Boys' Brigade Uniforms: United States

Figure 1.--.

The Boys' Brigade was organized in America during 1887. Sir William Smith helped bring the Boys Brigade to America. Units were founded in several different cities. President Theodore Roosevelt comnmended him for his service to boys. The Brigade never, however, experienced great success in America. The exclusive church-based approach was one factor limiting its growth--even among the many religious families. The Brigade did not appeal to Cathlolic and many other denominations--especilly findamentalisy sects. The organization was engulfed by the Boy Scout movement. Today few American boys have even heard of the Boys' Brigade.

History

The Boys' Brigade was organized in America during 1887. Sir William Smith helped bring the Boys Brigade to America. Units were founded in several different cities. President Theodore Roosevelt comnmended him for his service to boys. The organization was, however, engulfed by the Boy Scout movement. Today few American boys have even heard of the Boys' Brigade.

Founders' Visit

Sir William Smith paid a visit to America at the cordial invitation of General H.P. Bope who was Commander-in-Chief of the United Boys' Brigades of America. Sir William saw Boys Brigade work in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago and St. Louis. He met the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who thanked him for all he had done for Boys throughout the world. Smith found `the American Boy a very charming product of civilization, well set up, keen and alert, with a fascinating frankness and brightness which are simply irresistible'.

American Uniforms

Sir William could not approve of the extravagant ranks and uniforms - Officers all dressed up with swords, braided tunics, peaked caps and crests. The Boys wore blue drill jackets with seven brass buttons, a black leather belt, white duck trousers, brown leggings and a French chasseur cap with cross guns in front. They were festooned with medals and decorations of every kind.

Ages

Sir William noted that age limits were not strictly kept at either end. "Some mere children of 9 years were to be observed, while in several cases the 'Boys' in the ranks were of such mature age that they were able to refer to their wives!'

Development

The Brigade never, however, experienced great success in America. The exclusive church-based approach was one factor limiting its growth--even among the many religious families. The Brigade did not appeal to Cathlolic and many other denominations--especilly findamentalisy sects. The organization was engulfed by the Boy Scout movement. Today few American boys have even heard of the Boys' Brigade.