The Press., 1922-04-27
THURSDAY, APRIL s7, 1922.
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATION VISITS
 THE STATE PRISON.

The Connecticut Editorial associa-
 tion, by invitation of Col. Norris C.. Osborn, president of the board of di-
 rectors of the state prison, held it's
 spring meeting at that institution in
 Wethersfield on Saturday.
 A perfect spring morning and an at tendance of about sixty started the day
 propitiously. AS one passed under
 the arched entrance to the spacious
 grounds, the beautiful situation made
 lasting impression and had one ever visited Old Newgate and descended to
 it's dismal caverns, the contrast on this visit would never be forgotten.
 The main structure of this present institution was finished in September
 1927, and present residents of East
 Granby repeat their parents account
 of that memorable night, when 127
 shackled prisoners marched from the
 old Simsbury copper mines to the,
 then splendidly modern prison at Wethersfield. It was a wonderful step forward to better things for those to whom punishment was necessary, and
 the old time worn structure stands to-
 day for sunshine, pure air and dry at
 mosphere, essentials Old Newgate never knew. From time to time ad- ditions have been built, methods have been changed until at the present time the institution from all stand points is a credit to our state. Had a feeling of dread possessed any of the visitors it was dispelled on entering the light, airy office corridor. A hearty welcome was extended by War den H. K. W. Scott, Col. N. G. Osborn
 and Edwin P. Root of New Haven of the board of directors. The guests
 were shown through the offices, the
 cell blocks, congregate and officers
 dining rooms, kitchen, bakery, store,
 chapel, library, print shop, laundry, hospital, insane ward and wOmen's de-
 partment. Of especial interest was
 the library of 10000 volumes, said to
 be the finest in any prison in the
 country. The large chapel painting,
 'The forgiveness of Peter" by Miss Cowles, aside from it's merit and pur- pose, claimed attention from local vis- AlOAS 0Le&AO40 N4AOu6A the Current Events club, contributed about $100 towards it's production. On returning to the chapel an entertain ment was given which would have done credit to any play house. The band gave several selections and won great applause. Under the leadership of MT. Malchin, musical director at one of the Hartford theaters, the thir- ty men have worked hard two hours a day, six days week, and their ex- cellently balanced harmony evidenced it. It is not only uplifting to those taking part but to all those who enjoy it's music at the religious services, concerts, entertainments and for the noon hour march to the dining room. The vaudeville consisted of singing, recitations, good jokes and excellent wing, buck and clog dancing. An ap- petizing luncheon was served in the directors room, where Mrs. Scott joined the party and proved herself a very gracious hostess. A copy of the Monthly Record" prospectus of the institution and a unique calendar, all products of the prison print shop, were given each guest at table. The afternoon program included visit to the work shops, where row after row of power sewing machines were piled high with shirts in all stages of mak- ing. The materials included all sub stantial cotton fabrics suitable for