William Reuben George, a social welfare leader, founded the George Junior Republic in 1895 in Freeville, New York as a means of moving boys and girls from the slums into a rural environment. The Junior Republic, a community reflecting the principles of youthful self-government, was founded upon the maxim "Nothing Without Labor." With assistance from his wife Esther Ide Brewster, George developed a community consisting of a farm, blacksmith and carpentry shops, laundry, bakery, general store, jail, and other elements of the larger society which were intended to complement citizens' academic endeavors. By 1898, the first of several institutions based on the Republic's principles was founded in Redington, Pa., and by 1908, the National Association of Junior Republics was formed with George as Executive National Director.
From the guide to the William R. George family papers, 1750-1989., (Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library)
