[2] In the 18th and 19th centuries, farming and cottage trades, particularly shoe production, dominated the economy.

Some residents served during the Civil War, and members of the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry are buried in Union Cemetery.

The impact of the War came not only from the residents' direct participation in the conflict, but was also from the need for production of boots for soldiers.

After a little "misunderstanding" (according to Randolph brethren, the Eastern group used rather stronger language) about the placement of a cupola on top of Stetson Hall as a vent for the gas lighting, the pot boiled over, and East Randolph petitioned to be incorporated as a separate town.

After 1945, demobilization created a building boom and altered the economy and lifestyle across the United States.

Holbrook experienced a housing boom and became a largely residential community, in which some service industry provides local jobs, but from which most residents commute to work in Greater Boston.

Holbrook once held the Baird and McGuire chemical plant, which in 1982 was added to the EPA National Priorities list.

Total cost was approximately $133 million, including the construction of a water treatment plant that is still in operation.

[6] Holbrook borders Braintree to the north, Weymouth to the east, Abington to the southeast, Brockton to the southwest, Randolph and Avon to the west.

Holbrook is a member of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which provides fixed bus route service to Quincy Center, Braintree Station, and Montello Commuter Rail Station in Brockton.