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American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Creator: Unknown
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American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Creator: Unknown
American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876. Convicts complying with a...regulation to be observed after the dismissal of the guests from that monotonous repast - namely, the punctual deposit of every man's spoon (an iron spoon, we believe, certainly not one of silver) in the receptacle set beside their path as they march out. There must be a certain degree of strictness in the domestic habits of this large household on Blackwell's Island, which is perhaps not quite agreeable to some of its visitors. But it is by their own fault that they find themselves lodgers and boarders there'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876
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Media ID 36371207
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Canteen Convict Convicts Cutlery Dinner Felix Elie Regamey Felix Régamey Island Lunch Luncheon Lunchtime Meal Mealtime Penitentiary Prison Prisoner Prisoners Regamey Felix Regamey Felix Elie Roosevelt Island Spoon Spoons Stripe Striped Stripes Uniforms Welfare Island
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "American Prison Life, Blackwell's Island, New York: Dinner-Time, 1876," offers a glimpse into the daily life of convicts at the notorious Blackwell's Island Penitentiary in New York City during the late 19th century. The image, created by an unknown photographer, was published in the "Illustrated London News," a British newspaper, providing an intriguing perspective on American prison life from an international viewpoint. Convicts are seen complying with a strict regulation after the conclusion of their monotonous repast. Each man deposits his iron spoon (certainly not one of silver) into the receptacle set beside their path as they march out. The scene exudes a sense of order and discipline, with the convicts dressed in striped uniforms, their heads bowed in submission. The interior of the dining hall is dimly lit, with the only sources of light coming from the windows and the fireplace. The long tables are empty, save for the spoons, and the walls are adorned with simple wooden benches. The atmosphere is far from agreeable, with a certain degree of strictness that may not sit well with some visitors. The convicts, having found themselves lodgers and boarders at Blackwell's Island, are a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking the law. The prison, also known as Welfare Island or Roosevelt Island, was a notorious institution that housed thousands of inmates during its time. The photograph provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of these men, offering a unique perspective on the penal system of the time. The image is a testament to the concept of prison life during the 19th century in the United States, with its focus on order, discipline, and the importance of following rules. The photograph, with its intricate details and engraved quality, is a valuable historical document that continues to captivate and intrigue viewers today.
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