The Jewish Manual Training School was established by German Jews in 1890 and championed by Rabbi Dr. Emil G. Hirsch. It provided a free education in general studies, along with vocational training and an emphasis on hygiene and good citizenship. Manual training was largely unknown in this country at the time and the school is credited with helping to introduce the concept to America. Among the better-known graduates of the school were Alderman Jacob Arvey and Judge Abraham Lincoln Marovitz.