzanek@bridgew.edu.
| Permalink | E-mail this post 
