On an average there are ten females in the matron’s ward. This department
is located above the administration quarters, and is entirely separated
from the cell house; it is impossible for the occupants of the latter to
communicate with the former.
The women’s ward is presided over by Miss McKinney, who has been in charge
for many years. The rules governing women prisoners are not nearly as
strict as those pertaining to the men. Their food, also, is of a better
quality. In the summer they are permitted to take outdoor exercise each
evening during good behavior. The women prisoners are subject to the
grading system and also receive the benefit of the parole law. If they
wish to do so they can attend chapel service every Sunday morning. Their
work is not very arduous, being mainly confined to keeping the officers’
rooms in a neat and orderly condition.
[Matron’s Apartment]