7 3/4 x 4 1/2 in. albumen photograph on cardstock mount (light toning, significant spotting, wear to mount edges and corners). Belleville, IL: W.T. Crouch, [1888]. Ink caption beneath image identifies the group as the "Broom Brigade."
A dozen uniformed women pose on and in front of a porch with brooms. 

Popular during the 19th century, women's drill teams were often called broom brigades due to their practice of marching with brooms instead of rifles. Participation in such teams was viewed as a fun way to exercise, and books were even published in the last two decades of the century outlining various drill motions and songs.