If you're from Danbury, or at least have spent any significant amount of time in the area, there are certain things you should definitely know. From being named the "Hat City" to being home to the biggest lake in the state, Danbury has a lot to be proud of.

Before we get to the five things everyone from Danbury already knows, did you know that according to Wikipedia, this city of over 80,000 (2010 census) was named after Danbury in Essex, England, the place of origin of many of the early settlers. It is nicknamed the "Hat City" because of its prominent history in the hat industry during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the mineral Danburite is named for Danbury.

Now, without further ado, here are five things everyone from Danbury should already know:

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    1

    Stew Leonard's Used to Be Just a Tent

    In the mid-80s, Tom Leonard was given property on Federal Road in Danbury by his dad, Stew Leonard Sr. A 7,500 square foot tentwass erected, and Stew Leonard's starts full operation of a second store. At first, they sell just meat, milk, eggs, plants, and Christmas trees, but within five years, they would make way for the 205,000 square foot store that is the Stew Leonard's we know today.

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    2

    Before Candlewood Lake, it Was a Small Farming Community in the Valley

    Candlewood Lake is approximately 8.4 square miles, and is the largest lake in Connecticut. But before it was Candlewood Lake, there was a small farming community located on the land. In 1926, the board of directors at CL&P approved a plan to create the first large-scale operation of pumped storage facilities in the US.

    In 1928, the filling of the lake began. Many of the buildings were left standing, some farming equipment was left behind, and roads were not torn up before the valley was flooded either.

    Today, it's one of the busiest waterways in the state, and one of the premiere diving spots. Divers can check out the amazing undersea world of an early twentieth century farming village still in tact.

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    3

    Before the Danbury Fair Mall, There Was The Great State Fair

    Yes, we all know it as one of the biggest shopping malls in the northeast, but many old-timers from Danbury spent many a fall afternoon with their families at the great Danbury State Fair.

    It begun in 1821 as an agricultural fair, but did not have a regular schedule until 1869 when hat manufacturers, Rundle and White, helped form the Danbury Farmers and Manufacturers Society. From then until its closing in 1981, the fair was open for ten days every October.

    By 1985, the Danbury Fair Mall opened and ushered in a new era for local shoppers from Connecticut and New York.

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    4

    Before Whole Foods, There Was Super Sunday at Marcus Dairy

    A city landmark for more than 60 years, Marcus Dairy dished up traditional American fare along with ice cream sundaes and milk shakes. The restaurant, which closed its doors in February of 2011, became a mecca for motorcycle fans nationwide.

    The first Super Sunday was held in 1989, and during the height of the Super Sunday motorcycle shows, more than 25,000 people from throughout the country would congregate at the dairy bar. Today, the area is a shopping center featuring Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Petco and more.

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    5

    i95 Has Been the Home of Rock 'N' Roll for Over 40 Years

     

    This last one speaks for itself.

    After all, we ARE the 50,000-watt flamethrower of Rock 'N' Roll.

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