Boys' Historic Uniforms: The 1840s

Figure 1.--

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded during 1844 in London. The first association was founded by George Williams, an apprentice at a drapery store, who organized 12 associates into a group to promote Christian standards of conduct among their fellow apprectices. The concept rapidly spread throughot Europe and in only a few years had crossed the Atlantic. While not a uniformed group, The YMCA was the first association directed at youth activities. For the first time adults conceived of an organized group to direct youth activities into positive chnanels.