Bush boy???

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nrepole
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Bush boy???

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Hi there

Does anybody know what the occupation of 'Bush boy' entailed? I know that my relative worked in a barber shop around this time, so could it mean he was a 'beard' specialist?????

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Nick
Surnames: Repole, Pinto, Patrissi, Schettino, Garofano, Gambuti, Parente. Towns: Rapone, Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore
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Italysearcher
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by Italysearcher »

Bus boy in a restaurant maybe?
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nrepole
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Re: Bush boy???

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My relative's occupation was 'laborer' in 1920 naturalization paper and 'barber shop' in 1920 census. So I don't know if 'bush boy' relates more to barbershop or laborer duties??? Or something else???
Surnames: Repole, Pinto, Patrissi, Schettino, Garofano, Gambuti, Parente. Towns: Rapone, Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore
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johnnyonthespot
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by johnnyonthespot »

Probably not helpful, but there seems to be a jewelry store located at 35 W 30th Street today. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&clien ... 7,,0,-0.18

It should be possible to learn what was at that location in 1917. I find that library reference desks and/or city clerk's offices often have access to that sort of information.
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Re: Bush boy???

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Wow! Thank you johnnyonthespot.
How good is Google maps! And I appreciate the search tips.

Nick
Surnames: Repole, Pinto, Patrissi, Schettino, Garofano, Gambuti, Parente. Towns: Rapone, Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore
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liviomoreno
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by liviomoreno »

I think that one job needed in a barber shop is Brush Boy...
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Tessa78
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by Tessa78 »

liviomoreno wrote:I think that one job needed in a barber shop is Brush Boy...
Now that sounds like a very logical idea!!! :wink:

T.
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nrepole
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Re: Bush boy???

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Very well done. Thank you.
I think I have got it. A brush boy probably makes reference to a shoe shine boy, as they were quite common in barbershops in those days. They were equipped with polish and brushes so I think that was his occupation.
Am I right????

Nick
Surnames: Repole, Pinto, Patrissi, Schettino, Garofano, Gambuti, Parente. Towns: Rapone, Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore
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liviomoreno
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by liviomoreno »

Not necessarily shoe shine...
In Italy, after you had an hair cut the brush boy would brush your jacket, close to the neck and to the shoulder, to brush away possible hair...

I remember that the barber would shout "Ragazzo, spazzola!"="Boy, brush" when he had finished. In Italy the brush boy was called ragazzo spazzola, which is the literal translation!
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nrepole
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Re: Bush boy???

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Mamma mia! Very good information.
I think you are giusto.

Nick
Surnames: Repole, Pinto, Patrissi, Schettino, Garofano, Gambuti, Parente. Towns: Rapone, Guardia Sanframondi, San Lorenzo Maggiore
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Irishinamerica
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Re: Bush boy???

Post by Irishinamerica »

I think that Carmine has the right idea. I'd go to the library and ask to see their historic 'City Directories' - typically these include all businesses and all residents (including the un-listeds).
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