The 1880 date I gave from the Dwight Centennial:
http://www.archive.org/stream/dwightcentennial00dwig/dwightcentennial00dwig_djvu.txt

"Many entertainments were given through the years. On the fourth of July 1880, the church [Presbyterian] members gave a festival entitled, "Pinafore," seemingly it was a big success as they were invited to come to Odell and Pontiac and put on the play.
"Some time later they gave a gypsy operetta.
Also an entertainment, the principle feature was the Broom Brigade."
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The Pasadena CA Broom Brigade, which I linked- 1886
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Before 1883-
In "Life on the Mississippi," Mark Twain wrote:
"In the West and South they have a new institution-- the Broom Brigade. It is composed of young ladies who dress in a uniform costume, and go through the infantry drill, with broom in place of musket. It is a very pretty sight, on private view. When they perform on the stage of a theater, in the blaze of colored fires, it must be a fine and fascinating spectacle. I saw them go through their complex manual with grace, spirit, and admirable precision. I saw them do everything which a human being can possibly do with a broom, except sweep. But I know they could learn. What they have already learned proves that. And if they ever should learn, and should go on the war-path down Tchoupitoulas or some of those other streets around there, those thoroughfares would bear a greatly improved aspect in a very few minutes. But the girls themselves wouldn't; so nothing would be gained, after all.
"The drill was in the Washington Artillery building. ........."

Chap. 44, City Sights [New Orleans]. Unfortunately no date, but before 1883, date of publication of the book.