Broom brigade

A broom brigade was a type of military-style women's drill team that marched with brooms instead of rifles.

Drilling was a popular form of exercise at the time, when participation in sports was largely restricted to men.

They were popular in America during the late 19th century.

They were mentioned in Mark Twain's book "Life on the Mississippi".

[1] Currently, the term refers to citizens who volunteer to clean up their neighborhoods.