Crime, Children, Reform Schools: United States. New York. Freeville. George Junior Republic: George Junior Republic, Freeville, N.Y.: A group of Republic boys who took the contract for husking corn. c. 1903

Editor: This photograph, attributed to Simon Lubin, captures a group of boys at the George Junior Republic in Freeville, New York. The young man front and center seems so self-possessed. What do you make of this image? Curator: It's fascinating, isn't it? To me, the staged formality juxtaposed with the implied labor and "reform" aspect creates a tension. Are we celebrating progress or masking exploitation? Look how he mirrors the building! Editor: The building? Curator: Yes! The boy's stance, the sharp lines of his suit, and the building behind him. They both seem to project an image of uprightness, but maybe it's just a façade. What do you think? Editor: That's a fascinating connection. I guess there's a lot more to this picture than first meets the eye.