Sociology Students Of Holston Valley Write Up Visit To The Blountville Jail
Holston Valley High School
On Wednesday, March, 30th, the Sociology Class of Holston Valley High School took a trip to Blountville. The sole purpose of this trip was to observe the jail of our county, and also the County Home for the poor.
Our class visited the jail first. The outward appearance was fairly presentable. Upon entering the jail, we noticed a chart which informed us as to the number of prisoners being held that day. Signs were posted on the wall which read, “Do Not Spit on the Floor, Please.” Along the wall of the waiting room were benches to accommodate visitors. The jailer accompanied the class through the halls of the first floor and on up to the second floor, where the majority of the prisoners were being kept. There were fourteen men in the “cage.” This cage, which should only accommodate eight, is used to hold the hardened, or toughest criminals. There were four colored prisoners. Most of the prisoners were playing cards, or reading magazines, their only amusements. The toilet facilities in the cells were disgraceful.
The prisoners had no means, whatsoever, of keeping themselves decent and presentable. Their cots, those on the floor, on which they were supposed to sleep, were filthy with overflow from the toilet and the dirt which had accumulated in past days. The prisoners were clad in old army fatigues. Seventeen of the men were working.
Visit Cells And Kitchen
There were four women prisoners at that time. We noticed that one of these. women was reading a Western Magazine. Another one was filing her finger-nails. If these women had some means of preoccupation, perhaps when they are freed, their outlook on life would be different. Their toilet facilities were similar to those mentioned above. Conditions such as these tend only to harden a prisoner’s attitude toward all humanity, rather than to give him a feeling of reformation. After a period of time, if a criminal would have the advantage of sanitary facilities, his desire to live a decent and worth-while life would be much greater. Criminals need a morale booster, and the Blountville jail provides absolutely nothing which would give a prisoner a better outlook on life, or the future.
After making a thorough observation of the cells and cages, we were permitted to look the kitchen over. A trusty does the cooking. The kitchen was moderately clean. We noticed various “pinup” girls on the wall, such as “Good-Time Gertie,” etc. We were told that the prisoners were fed twice each day, the working prisoners were fed three times.
Their breakfast consisted of coffee and biscuits, and an egg, occasionally. Beans or potatoes and cornbread made up the evening meal. The jailer informed us that they were given all they wanted, but judging from the looks.of the cornbread, one serving would be sufficient for anyone.
The jail has no infirmary. If a prisoner gets sick, a doctor is called. The jail had a total of 43 “guests.” Sullivan County is in desperate need of a new jail. Although we consider crime and criminals a great burden, we should strive to bring out the good characteristics in a criminal, in order that he might have a chance to “go straight.”
