The Bees

A group of intimate friends smaller than the group of bohemians at Pfaff's. The club was formed in 1856 and had rooms on the south side of East Houston Street. Members were "actors, writers, and artists" who "met regularly for dinner and conversation" (Miller 44). John Brougham was the president; other members included Fitz-James O'Brien, Ned Wilkins, Henry Clapp, Jr., and Mark Smith. Their motto was "Honey Soit". O'Brien describes them as a gay, lively, and witty crowd who were feared by the theatrical world because of their clever ridicule of plays (Wolle 131-32).