Photos are from my tour of Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
The prison cells were in these tomb thick concrete structures, freezing cold, and completely claustrophobic!
You have to stoop through a tiny doorway to get in and out.
The cell with the car in it shows how small these prison cells were.
There is a photo of a cell with a stinking toilet and also the one with a barbers chair.
Then there is the picture of the fancy cell which is that of Al Capone's (right after the regular disgusting cell). Pretty sure Capone had some real pull with the warden and guards, and I'm sure they were afraid to cross him.
There was even a synagogue in this frightful gothic-style prison with a light that says Shalom (peace).
One cell had art painted on the walls and had many of these dreamy-looking women in Island type spots so far away from the reality of these horrible prison conditions.
It was also interesting the the prisoners inside these walls were I'm sure dying to get out, and yet the visitors to the prison were lined up at the ticket booth to get a glimpse inside.
The whole experience was so full of juxtaposing contrasts.
I feel like I learned a lot. Overall, a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here! ;-)
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
@Eastern State Penitentiary
