The Review, Vol. 1, No. 7, July 1911

Published in July 1911, this issue of a monthly periodical produced by a national prisoners’ aid association offers a window into early 20th‑century prison reform. The lead article, penned by the superintendent of charities and correction in Cleveland, critiques the outdated workhouse model and champions a farm‑based approach that seeks to restore dignity and productivity to misdemeanor offenders. By tracing the spread of agricultural prisons from Europe to American cities such as St. Paul and Minneapolis, the piece argues that fresh air, honest labor, and individualized responsibility can replace punitive isolation.

The Cleveland experiment is described in vivid detail: inmates tend orchards, operate a quarry, build sewage systems, and even craft their own tools under the guidance of agricultural experts. The report highlights how a diverse roster of tasks—from dairy farming to carpentry—provides both physical activity and skill development, while the surrounding landscape is transformed into a productive, sanitary environment. Readers gain insight into a reform movement that aimed to reshape correctional philosophy long before modern rehabilitation debates.