Are you thinking I've sent this image to my computer photo shop program?
What I actually did was get very close to this hole, and look through it with my camera lens.
The hole is slightly larger than a bullet hole....and smaller than a door knob. I found this interesting piece of history on the second floor of the historic jail, in a town very close to the farm.
The peephole was used to keep a watchful eye on the prisoners on the first floor.
The jail was built in 1883 with monies from 22 bonds of $1,000 each, issued by the county.
It was constructed of Blue Sandstone that was hauled in by ox wagon from the nearby community of Muldoon.
As shown in a previous post, the same stone has been used on the courthouse.
The Victorian Gothic structure is reminiscent of a European cathedral.
The iron fence was ordered from Philadelphia for $2,074.
Two prisoners from the Bonnie and Clyde Gang were housed in one of the cells like this.
I was able to photograph a framed photo of the original 16 cells. The story is suggested that the jail is haunted by the Widow Dach, who starved herself to death while imprisoned here.
Looking at this painting, you may have guessed it...the famous Chicken Ranch was in this county.
And, this is the famous sheriff portrayed in the movie, starring Bert Reynolds as the sheriff.
After completing my tour of this famous jail, I decided to walk over to the Square to have a latte. Before entering the coffee shop, I looked over my shoulder....and smiled. There was the top of the jailhouse in the background.
History, even in small towns, is there to enjoy. You just have to be willing to look for it...
Meggie Mac
What a beautiful building - and such an interesting history too.
ReplyDeleteThe stone is native Texas stone...I agree, the architecture is very interesting
DeleteWhat an interestingly shaped building -- Texas building stone is so gorgeous and has such variety in color.
ReplyDeleteAnd because Texas is so big, there are many different kinds of stone....
DeleteIsn't it a fascinating building - I bet it loomed large and frightening for the people being imprisoned there. Just looking at a photograph of a cell makes me feel claustrophobic! AS Janet said, that building stone is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYes it was impressive and still is...I was afraid to post some of the stories, including the photo of the hanging noose. Remember, it was like the "wild, wild west" you see in some movies. There also is an out-building called the "hoosegow". It was used as a sleepover for those too intoxicated to go home. I think those days were pretty wild.
DeleteI was always watching and seeing this kind of jails in movies and western films. This is real history. Wonderful. A woman who likes history like me, This is a wonderful tour to see a real jail. Thank you so so much.. I really want to visit this jail maybe one day...
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DeleteThat is a beautiful jail with the design and the stone. I imagine people would enjoy having an historic house like that.
ReplyDeleteHi Denise...except for the haunted part. I would think I might not want to turn out the lights in this bulding. But, you are right, the shape and design would make a wonderful house.
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