Broom Drill In A Harlem Church: A Unique 1882 Tradition

In 1882, a unique and charming tradition known as the Broom Drill took place in a Harlem church in Harlem, New York.

This event, combined with discipline, entertainment, and community spirit, quickly became a beloved activity among the congregants and the broader community in Harlem.

The Broom Drill, characterized by its military-style “exercises “calisthenics for women” performed with brooms instead of rifles, reflects the creativity and resourcefulness of the era in the neigborhood.

What is a Broom Drill?

The Broom Drill was part of a broader Victorian-era trend where women engaged in mock military drills for exercise and entertainment.

Participants, often women from the church congregation, used brooms decorated for the occasion to perform choreographed routines.

These routines included various formations and movements, much like a marching band performance. The sight of women, elegantly dressed and performing precise movements with household items, was both amusing and impressive to audiences. For example, this work by Alfred Beale, Calisthenics and Light Gymnastics for Home and School (1888), includes a “broom drill” section with many supporting illustrations.

The Harlem Church Connection

The specific Harlem church that hosted the Broom Drill in 1882 remains unidentified, but such Broom Drill events were typical of the time (read from Library of Congress) at least until the 1888’s, reflecting the church’s role as a community hub.

Churches in the 19th century were often the centers of social and cultural activities, including fundraisers and performances. In Harlem, the Broom Drill would have drawn the community together, with participants practicing diligently to perfect their routines.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Broom Drill was more than just a quirky performance; it was a reflection of the social dynamics and cultural trends of the period. In the late 19th century, there was a growing emphasis on physical fitness and organized activities for women.

Actual photo of the lithographic print, with the words “A Novel Entertainment,-The ‘Broom-Drill,’ In A Harlem Church.-See Page 134.”

The Broom Drill provided a socially acceptable way for women to engage in physical exercise while contributing to community life. This event highlighted the ingenuity of the community, using simple household items to create a visually engaging and entertaining spectacle.

The Library Congress stated, that “One was The Loyal Legion Drill Manual Illustrated by Lt. Jos. H. Barnett, (First Infantry, I. N. G.), published by the Woman’s Temperance Publication Association, 1886. (Barnett published this manual in 1885 as Barnett’s Broom Drill, Brigade Tactics, School of the Company, and Manual of Arms), which was reprinted in several editions, including this one from 1890.”

Legacy

The tradition of the Broom Drill, though largely forgotten today, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and showcases the creativity and community spirit of the era. It is a testament to the vibrant cultural life of Harlem in the 19th century.

Modern-day Harlem continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through various festivals, performances, and community events (like Harlem Week and others), embodying the same spirit of creativity and community engagement that characterized the Broom Drill.

Conclusion

The Broom Drill in a Harlem church in 1882 exemplifies the creativity and community spirit of the time. While the tradition itself may have faded, its essence continues to inspire the vibrant cultural life of Harlem today.

Understanding and celebrating such historical traditions enriches our appreciation of community and creativity, providing a link to the past that informs our present and future.

As the Library of Congress stated in their closing article, Perhaps interest in broom brigades and drills will re-spark and again “sweep the nation” as a form of fun exercise. If so, here are some titles on Marching Drills that are a must for any library.

The Broom Drill. Including the School of the Soldier, School of the Company, and Skirmishing (New York, 1882). It is also available in A Dream of the Centuries and Other Entertainments for Parlor and Hall by Geo. B. Bartlett and others (Boston, 1889)
Dances, Drills & Entertainments by Gertrude Williams Lundgren. 2nd ed. (1920)
Drills and Marches; Written Exclusively for this Work by E. C. and L. J. Rook (Philadelphia, 1890)
Fancy Drills for Evening and Other Entertainments by Edna Witherspoon (London, 1894)
Ideal Drills; a Collection of Entirely New and Original Drills, Marches, and Motion Songs arranged by Marguerite W. Morton (Philadelphia, 1900)
Wilson’s Book of Drills and Marches for Young People and Small Children of Both Sexes by B. M. Wilson (New York, 1895)

For more information on historical traditions and their impact on contemporary culture, explore resources such as the New-York Historical Society and the Harlem Historical Society.

Editors’ Note: We could find out through our research that the name of “the Harlem church,” mentioned in the article is still anonymous. If you know the answer to this question please reach out to us.

Photo credit: 1) Broom Drill in a Harlem Church, New York City. 1882 (cropped). 2) On a search for early materials on physical education for women, I stumbled across a small green book with an intriguing title – Broom Tactics, or Calisthenics in a New Form for Young Ladies. This publication from 1883 led me to an unexplored aspect of calisthenics — marching drills — and a little-known subject of the drill teams called broom brigades and broom drill societies, which flourished in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 3) Broom Drill in a Harlem Church, New York City. 1882 (uncropped).

Photo credit: Wiki

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