Editor’s Note: This is one of several articles that will be appearing throughout the year as the community gets ready to celebrate its 150th birthday in 2007. Articles are submitted for publication by the Trenton Sesquicentennial Committee.
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What comes to mind when you hear “Brothers of the Brush” and “Sisters of the Swish”? A fraternal order that has a peculiar fascination with that well-known grooming device? A group of females who enjoy mouthwash a bit too much?
Well, not exactly.
Towns across the country have made two unique organizations an enjoyable part of their commemorative celebrations. One of these groups admires the glory of facial hair, while the other celebrates the nostalgia of historic fashions.
The Brothers of the Brush and Sisters of the Swish will make their second appearance in Trenton as part of next year’s Sesquicentennial. Organizers hope to repeat the fun and excitement of the first Brush and Swish events that took place during Trenton’s Centennial celebration.
According to Tom Stickler, coordinator for the 2007 Brothers of the Brush, Brush activities will mirror those from the 1957 celebration. For example, there will be Brush officers that will arrest clean-shaven men and take them before a “Kangaroo Kourt” where the men will be tried. Punishment will range from small fines to temporary imprisonment in a make-shift jail. Of course, all of this will be done in the light-hearted spirit of the celebration and participants must be willing to take part in these playful high-jinks.
One other important activity to be repeated next year is the official mandate from the mayor announcing participant eligibility for both groups. The suitable candidates for the Brush will be males of shaving age who live or work within the borders of Grundy County.
Stickler said there will be guidelines for hair growth and acceptable types of facial trimming.
“Growth can be a beard, chin-whiskers, vandyke, mutton chops, mustache, side burns or any acceptable facial hair growth of such length and fullness as to be readily seen at a distance of eight paces,” he explained.
The beards will be judged and awarded in various categories such as longest, whitest, and most unusual growth. Special awards will be given for the oldest contestant, youngest contestant, and Best Overall Beard.
The Brothers of the Brush was originally organized as a way to encourage men to grow beards for the duration of these celebrations. Not only must the participants grow beards or some other type of facial hair, but they cannot shave until the event has ended (shaving permits can be purchased for those men who must be clean-shaven for their jobs). Each Brush member must purchase and wear an official lapel pin acknowledging his membership.
The women in town will also have an opportunity to participate in the festivities.
Traditionally, Sisters of the Swish members would wear period costumes and parade through their town each day, and sometimes each evening, of the celebration. In keeping with the Brothers, these women have their own activities, rules, and official membership badges. The details of participation are usually outlined by the celebration’s Sisters of the Swish committee.
Jackie Soptic is the coordinator for the Sesquicentennial Sisters of the Swish. She plans to hold an introductory meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the Sugg Room of the Ketcham Community Center. All who are interested are invited to attend.
“My approach is to introduce the concept and then solicit volunteers and persons willing to take the lead in planning events,” she explained.
Soptic also said she isn’t sure if her group will use the Sisters of the Swish name and would like to leave the topic open for discussion.
So men, start thinking about what type of facial adornment suits your fancy, and women, start looking for bonnets and vintage dresses as you prepare for a trip down memory lane.