Off to Prison we go....

On Thursday we headed to the Arizona Market Place which sounded very similar to the Mesa Swap Meet that we had gone to previously.  There were many of the same vendors although enough variety to make it an interesting way to spend the morning.  Based on the number of empty rows its obvious that this used to be much bigger.  Like the residential developments next door to our RV Park that look like they have been waiting for a few years for houses to be built this is another example of how Yuma has not yet recovered from the financial recession.  We didn't make any major purchases however we did take note of a few items of interest and as it is on our way into Yuma we will no doubt make a return visit.

Friday we decided to go to Prison.  The Yuma Territorial Prison was opened in 1876 and was partly constructed by the prisoners.  The prison was open for 33 years and during that time housed 3069 prisoners, including 29 women.  Apparently one of the women prisoners used her womanly wilds with the guards and superintendent to gain an early parole.  Hmmm.  Wonder what that means.  50 shades of grey perhaps.

There is actually not much left of the original prison.  Since it was closed it has operated as a hospital and a school.  Get this, the name of the schools sports team was the The Criminals.  Much of the prison was demolished in 1924 to make way for the new railway line.  It was home to hobos riding the rails and the homeless in the 20's and during the great depression.

 The view from the top of the guard platform.  In the middle of the picture is the Colorado river and in the foreground one of those canals sucking the river dry.

This is the front gate of the original prison and one of the few remaining original structures.

 An innocent man falsely accused.  Notice the mirror so one picture gets a profile and frontal shot.

A picture of the cell block and the interior of a cell.  The cells were about 6x8' with two triple bunks so each cell housed 6 people.  

One of the meaner looking prisoners.  Once she eats her Snickers bar she is actually kind of cute.

The Saint Thomas Yuma Indian Mission is a Catholic mission across the river from the prison.  It was dedicated in 1923. 










That pretty much brings you up to date with our trip.  More excitement to follow I am sure.

Later.