Rush/Work the Growler (1883, 1884)

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   From the AMERICAN PERIODICAL SERIES ONLINE.



   TROUTING ON THE BIGOSH.
Forest and Stream; A Journal of Outdoor Life, Travel, Nature Study, Shooting, Fishing, Yachting (1873-1930). New York: Dec 4, 1884. Vol. VOL. XXIII, Iss. No. 19.; p. 369 (2 pages)
Pg. 369:
   "Mister, please give me a penny to fill me mother's growler.*  I had six cents and lost one o' them down a grating, and she'll beat me if I go home without the beer."

*Originally "growler" was applied by city tramps to the empty fruit caps into which they emptied stale beer from the kegs on the sidewalk.  This act was termed "working the growler," but the word now covers, in low life, any receptacle for beer.



   NEW YORK NAKED; OR, NOT SUCH A SUCKER AS HE LOOKED.
BY HIMSELF.. The National Police Gazette (1845-1906). New York: Nov 17, 1883. Vol. VOLUME XLIII., Iss. No. 321.; p. 6 (1 page):
   "Suppose we work the growler?" the whole party burst into innocent laughter, and my fun was evidently appreciated.
   I need not add that the "growler" was "worked," and "worked" several times, too.  After each of its descents to the corner liquor store (I took it once and then the girls insisted on carrying it in turn afterward), our simple merriment waxed more and more hearty, even the old mother became a girl again and coquetted like the loveliest of them.