MONROE — The Green County Historical Society shows the Universalist Church young women’s Broom Brigade which was organized August 10, 1882. This Brigade was formed for fun and for calisthenics, but they were drilled in the manual arms al-a-broomstick by a scientific drillmaster.  

This broom brigade participated at public functions smartly dressed in red and white uniforms to present their formations.  It was said that they would be “worth the price of admission alone, to see those handsome girls wield the broom.” Broom Brigade dustpans became all the rage for parlor ornaments. 

In 1886, an auction was held selling the brooms. The purchaser then was entitled to the owners’ company for the grand march.

 In 1883, the brigade was still having drills at the Monroe Armory.  

This picture was presented to the Historical society by Frank Shriner. Other pictures can be found in the Monroe, Wisconsin Area Pictorial History which can be purchased with two other books as a Trilogy for $20 by emailing Linda Lostetter at   lostetter68@gmail.com.

According to research, the final exhibition of the brigade was at Turner Hall, Friday, Nov. 17, 1882 a week before Thanksgiving.

The Green County Museum has now closed for the season, but will participate in the Monroe Main Street Art Walk on Saturday, Oct. 11. 

Other upcoming events for the Museum are the fundraising breakfast at the Monroe Moose on Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon and the 5th Annual Holiday Décor Sale. A slight change to the location will be next door in the Martinizing building. There will be a huge inventory and have added an additional day. Décor and gifts will be available. 

5th Annual Holiday Décor Sale:

●  November 20

●  November 21

●  November 22

●  November 28

●  November 29