and it is quite impressive when you stop to think about being confined there for even a brief period of time. The main cell block has many cells which are about 9 x 12 in size and would house 6 prisoners at a time.
There is a "dark cell" which was used for punishment. It was carved into the side of a hill basically and you had to enter a long hall to get back into the "room" which contained a cell which was like an iron strap box. You could stand in it, but at any one time, there might be 14 prisoners inside the box, with only standing room. While that may sound harsh, that was about the worst of the punishments and prisoners had excellent medical care and a library where they could read and study many things. The prison was self sufficient and each prisoner received training in a trade to make them less likely to return to the prison once they had their freedom.
The museum had a very informative film which we watched as well as many artifacts which were nicely displayed and easy to follow.
Anyone planning a trip to Yuma should consider taking in the Yuma Territorial Prison. While only a small part of the original prison remains, it still gives one a glimpse of prison life in the 1800's.
An interesting note is that during the early 1900's when the prison had been abandoned, the site was used as the Yuma high school. According to the information we received, the sports teams then were known as the Yuma Criminals and even today are still called the "Crims." Hah.
I remember many times in my teaching career various students complaining about rules set upon them. They would exclaim, "This school is just like a prison." Hah. Perhaps they would have liked to attend Yuma high school in the 1900's where school was indeed a prison!
Till next time. . .
Dale
3 comments:
keep it updated. where you guys going after yuma?
R
Heading for Tucson, I think, as Mickey and Patti are going there to have some work done. Thought we might just tag along. After that, don't know. We are doing a Peanut Ralley in lower Alabama end of March.
Dale
Hi Dale, Your post on the jail and kids and their perspective was great. The photo of the "cell" is nice, revealing.
We've added you to our blogline so I won't miss any of your posts now.
Susan
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