In the early 18th century, a young Benjamin Franklin founded an organization that would become a cornerstone of American intellectual and social life. Known as the “Leather Apron Club” or “Junto Club,” this group of like-minded individuals met regularly to discuss ideas, share knowledge, and promote mutual improvement. The Leather Apron Club not only influenced the personal and professional lives of its members but also left an indelible mark on the burgeoning American society.
The Origins of the Leather Apron Club
In 1727, Benjamin Franklin, then a 21-year-old printer, established the Leather Apron Club in Philadelphia. The name “Leather Apron Club” reflected the practical, hands-on nature of its members, many of whom were tradesmen and artisans. The club was also known as the “Junto,” derived from the Spanish word for “meeting” or “assembly.”
Franklin’s vision for the Junto was to create a forum where individuals from diverse backgrounds could come together to discuss philosophy, morality, politics, and science. This collaborative environment fostered intellectual growth and practical problem-solving, laying the groundwork for many of Franklin’s future endeavors.
Structure and Meetings
The Junto Club met weekly, typically on Friday evenings, at a member’s home or a local tavern. Meetings followed a structured format, starting with a reading of questions designed to spark discussion and debate. These questions covered a wide range of topics, including current events, ethics, and self-improvement.
Each member was expected to contribute to the discussions and present new ideas or insights. The club’s emphasis on active participation and mutual respect helped create a culture of open dialogue and critical thinking.
FRANKLIN’S QUESTIONS
Franklin put together a provocative set of questions to stimulate the conversations during the club’s meetings. The questions are listed below:
- Have you met with anything in the author you last read, remarkable, or suitable to be communicated to the Junto? Particularly in history, morality, poetry, physics, travels, mechanic arts, or other parts of knowledge?
- What new story have you lately heard agreeable for telling in conversation?
- Has any citizen in your knowledge failed in his business lately, and what have you heard of the cause?
- Have you lately heard of any citizen’s thriving well, and by what means?
- Have you lately heard how any present rich man, here or elsewhere, got his estate?
- Do you know of any fellow citizen, who has lately done a worthy action, deserving praise and imitation? or who has committed an error proper for us to be warned against and avoid?
- What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed or heard? of imprudence? of passion? or of any other vice or folly?
- What happy effects of temperance? of prudence? of moderation? or of any other virtue?
- Have you or any of your acquaintance been lately sick or wounded? If so, what remedies were used, and what were their effects?
- Who do you know that are shortly going [on] voyages or journeys, if one should have occasion to send by them?
- Do you think of anything at present, in which the Junto may be serviceable to mankind? to their country, to their friends, or to themselves?
- Hath any deserving stranger arrived in town since last meeting, that you heard of? and what have you heard or observed of his character or merits? and whether think you, it lies in the power of the Junto to oblige him, or encourage him as he deserves?
- Do you know of any deserving young beginner lately set up, whom it lies in the power of the Junto any way to encourage?
- Have you lately observed any defect in the laws, of which it would be proper to move the legislature an amendment? Or do you know of any beneficial law that is wanting?
- Have you lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?
- Hath anybody attacked your reputation lately? and what can the Junto do towards securing it?
- Is there any man whose friendship you want, and which the Junto, or any of them, can procure for you?
- Have you lately heard any member’s character attacked, and how have you defended it?
- Hath any man injured you, from whom it is in the power of the Junto to procure redress?
- In what manner can the Junto, or any of them, assist you in any of your honourable designs?
- Have you any weighty affair in hand, in which you think the advice of the Junto may be of service?
- What benefits have you lately received from any man not present?
- Is there any difficulty in matters of opinion, of justice, and injustice, which you would gladly have discussed at this time?
- Do you see any thing amiss in the present customs or proceedings of the Junto, which might be amended?
FOUR PLEDGES
To qualify as a member, each person was also asked to stand up, and lay his hand on his breast, and answer the following questions as indicated.
- Have you any particular disrespect to any present members? Answer. I have not.
- Do you sincerely declare that you love mankind in general; of what profession or religion soever? Answer. I do.
- Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name or goods, for mere speculative opinions, or his external way of worship? Answer. No.
- Do you love truth’s sake, and will you endeavour impartially to find and receive it yourself and communicate it to others? Answer. Yes.
Credit: Benjamin Franklin Historic Society
Impact and Legacy
The Leather Apron Club played a significant role in shaping Franklin’s views on community, collaboration, and innovation. The club’s influence extended beyond its immediate members, contributing to the broader social and intellectual fabric of colonial America.
Several notable initiatives and institutions can trace their origins to the Junto, including:
- The Library Company of Philadelphia: Established in 1731, this subscription library was one of the first of its kind in America. It provided members with access to books and knowledge, fostering a culture of reading and learning.
- The American Philosophical Society: Founded in 1743, this organization aimed to promote useful knowledge in the sciences and humanities. It became a leading intellectual society in America, attracting prominent thinkers and innovators.
- The University of Pennsylvania: Franklin’s involvement with the Junto influenced his ideas about education and led to the founding of what would become the University of Pennsylvania. The institution emphasized practical knowledge and applied learning, reflecting the values of the Junto.
Lessons for Modern Business Leaders
The Leather Apron Club offers valuable lessons for today’s business leaders and entrepreneurs:
- The Power of Networking: The Junto highlighted the importance of building a network of diverse, like-minded individuals. Modern businesses can benefit from creating spaces for employees and stakeholders to share ideas and collaborate.
- Continuous Learning and Improvement: The club’s focus on self-improvement and knowledge-sharing is a timeless principle. Encouraging ongoing education and professional development can drive innovation and growth.
- Community and Collaboration: The Junto demonstrated the potential of collective efforts in achieving common goals. Fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual support can enhance productivity and success in any organization.
Conclusion
Benjamin Franklin’s Leather Apron Club was more than just a social gathering; it was a crucible for ideas and innovation. By bringing together individuals from various walks of life, the Junto created a dynamic environment that nurtured intellectual growth and practical solutions. For modern business leaders, the legacy of the Leather Apron Club serves as a powerful reminder of the value of networking, continuous learning, and collaboration in achieving success.
