Lesson Notes: The Bowery Boys

Bowery Boys / 'Soap Locks'

The Bowery Boys, or 'Soap Locks' as they were also known as, were a mid-19th century group of boys (b'hoys) seen to be one of the first teenage groups with a specific label and identity. The anti-Catholic and Anti-Irish nativist gang resided in Manhattan, New York, and attended many events after their working day which exhibited their appearance and behaviour. 

Charles Haswell described a typical b'hoy:

"a high beaver hat, with the nap divided and brushed in opposite directions, the hair on the back of his head clipped close, while in the front the temple locks were curled and greased (hence, the well-known term of 'soap-locks' to the wearer of them), a smooth face, a gaudy silk neckcloth, black frockcoat, full pantaloons, turned up at the bottom over heavy boots designed for service in slaughter houses and at fires; and when thus equipped, with his girl hanging on his arm, it would have been very injudicious to offer him any obstruction or to utter an offensive remark'. 

Kettley (2007) remarked that "among young people, a wide range of colourful labels like 'Goths, Skaters, Greebos and Surfers' are often used to make distinctions between behaviours of friendship networks". This is evident in the early examples of the Bowery Boys whereby their dress and mannerisms made them inclusive in their particular group and set them apart from other groups.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowery_Boys
http://chnm.gmu.edu/lostmuseum/lm/162/