This cell block set apart for the observation period of the inmate
adjoins the administration building, and it is easy for the warden to
be in frequent touch with the new men. An inmate who is only sentenced
for a week or ten days would never leave this cell block, but would
serve his sentence and be released from there. Men confined for a
longer period, however, would be assigned to whatever classification
seemed best after the observation period expires. In the reception
building are also included the shower baths, twenty-seven in number, so
that all the inmates of each floor may be bathed at one period. Shower
baths are frequently put in the basement, about the worst possible
place for them at all times, but especially in a prison. At Westchester
no quarters of any kind were put in the basement. It was determined at
the outset that all requirements should be accommodated above ground,
a very wise provision for every prison building. Adjoining the shower
room is a store room which would be small under ordinary circumstances,
but in this instance there is a large general storehouse which will be
maintained independently for the penitentiary and workhouse.
[Illustration: FIRST FLOOR PLAN; SECOND FLOOR PLAN