History

More than a Brigade — a Tradition. A Family. A Legacy.

The history of The Avenuers N.Y.B. stretches back to 1953, preceding even the formation of the Fancy Brigade Division. In those early years, before Fancy Brigades had their own division, each brigade performed under a “Mother Club” within the original Fancy Division — one of the founding components of the New Year’s Day Parade, first held in 1901. The Avenuers began their journey under their Mother Club, Hog Island.

From a small garage came a big dream. In 1955, The Avenuers made their debut performance with a routine titled “Mr. Sandman,” led by their first captain, Frank Purvenis. As enthusiasm and membership grew, the group opened its first clubhouse at 1226 E. Moyamensing Avenue in 1957. Nestled in the heart of South Philadelphia, neighbors lovingly dubbed the club “The Club on the Avenue.” The name stuck — and The Avenuers N.Y.B. was born.

As the club continued to grow, a new home was needed. The Avenuers relocated to 1226 S. 2nd Street, which remains our clubhouse and cornerstone to this day.

In 1979, The Avenuers became part of what is now the Fancy Brigade Association — marking a historic step forward. Today, we are proud to be the third-oldest active brigade in the Association.

A transformative moment came in 1998 when performances moved indoors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This new stage allowed us to fully embrace innovation, creativity, and theatricality — bringing audiences some of the most imaginative and powerful performances in our history.

Our path hasn't always been smooth. Like every storied tradition, The Avenuers have been tested by fire. But adversity didn't break us—it built us. It forged the grit, the backbone, and the unbreakable spirit that define our colors today. 

Through every hardship, our focus has never wavered: to give everything we have, every single year, until we finally hoist the Jim Julia Trophy for the first time in our history.