The Wayne County, Indiana Jail—1909-1912

WAYNE COUNTY JAIL; RICHMOND, IND.

99 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH: County Jail. Richmond. Visited August. 1912. We found the jail in better condition than for several years past. Floors, cells, beds and tables were clean, the food plain, but ample and well prepared. There are at present 23 inmates, 19 for drunkenness and 4 for charges awaiting trial. We recommend new toilet bowls and a new sink, as the ones now in use are so badly rusted that it is very difficult to keep them sanitary. The new insane building is unoccupied and seems to be illy suited for the purpose intended.

Home for Friendless Women, Richmond. Visited August, 1912. In its usual good condition. There are four women in the jail adjoining and two insane women In the cells for such persons. The latter are absolutely unable to care for themselves, requiring incessant attention. The matron seems to have excellent control of the prisoners. We can offer only praise for the management of this institution.

Lockup, Richmond. Visited August, 1912. In fine condition.

Source; The Indiana Bulletin. Report on Charities and Corrections; Board of State Charities; Issue 178; MARCH. 1911

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 ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME?

Wayne County Jail, Richmond. Visited September 24, 1909. Linas P. Meredith, sheriff. Capacity, 44; population, 24. Two of the prisoners are insane. The jail is constructed of brick, lined with steel and has a slate roof. The cell house is surrounded by a high brick wall with iron fence on top. This is perhaps fifteen or twenty feet from the building. The jail is very strong and seems very secure.

The ventilation comes from the windows in the upper part of the cell house. The upper part is well lighted and ventilated, but so much cannot be said of the lower part. Gas is used at night. The heat is by steam radiation and city water is supplied. There are five latrines in good condition, and the plumbing and sewerage are good. The building is very clean. There are two bath tubs and the prisoners bathe once a week. Iron bunks are used, with straw ticks, sheets, pillows and blankets. The bedding is washed once a week.

Tables and wooden benches comprise the other furniture. There are some unwritten rules for prisoners, and offenders are isolated. Some classification is possible. Prisoners serving sentence have to work on a stone pile. Some reading matter is furnished and religious services are held twice a month. Tramps are not received except as county prisoners.

This is an old style jail, in good condition and well kept. Better ventilation should be provided.

The women are kept at the Home for the Friendless in another part of the city. One prisoner serving sentence and six insane women were confined. This is a part of the county’s prison. It was in good condition and well kept. There should be a separate place for the insane. Source; Board of State Charities of Indiana; FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1909.

INDIANAPOLIS: WM. B. BUFORD, CONTRACTOR FOR STATE PRINTING AND BINDING
1910; THE STATE OF INDIANA, Executive Department, December 24, 1909

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The Old Centerville, Indiana (Wayne County) Jail.

Current photo of old Wayne County Jail in Centerville, Indiana. (Photo by Dan Tate)

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