From Moustaches to Mutton Chops
The Ball brothers had a lot of distinguishing qualities. They were shrewd businessmen. They possessed inventive minds. Each had a sense of philanthropy that was felt around Muncie; the community they called home.
They also had great facial hair.
In this conglomerate photo, George, Frank, and Edmund sport moustaches. Lucius and William wear friendly mutton chops. Minnetrista Heritage Collection
From moustaches to mutton chops, the Ball brothers sported a variety of fashionable whiskers throughout their lives. Born in the 1850s and early 1860s, they came into adulthood during the most intense popularity of facial hair in the nation’s history. Not only were whiskers prevalent, a lot of men growing them had never tried before!
During the Crimean War (1854-56) the beard saw a comeback in Britain. Cold Crimean winters, along with the inability of soldiers to get their hands on shaving soap, caused soldiers to let their facial hair grow. On their return home, these freshly bearded men were seen as heroes and men emulated their look. In the United States, the craze for facial hair started at about the same time. This was partially fueled by fashion plates from British magazines depicting facial hair as the most up-to-date look.
Seen here are Lucius L. Ball (left) and General Ambrose Burnside (right). The term “sideburns” was first coined during the American Civil War. It paid tribute to Burnside’s unique facial hairstyle. Minnetrista Heritage Collection and Library of Congress
The increased popularity of facial hair wasn’t due only to fashion. Straight blade safety razors had been around since the 1770s. They were not easy to use however, and the men wielding them risked both injury and infection if the blade was not honed and cleaned properly. Many studies also indicated that whiskers could maintain or amplify your health. Additionally, facial hair equated masculinity and authority. By wearing a bushy moustache, sideburns, or beard a man conveyed dignity and respect.
It only makes sense that the Ball brothers, as young, respectful businessmen would grow and groom fashionable styles in the 1870s and 1880s. By that time, facial hair was a standard component of the American adult male’s appearance. In contrast, in the century prior, none of the nation’s founding fathers sported beards of any kind. But, from Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 through William H. Taft’s term in 1913, every American president except two wore beards, moustaches, or both.
Items such as this straight razor, shaving mug, and brush would have been essential to any man’s shaving routine in the late 19th century. Minnetrista Heritage Collection
As the century drew to a close however, facial hair started to disappear. In the 1890s the germ theory was accepted by health professionals and shared publicly. In contrast to earlier thinking, research now showed that beards could harbor bacteria that might lead to the spread of infectious disease. By 1901, the beard was considered a public health issue in North America if not groomed properly.
During the beginning of the 1900s shaving also became easier. In 1904 a patent was granted to inventor King Camp Gillette for the first disposable razor blade. Suddenly being hair-free involved a lot less effort and it was a lot cheaper. Gillette’s invention not only led to a multi-million dollar business for his company, but facial hair fell into serious decline.
This Durham Duplex safety razor from the 1920s is designed to use a disposable razor blade. Minnetrista Heritage Collection.
As the popularity of facial hair waned, beards and whiskers were considered the domain of the conservative, older generation. This reputation didn’t seem to bother the Ball brothers. By-and-large, the brothers continued to keep an array of sophisticated looks for the rest of their lives. This included Edmund’s clean shaven look in the early 20th century. Perhaps it was fashion preference. Or perhaps it was simply habit. Either way, the five Ball brothers continued their dignified looks after many men picked the razor back up after years of letting it gather dust.
Images Minnetrista Heritage Collection
