| Auburn Prison |
Article Index for Auburn |
Website Links For Auburn |
Information About ™Auburn Prison |
|
THE AUBURN SYSTEM In contrast with the purely reformatory type prison instituted in Pennsylvania, introduced by the Quakers , the Auburn System modified the schedule of prayer, contemplation, and humane conditions with work. Prisoners were compelled to work during the day, and the profit of their labor helped to support the prison. Prisoners were segregated by type of criminality into different locations within the prisons and by the use of special clothing. The traditional prison uniform, consisting of horizontal black and white stripes, originated in Auburn. The prisoners had their heads closely cropped and walked in lines, keeping step with their heads bowed. Each prisoner placed a hand on the shoulder of the person in front to maintain a rigid separation. There was a communal dining room so that the prisoners could gather together for meals, but a code of silence was enforced harshly at all times by the guards. Thus the inmates worked and ate together, but in complete silence. At night the prisoners were kept in individual cells (even though the original plan called for double cells). For several decades, this system was adopted by other jurisdictions. This system was also called the "Congregate System." Sing Sing Prison, also in New York, was built using this system under the supervision of former warden of Auburn, Elam Lynds . The prison charged a fee for tourists in order to raise funds for the prison. Eventually, to discourage most visitors, the fee was increased. A notable inmate is Robert Chambers , the " Preppy murderer". The front is surmounted by Copper John . SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|