Holbrook published in early 1826 an article in Henry Barnard's "Journal of Education" his plan of "Association of Adults for the purpose of Mutual Education" proposing the organizing of the lyceum school concept. He then founded the first lyceum school in the United States. It was formed in Millbury, Massachusetts later in 1826 and called the "Milbury Lyceum No 1 branch of the American Lyceum." Towns in other places followed his example like the Worcester County Lyceum in 1827; the Boston Mechanics Lyceum in 1830; the Massachusetts State Lyceum in 1831; the American Lyceum in 1832 and hundreds of similar associations in different parts of the United States. These other schools were combined together, forming the first nationwide organization of lyceum schools. He wanted a broad social structure that would provide a common education for young adults to help in their future careers.