Dichotomy

Alcatraz Island Penitentiary was the first maximum security federal penitentiary housing the worst criminals of that era; including world-famous Mafioso Al Capone.  From 1934 – 1963, Alcatraz was designed to hold prisoners who continuously caused trouble at other federal prisons, a "last resort prison" to hold the worst of the worst criminals who had no hope of rehabilitation.  None of the staff were trained in rehabilitation, but were highly trained in security.  The prison itself was ‘escape proof’ with its full metal doors and surrounded by frigid waters and high currents.  Prisoners were counted 13 times a day in tiny cells that were 9 feet by 5 feet tall.  These cells were bare but for the diminutive beds, toilets and washbasins.  A small metal board protruding out of the wall served as a desk.   Alcatraz was touted as the toughest and most fearsome of prisons.  Prisoners complained about brutal punishments and inhumane conditions.  They had to obey a strict code of silence; and were only allowed to speak quietly during their 20 minute meal times.  If a prisoner was in isolation, he was relegated to his cell, ate his meals there, and had no other privileges but to be let out one hour a week in the courtyard – always alone.  On weekends, most prisoners were allowed to play for a few hours in the courtyard.  Favorite past times were softball, handball and checkers. 

What was so interesting to me is that, the penitentiary workers - guards and their families also lived in this very small island. Their living quarters were primarily four buildings of fully remodeled apartments for families, and single rooms for bachelors.  There were a few houses for senior officers.  At one point, there were 52 families living on Alcatraz Island, including 126 women and children of all ages.  The workers also had a social hall and club.  It was a venue for the guards and their families to unwind.  The club had a small bar, library, large dining and dance floor, billiards tables, ping pong tables and a two-lane bowling alley.  It was the center of social life on the island for the employees of the penitentiary.  It regularly hosted dinners, bingo events, bowling tournaments, and movies on the weekends.  The club was responsible for organizing numerous special events on the island, anything from ice cream and watermelon feasts to Halloween and Christmas parties.

Prisoners and guards and their families all lived on the same island. The guards and prisoners even ate the same food during the day; but with obvious vast differences in lifestyles - the imprisoned and the free.  While former prisoners recall the horrors of isolation, strict rules and punishment, the families of prisoners remember their days on the island as quiet.  The children’s lives were as normal and free as can be – days spent going to school, playing games all over the island, and fun parades. 

Alcatraz closed decades ago and is now a tourist site run by National Park Service.  It is visited by over 1 million people a year.  But learning a little about it made me realize the stark differences of the captured and the free.  I give thanks for our freedom today.