13 Reasons Why the Prison of Alcatraz Was the Most Legendary Prisons Of All Times
By: Bhavna Narula
Tags: Alcatraz, San Francisco, Facts, Prisoners, Prison

3. Recreational Activities Had to Be Earned by the Inmates

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The library in Alcatraz was not like any prison library you may expect it to b. It had huge stacks of books for the inmates to read, if only they had earned it. But the same privileges could be taken away if the inmates misbehaved at any given point.

Also, the inmates weren't allowed to visit the library themselves. But those who had earned these privileges would have to fill up library cards, in which they could also request for other items such as newspapers, magazines, etc.

The best part about these reading materials was that anything that was even remotely related to the crime was removed way before it reached the reader. In the absence of other entertainment sources, reading soon became the most sought after activity for the inmates.

They would actually look forward to it.

Some even started learning law, a different language, or even taking small correspondence courses available. These courses were offered by the University of California in Berkeley. In the 1950s, they were also given headsets to listen to the radio broadcasts for entertainment and information. Of course, these could be retracted if rules were violated.

Apart from the aforementioned, the inmates could also engage in a game of chess or softball. Anyone of their family members was allowed to visit them during the official hours only.

4. The Inmates Had Their Own Rock Band

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The inmates even had their own Rock band known as the Rock Islanders. These jamming rights were only given to those who had earned them. The positions in these bands were highly coveted.

Even Al Capone had to beg to become a member of the prestigious band. Capone had apparently written to his son how he had learned to play various instruments like the Tenor, Guitar, Tenor Banjo, and was also learning to play Mandala. He eventually learned to play over 500 songs.

According to one of the former guards George Gregory,

‘’The band itself was only a cut above the fourth or fifth-grade band, but did wonders for their self-esteem.’’

This band played on various festivals, special occasions, or even on Sunday mornings. The inmates were also allowed to purchase some of the instruments but were allowed to practice only between 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM after the 1956 regulations. If an inmate was found violating these rules, not only would his instrument be confiscated but also he will have to face consequences for the same.

5. The Cells Were Basic

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How would one expect prison cells to be? Cells at Alcatraz provided the most basic of facilities like a cot, washbasin, and a toilet. Inmates were not allowed to bring any outside items and you could of course not expect a prison to have a gift shop, so the comforts were quite sparse.

One of the famous prisoners Jim Quinlan, the future Yelp reviewer once remarked,

‘’My new living quarters are pretty subpar, nothing that all I saw today was a steel bed, a straw mattress, and a dirty lumpy pillow. Even the toilets have no seat and the washbasins have only one tap for cold water.’’

However, after the prison regulations in the 1950s, the prisoners were allowed to purchase certain items like textbooks, correspondence courses, magazine subscriptions, or even musical instruments.