Here is a live performance of “Turn To Stone” performed by Jeff Lynne and ELO. I hope you enjoy.
Eastern State Penitentiary (Part Five)
In this section of the prison we will visit the Hospital wing. Back in the days when this prison was operational the doctors were brought here to perform surgery rather than transporting dangerous prisoners to local hospitals.
This is the entry door to the surgical suite and it was so deteriorated with the peeling paint I had to take a photo of it.
This is the operating room light and above it is a skylight which the doctors used for surgery before there was electricity. “Scarface” Al Capone had his tonsils removed in this operating room suite.
And speaking of Al Capone this was his cell. He was arrested and brought here on weapons charges and spent one year in this cell. It was said that he knew the warden and was allowed some comforts which other prisoners were not allowed.
I don’t know this cell looks fairly similar to the other inmates cells, LOL.
On our way out of the prison my wife and I couldn’t help but think of what prison life must have been like in this facility when it was operational.
Some light reflecting through an arch top door on our way out.
I hope you enjoyed this short trip through this historical facility. If you are within driving distance of this prison I would strongly suggest visiting and maybe purchasing some T-shirts or other memorabilia that is on sale at the gift shop. It will certainly go a long way towards providing the much needed funds it takes to restore this magnificent facility.
For those of you into paranormal activity here is a link – http://www.hauntingamerica.com/eastern-state-penitentiary/
Eastern State Penitentiary (Part Four)
This is the main guard tower and all areas of the prison are visible from this area.
There are also auxiliary guard towers in each corner of the prison with spotlights.
Some cells accessible from the exterior of the cell blocks. All of the cells in this penitentiary are solitary confinement and this is what’s known as “The Pennsylvania System” and it originated here. The “Auburn System” eventually superseded the “Pennsylvania System” because it was determined to be more humane.
These are some of the deteriorating benches around the perimeter walls that face towards the baseball diamond.
I am not quite sure but I think this portion of the prison was the laundry where some of the prisoners worked.
The thickness of these stone walls (even interior) were incredible and its hard to imagine trees growing through them, but they did.
Space Oddity
This is a version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” performed by Natalie Merchant in 1999. I hope you enjoy.
Solitary Confinement
Solitary Confinement
Punishment
For
Crimes Committed
∞
Time
For
Consideration
∞
Moments
Of
Reflection
∞
Dreams
Of
A Different Path Chosen
∞
Remorse
For
Wrongs Committed
∞
Regret
Anger
Humility
Hope
∞
Repentance
For
Pain Engendered
∞
Faith
That
Grace Will Be Given
copyright Robyn Graham
Solitary Confinement
“…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:5-7
A Walk Down The Haunted Hall
I recently took advantage of an opportunity to photograph at the Eastern State Penitentiary when the former prison was opened for evening hours specifically for photographers. Some photographers brought their studio with them; lighting, models, etc. Others, like me brought only tripods and cameras and just photographed the old, dilapidated building. I did however, happen to be in the right place at the right time and captured the reflection of a model walking down the hallway to meet her photographer. I loved the combination of the old with the modern. She was wearing blue and white with red stilettos and caring a red handbag. As you will see in future posts about this shoot, the red did not compliment colors on the walls and thus I chose to present it in black and white.
A Walk Down the Haunted Hall
Discarded
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
– Horatio Spafford
Discarded
I have to wonder if the prisoner(s) who sat in this cell laid his head upon this pillow and thought to himself the very lines of this quote. Perhaps if he believed in forgiveness he did.
Eastern State Penitentiary (Part Three)
In this post we will continue to a multi level cell block number 7.
The above photo shows the lower level of cell block 7 which is still being restored.
Some of the lucky inmates on lower levels of the prison (depending on the cell block) had a small skylight which provided them with a bit of daylight while they were in there cells.
This is a view from the upper portion of cell block 7.
As you can see from the angle of this view there was only enough room to walk single file when exiting the upper cell blocks. Also notice the different kind of cell doors from the older cell blocks (this cell block was a later addition).
The above photo shows a cell with trees growing through the walls which would eventually force the closing of this facility. Apparently the states neglect of this facility would cause it to be overrun with trees forcing their way through walls weakening the structure.
This is one of the deteriorating windows on one of the lower cell blocks.
Eastern State Penitentiary (Part Two)
With this post I will show you some of the unrestored portions of this eerie facility.
Some of the original and bed frames still exist as shown in the above photo. The plaster in this cell is actually in fairly good shape compared to some portions of this facility.
An original old cabinet sits on the wall of the corridor of cell block 1 and was probably used for washrags or towels for the inmates.
Old cast iron ornate radiators still grace the corridors also.
The inmates in the cells had exposed pipe radiators and cement toilets which were flushed by filling up a pail and pouring it down the toilet. They were only allowed one flush a day so you could only imagine what these cell blocks smelled like on hot humid days. It is interesting to note that this prison was so advanced for it’s time that it had running water and central heat before the White House did.
This is a view down cell block 2 and you can clearly see the deterioration of this crumbling facility.
Some shadows from the overhead windows shining on the distressed plaster.
Upon a Stool
Upon a Stool
Once upon a time
I sat alone
With nothing more than cold, damp stone.
†
Upon a stool
I sat and sat
And thought about
The fool
I’d been.
†
At times I’d shout
But no one came
Much to my chagrin.
†
I wasn’t meant
To be let out.
†
There was no doubt
That I’d been bad,
And caused others
To be very sad.
†
Those with clout
Set my punishment,
And so I sat
Amongst the stone.
†
All alone.
†
Yes,
There were times
I thought that
I’d go mad.
†
But then the light
Would shine bright
And hope restored
my inner lad.
copyright Robyn Graham
Upon a Stool
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”…
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