The picture above is a rendering of the Arts and Government Building on the George Junior Republic campus in Freeville, NY, which was completed in October 1966. Its original purpose was to be the center for the Junior Republic’s Citizen Government activities and an Art Shop.
The brick building with a flat top and long vertical windows reflects the modern architecture of its day. It was constructed during a decade when the Republic was making significant improvements to its physical plant to enhance the learning environment for youth.
Prior to the building, the Republic’s government business (such as court proceedings) was conducted in a gymnasium. The new building made space for a courtroom and offices for the Republic’s President, Treasurer, and other elected officials. Town meetings were held there once a month, and citizens went there to vote and pass new laws.
The Art Shop was another designated space in the building where citizens created pieces to decorate their cottages and other Republic buildings. Citizens were compensated for their paintings, pottery, silkscreen prints, and other creations. Many citizen creations were entered into competitions by the Art Shop’s employer, and some won prizes. Below are a few paintings created by Citizens.
After several years, the Arts and Government Building was renamed the Martineau Building in memory of Paul Martineau, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1969. The Martineaus were a married couple who worked at the Republic; Paul was the Director of Staff Training, and Frederica was a social worker. The building remains in use today by the George Junior Republic Union Free School District for day-student classroom instruction.
