George
Junior Republic is situated near Smallville, in New York, U.S.A. The George
Junior Republic forms a Miniature State whose economic, civic and social
conditions, 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 – a New York City business man became interested
in the Fresh Air Fund Charity supervised by the New York Tribune – took charge
of summer outings for city children of the institution (1890-1894). After this
experience, the George Junior Republic was founded, in July 1895.
The
motto of the community is "Nothing Without Labor". It is so strictly
carried out that citizens of the Republic who have no 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 was originally like the House of Representatives and
the Senate of the United States. Fifteen
is the age of majority (children under age must be in charge of a citizen
guardian) and suffrage is universal. 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".
There
is an efficient preparatory and high school, from which students enter directly
leading colleges. The religious influence is strong, the Republic has the
Auburn Theological Seminary, and Roman Catholic and Hebrew services are also
held. In February 1908 the "National Association of Junior Republics"
was formed with Mr. George as its director, with the aim to establish at least
one "Republic" in each State of the Union.
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.
Nowadays the Republic
continues striving to be the embodiment of the original idea; George Junior
Republic offers an opportunity for positive and lasting development for young
people in a distinctively unique environment. The 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 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.