When did the shoe shine boys begin?

Answer 1

Shoe shine boys began emerging in the mid-19th century, particularly during the 1850s in urban areas across the United States. The practice became more widespread as cities grew and the demand for polished shoes increased among the rising middle class. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shoe shining had become a common profession for young boys seeking to earn money, often seen on street corners and in train stations.