Alcatraz_ A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years - Michael Esslinger [27]
The main corridor of Alcatraz, known as “Broadway.” This 1912 photograph looks toward the east end of the cellhouse. The cell door lock mechanisms were controlled by simple swing arm levers (seen on the left). Also note the absence of the Gun Gallery, as compared to later photographs from the Federal prison period.
The area which would later be known as “Michigan Avenue,” in 1912.
A military prison sentry patrolling A Block in 1932.
A view of the ramps leading to the prison auditorium and administration wing. These ramps and spiral staircases were removed from the refurbished cellblocks in 1934.
A view of A Block as it appears today. Also visible is the entrance to the basement or “dungeon” cells as prisoners referred to them.
A modern view of the flat steel bars from the military era. Note the primitive lock bar mechanism.
An early photograph of the new Mess Hall during the military period.
Alcatraz was the Army's first long-term prison, and it was beginning to build its reputation as a tough detention facility by exposing the inmates to severe and harsh confinement conditions and iron-handed discipline. The prisoners were divided into three classes based on their conduct and the crimes they had committed, and each class held distinct levels of privilege. The system was described in a manual of Alcatraz Rules and Regulations from 1914:
Classification of Prisoners:
General Prisoners will be received in first class with exceptions made by the Commandant only. Third class men will be promoted to second-class and second-class men to first class after two and one half months excellent conduct respectively. Promotions, paroles, and reductions will be made by the Commandant only. Promotion Order will be issued on the 15th of each month. Any first class prisoner may be paroled (under 943 A.R.) after serving half of his sentence.... Class will be designated by a cloth badge 21/2 inches by1/2 inch, white, red, and yellow for first, second and third class respectively, on a brown cloth patch 31/2 by 11/2 inches which will be sewed on a sleeve of right arm above cuff. Paroled prisoners will be designated by a white triangular cloth badge 11/2 inches to a side which will be sewed on the sleeve directly above the class badge.
The quarters, mess tables and benches in the Assembly Room of disciples will be separated from those of other general prisoners by an aisle. There will be no correspondence between such prisoners. Similarly the Quarters and Mess tables of enlisted prisoners will be separated from all general prisoners by an aisle.
Privileges:
Third class prisoners will enjoy the letter and tobacco privilege only. Segregated prisoners and 2nd class prisoners will enjoy letter and tobacco privileges in addition the library privilege once a week and entertainment privilege once a week, by detachment, as segregated. The second-class men making a separate detachment. First class prisoners will in addition enjoy the privilege of closed but unlocked door to individual quarters, between Reveille and Tattoo... The disciples will in addition have the privilege of open doors from Reveille to Tattoo, talking in quarters and visiting in day room.
Prisoners who violated the rules faced harsh disciplinary measures. In addition to losing their earned class rankings, violators were assigned other punishments including but not limited to hard labor details, wearing a twenty-four pound ball and ankle chain, and solitary lock-downs with a highly restricted bread and water diet. In his book entitled Alcatraz 1868-1963, author John Goodwin referred to the use of disciplinary cages that were merely twelve inches deep and twenty-three inches wide, thus “forcing anyone locked inside to remain standing throughout his confinement.” The cages were used specifically for inmates termed as “conscientious objectors.” These were men who had objected to