Historic Passaic

Author Joseph Buga explores a working-class city built on optimism and grit. Passaic has a history that stretches the imagination. Earlier called Acquackanonk, it played a crucial role in the American Revolution. It has welcomed waves of immigrants over the years and continues that tradition. By the late 1800s, the city was becoming a national leader in all things textile and rubber-- Edison used Passaic wire to electrify lower Manhattan. Allen B. Dumont established WABD in Passaic, the fourth national TV network alongside ABC, CBS and NBC. In sports, the Passaic High School "Wonder Team" boasted the longest high school winning streak in any sport, and a Passaic athlete became "the world's fastest man." Passaic pop legends The Shirelles and Joey Dee and the Starlighters made it big and influenced an upstart British group, the Beatles.