Alcatraz_ A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years - Michael Esslinger [268]
Al Capone Museum, Mario Gomes Collection
Alcatraz Alumni Association, Courtesy Chuck Stucker
Anne Miller Family Collection
Associated Press Archives
Author’s Historical Artifact and Photograph Collection
Bureau of Prisons Archives
California State Archives
Don Denevi Collection, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives, Associated Press Photograph, GOGA Catalog index numbers provided in the print version.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives
John Martini Collection
John Reinhardt
Julie Esslinger
Library of Congress Historical Photograph Collection
Lori Brosnan (National Park Service Photo - Taken by Ranger Lori Brosnan)
Michael Esslinger
National Archives and Records Administration
National Park Service / Golden Gate National Recreation Area Museum Collection
Patty Terry & William Radkay Family Collection
Phil Dollison Collection, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives, GOGA Catalog Index number provided in the print version.
Ronnie Comeau, iStock Photography
San Francisco Chronicle / San Francisco Call Bulletin / Examiner Photo Archives
San Francisco Public Library, History Center Archives
United States Coast Guard Archives
Washington State Historical Society
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Esslinger is a historical researcher and best-selling author whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, National Geographic and History Channels. His work spans entertainment, science, politics and historical subjects.
From the elusive crew of Apollo 11, to inmates of Alcatraz, he has interviewed icons and other figures that have shaped history and continues to write on subjects that explore a vast spectrum of the human experience.
His books ALCATRAZ – A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years and LETTERS FROM ALCATRAZ continue as best-selling references chronicling the island’s rich historical past. He is the co-author of the memoir: I WANT IT NOW! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a magical memoirwrittenwith Julie Dawn Cole, the original Veruca Salt in the classic motion picture with Gene Wilder.
Current projects include a comprehensive history on the Apollo Program, documenting mankind’s epic journey to the moon, and Al Capone - The King of Alcatraz, a historical account of Capone’s years on the Rock. Visit www.HistoryArchive.com for more information current and future works.
He resides on the California Coast with his wife and three sons.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOREWORD – By former Alcatraz inmate Darwin Coon
DEDICATION
PREFACE
THE HISTORY OF ALCATRAZ ISLAND
DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION
ALCATRAZ –THE FORTRESS
The Gold Rush
The Casting of a New Prison Concept
THE EARLY YEARS AS A MILITARY PRISON
U.S. Disciplinary Barracks
ALCATRAZ FEDERAL PENITENTIARY
The New Cellhouse
Guard Towers
Warden James A. Johnston
The Guards of Alcatraz
Visitation and Inmate Rights
Transition to a Civilian Prison
The Daily Routine
The Rule of Silence and Strict Regimen
The Alcatraz Dungeon
Solitary Confinement (D Block)
Religious Services and Education
The Prison Industries
The Prison Hospital
Alcatraz in War Time
The Prison Library
The Recreation Yard
The Mess Hall
Warden Edwin Burnham Swope
Warden Paul Joseph Madigan
Warden Olin Guy Blackwell
Family Life
Island Transit
Strikes and Protests
NOTORIOUS INMATES OF ALCATRAZ
ALPHONSE “SCARFACE” CAPONE
THE BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ - THE LIFE AND IMPRISONMENT OF ROBERT FRANKLIN STROUD
ALCATRAZ ON TRIAL - THE LIFE OF HENRI YOUNG
Young Arrives at Alcatraz
Rufus McCain
Alcatraz on Trial
The Hollywood Version
MACHINE GUN KELLY
MORTON SOBELL
ROY GARDNER
ATTEMPTED ESCAPES FROM ALCATRAZ
ESCAPE ATTEMPT #1
Joseph Bowers
ESCAPE ATTEMPT #2
Theodore Cole
Ralph Roe
ESCAPE ATTEMPT #3
Thomas Robert Limerick
James Lucas
Rufus Franklin
The Escape
ESCAPE ATTEMPT #4
THE BARKER-KARPIS GANG AND THE ESCAPE ATTEMPT OF 1939