With the first idea in mind the bars to the windows were all located
on the inside of the sash, instead of on the outside, so that this
distinguishing mark of the usual penal institution should be as little
evident as possible.
[Illustration: GROUND PLANS OF CORRIDORS AND CELLS]
By a special dispensation of the New York State Prison Commission
permission was given to place the bars six inches on centers instead
of the usual four and one-half inches on centers. The windows were
designed so that only three bars were necessary. These are painted
light in color, and consequently offer much less obstruction to the
light. They are of tool-proof steel, and as the inmates are all
short-term men, the desire for escape is not so great as in the longer
term prisoner. At the time this idea was developed the author would
have hesitated to put long-term men behind prison bars which were so
readily accessible to the ingenuity of the accomplished crook, but he
would not hesitate to do so now.
In the cells a toilet has been placed where it will be screened as
much as possible, and the usual prison seat has been arranged to close
down over it and conceal it almost entirely from view. The cell walls
have been painted a soft gray, and each cell has a cot, a table and
chair, a shelf and hook for the prisoner’s clothes, and a wash-basin.
The dining-room has been furnished with very creditable looking tables
and chairs, and the floor paved with a bright red tile, and the
dull monotony of color usual in a prison building has been avoided
throughout the institution.
[Illustration: RECREATION CORRIDOR LOOKING TOWARD CELL BLOCK]