Philadelphia PA
Eastern State Penitentiary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_State_Penitentiary
Touring these old prisons really make you want to never go there.
In the heart of Philadelphia, there's an old closed prison
It opened in 1829 and finally closed in 1971.
This is an artist's installation. There are a number of them. Not to my taste, so no more photos.
This is the layout of the prison
One of the cells. There are skylights in the cells for light.. There were doors to a small outdoor area in some of the cells. I'm not sure if this was one of them. Last, but not least, the toilet was not in the middle of the room.
An artists' exhibit representing some of the collections that prisoners might have had. I guess, if you're locked up, you need something to pass the time.
That's a tree growing through the wall.
Cabinets in the barber shop.
Cool Roof architecture
Al Capone stayed here for seven months in 1929-1930 for bootlegging.
Think there's lead in this paint????
Pep the Governor's dog was imprisoned here for killing a cat.
From the tour brochure:
Eastern State was the world's first true penitentiary, a building designed to inspire penitence - or true regret - in the hearts of the prisoners.
There are no usable restrooms inside, but this trailer provides a modern facility.
Three children were born here at the prison. This is Henry Enckler the grandson of one of the deputy wardens. Many of the staff lived at the prison.
The Greenhouse
Plaque commemorating the inmates that served in the World War, not sure which one, but probably WWI. Note that there are no names, just their prison number.
This section had two levels.
These doors were blocked in.
Here's something to ponder. The US has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, we also have "for profit" prison owners, we incarcerate minorities at a much higher rate than non minorities, the crimes rate fluctuates, but incarceration increases. Just something to think about.
Here's an idea for your next bathroom remodel.
The Hospital
The TB rooms had doors to an outdoor courtyard. It was believed that fresh air would speed recovery. A novel thought.
The Kitchen
Surgery. Eastern State had a state of the art hospital.
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