I guess the Boys Brigade movement started in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1883, and spread Worldwide, (and still exists). It spread to the U.S. around 1915.

It influenced the creation of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and many other youth groups.

The Catholic Boys Brigade seems to have started in Boston, spread to New York, around 1910, and was picked-up in most urban areas.

As 'Knute' mentioned, in the early days real rifles & 'Drill' rifles and military style uniforms were in use. This practice eventually died out.

Catholic Boys Brigade movement eventually 'fizzled out', probably morphing into CYO - Sports and Scouting.

attached: Philadelphia Catholic Naval Battalion photos with enlarged detail showing some type of drill arm.

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