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| George Junior
Republic, an American Industrial institution, situated near the small
village of Smallville, in Tompkins County, New York, U.S.A. The George
Junior Republic forms a Miniature State whose economic, civic and social
conditions, as nearly as possible, reproduce those of the United States, and
whose citizenship is vested in young people, especially those who are
neglected or wayward, who are thus taught self-reliance, self control and
morality. |
| The founder,
William Rueben George (b. 1866), was a native of West Dryden, a village near
Freeville, who as a business man in New York City became interested in the
Fresh Air Fund Charity supervised by the New York Tribune, took charge of
summer outings for city children (1890-1894) and, becoming convinced that
such charities tended to promote Pauperism and crime among the older of
their protégés devised first the plan of requiring payment by the children
in labor for all they received during these summer jaunts, then (1895)
self-Government for a Summer-Colony near Freeville, and finally a permanent
Colony, in which the children stayed for several years. The George Junior
Republic was founded July 1895; the only check on the Powers of executive,
representative and judicial branches of the government lies in the veto of
the superintendent. |
| "Nothing
Without Labor" is the motto of the community, so strictly carried out that a
girl or boy in the Republic who has not money to pay for a night's lodging
must sleep in jail and work the next day for the use of the cell. The
legislative body, originally a House of Representatives and a Senate, in
1899 became more like the New England Town meeting. The respect for
the law that follows its enactment by the citizens themselves is remarkable
in a class so largely of criminal tendencies; and it is particularly
noticeable that positions on the Police force are eagerly coveted. Fifteen
is the age of majority; suffrage is universal, children under fifteen must
be in charge of a citizen guardian. The average age of citizens was
seventeen in 1908. The proportion of boys to girls was originally small, but
gradually increased; in 1908 there were about 70 girls and 90 boys. The
tendency is to admit only those aged at least sixteen and physically well
equipped. In the Republic's earlier years the citizens lived in
boarding-houses of different grades, but later in family groups in cottages
under the care of "house-mothers". The labor of the place is work, baking
bread and wafers (the business of an Auburn Biscuit Factory was brought in
1903), plumbing and printing for the boys. Shoe and harness making were
tried for a few years. Masonry and the Government issued its own currency in
Tin and later in Aluminum, and "American" money could not be passed within
the 48 acres of the Republic until 1906, when depreciation forced the
Republic's coinage out of use and "American" coin was made legal tender.
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Obverse: LIBERTY
EXALTS LABOR and Capital Dome. Reverse:
National Junior Republic 5 1899 with 19 mm in diameter. |
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There is an efficient preparatory and high school,
from which students enter directly leading colleges. The religious influence
is strong, wholesome and insectaria; students in Auburn Theological Seminary
assisted in the religious work; Roman Catholic and Hebrew services are also
held; and attendance at church services are compulsory only on convicts and
prisoners. There are "Women's Aid" societies in New York City, Ithaca,
Syracuse, Buffalo, Boston and elsewhere to promote the work of the
"Republic". A "Republic" for younger boys began, at Freeville, was
established in Litchfield, Connecticut; and a "National Junior Republic"
near Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and a "Carter Junior Republic" at
Readington, near Easton, Pennsylvania, all of which were modeled on the
"George Junior Republic". In February 1908 the "National Association of
Junior Republics" was formed with Mr. George (its founder) as its director,
its aims being to establish at least one "Republic" in each State of the
Union, and in other countries similar institutions for youth and "Miniature
Governments" modeled on that of the Country in which each "State" is
established, and to establish colonies for younger people. |
| Today's,
Republic continues striving to be the embodiment of this idea, George Junior
Republic offers an opportunity for positive and lasting development in a
distinctively unique environment. The 400-acre campus, located in Grove
City, Pennsylvania, is home to over 450 youth from one-third of the United
States. The population emulates a realistic mix of society, enhancing the
campus community. George Junior Republic is one of the largest residential
facilities in the United States; however, the small-group living
arrangements allow for individual attention. The atmosphere serves as the
foundation where the diverse needs of troubled youth are addressed. George
Junior Republic is committed to facilitating personal growth and social
responsibility. The program provides: state-of-the art living facilities,
fully accredited educational programs, a wide variety of therapeutic
activities, and continuing care, synthesized to help each youth reach his
full potential. |
| I have also
seen 1912 George Junior Republic $1.00 Coin, an octagonal shaped with 35mm
diameter. Center design is of a crossed flag and axe with an open book
resting against them.Wording on book; "The Law Of The Wise Is A Fountain of
Life". |
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