This factory is conducted by the Western Shoe Co., and annually employs
about 225 prisoners. There is an excellent opportunity here for the inmate
to learn a trade at which he can make a good living upon his release. Few
citizens are employed at this work, but a competent citizen‐foreman is in
charge of each shop. As far as possible prisoners are taught the business
of making shoes, and many of them become very proficient at this work.
The company pays a stated price for each piece of work turned out, and the
per diem earnings of the prisoners is larger than in any other prison in
the country. The volume of business of these two industries amounts
annually to more than $2,000,000. Of this total, returns from the twine
factory, operated on state account, amount to $1,300,000, while the shoe
company, operated on the piece‐price system, does a business in excess of
$800,000.