What was evergreen in the late 19th century?

Question

The botanical metaphor “evergreen” is now used for whatever exhibits an enduring freshness, success, or popularity. The term originally appeared in the 17th century:

1640s in reference to trees and shrubs, from ever + green (adj.). From 1660s as an adjective;

but only more than two centuries later it started to be used metaphorically

figurative sense from 1871. (Etymonline)

Checking the usage of evergreen with Ngram for the second half of the 19th century, it appears there are no usage instances in the figurative sense.

So, what are the earliest usage of evergreen used figuratively? What was the metaphor initially used for? a piece of classic music, a theatrical piece, a book, or what?

Answer 1

My first thought was that this metaphorical noun usage is strongly associated with 50s American music radio, when not everyone wanted to listen to the new "Rock and Roll" music. Many preferred well-known more traditional songs/ballads which would then be called evergreens (what we'd more likely call oldies today).

So I was quite surprised to find how old this usage is. Here's the full OED (behind a paywall, I'm afraid)...

evergreen Definition 2 (figurative)
A person or thing that endures from one season to the next; a person or thing of enduring freshness, success, or popularity.
First citation:
1712 E. Budgell Spectator No. 395. I do not design this Speculation for the Evergreens of the Sex.

I can't say exactly when the term was specifically used to refer to songs which were popular with the previous generation, but still appeal to new younger listeners, but I suppose it's quite possible my first thought was in fact correct in that respect, and that it's essentially a post-war usage.