The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-01-07
INNOVATIONS OF A YEAR
By C. W. F.

lust at this time annually we are reason
ably certain of being reminded by the pub
lie Prints of the progress made during the
fading year in their various localities.
Therefore, we hope our readers will not
take it amiss while we point with pride to
the innovations and advances made in our
own Silent City during 1914.
A vivid contrast is provided between the
Old and New PRISONS for that portion OF
our community which was confined in the
former during the first seven months of the
year. For instance, what one of us would
care to return from our present commodious
quarters with their abundance of light to
the dark and gloomy cells of the old struc-
ture? Or to again take our place in line
while the bucket brigade went through its
various evolutions? Does any one of us
feel longing to again precariously juggle
those dear old tin wash basins and Etruscan
pottery water-jars while performing our
early morning additions? Echo answers:
not single one.
While we are unable to say exactly what
percentage of the population attended cha
pei services at the old prison, we notice
that here practically everybody attends
some of the services. And it is pleasure
to spend an hour in our fine auditorium on
Sunday where our whole attention may be
given to the sermon; and not have the hour
divided between following the chaplain S
discourse and trying to find comfortable
posture on the combination pew and din
ing table. Here we also have better must
cal programs rendered by an improved or
chestra. The choral feature, though not
all that could be desired, is still consider
ably in advance of that at the old prison.
Those conversationally inclined land
that includes US ally now have three twenty
minute periods each week in which to ex-
ercise their vocabulary, and the steady flow
of talk, to an on-looker. might indicate
that more attention is given that feature
than 10 the cuisine.
$50 p. m. at the North Main street es-
tablishment always precipitated skirmish
on the part of each inmate to locate his
own private wash-bucket, and, after few
countenance with a towel and putting on
what difficult but laughable operation
dollhouse where he was presented at the
upon which the chill breeze of winter had
already bestowed its icy breath. Then, af-
ter a wait of perhaps ten minutes while he
chung to his door closer than brother, he
was free to enjoy the privilege of cold
supper. Now all this has been changed
and we get a warm supper in the dining
hall every night with the added charm of
frequently finding something substantial on
our plate. Whe her The whistle blows early
or late each man has enough time to clean
up, and an individual wash stand with hot
and cold water to aid him.
Two evenings each week we invade the
auditorium, where we enjoy moving pictur
es for perhaps half an hour or longer, de-
pending upon the number of reels run off.
There is a wide diversity of opinion as to
which class of reels is the most popular.
Some like the farce films; many like the
thrilling sort; others favor the sad and
weepy kind; still others enjoy those with
educational features. But no matter which
class one favors he is likely to be pleased
because some of each kind are shown and
the movies have made solid hit.
The most popular innovation was that
which inaugurated the baseball league with
its Saturday schedules. Not that we mean
to say that all of the thousand or more in
mates are expert ball players; but they are
potential players and, for the most part,
rabid fans. However, there were enough
good players to form a good team in the
Green Sox and, if any of the Sox became
wobby, Paddy was always quick to use the
drafting privilege But the Sox didn't
round into form until September so we
were little late in getting outside games.
These were always good attractions and the
Sox, except in the last two contests, ma lie
creditable showing. For the coming year
it is safe to say that baseball will be ex-
tremely popular here aud with a new
local league formed and the Sox equipped
in spick and span new uniforms, plenty of
balls, bats, etc., we may look for lot of
solid enjoyment.
Just this morning we became cognizant
that it is possible to have Sunday drill here
with the companies marching four abreast
and enough room to allow good fifteen
minute exercise. At the Old Prison this
was tried but not without head-on collisions
and scraping against the walls.
We do not believe for one moment that
there is serious disposition on the part of
the officials here to withdraw single one
of the privileges granted. On the contrary
we do believe that, with continued good
conduct on our part the year 1915, will
twill