Former Slave Jail, Parish Prison, Louisiana Photo Archive
Prison & Incarceration, Parish Prison
From Max Rambod Inc, Woodland Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
AbeBooks Seller since February 5, 2021
About this Item
[Prison & Incarceration] Former slave jail, Parish Prison in New Orleans, Louisiana press photographs. Archive of 4 silver gelatin black and white photographs from 1973-1976. Each measures 8" x 10" . Many have original press articles or captions pasted en verso or printed on the margins. The old Parish Prison was built in 1837 and was known for it's inhumane living conditions and mistreatment of prisoners. It was the place where refractory slaves were sent to "receive the cat o'nine tales, or to be confined in the dungeons in extreme cases the rebellious blacks were kept dark cells on a diet of bread and water. " The prison faced multiple lawsuits during the 20th century as the lack of proper security lead to much violence and fatalities between inmates. Statistical research had shown that the Parish Prison was likely the worst prison in the country, and many prisoners faced the threat of violence, rape, and even death, on a regular basis. These four photos offer a surface level glimpse into the lives of some African American prisoners during the 1970s. One photograph from 1973 shows two Black prisoners playing pool in the recreation center, which consists of only one pool table in a concrete basement full of metal lockers. Another photo from 1974 shows a boxing match between two inmates in a boxing ring placed within the prison yard, a security officer and five inmates stand watch. The article en verso discusses the efforts of the prison to begin a boxing program to boost morale and settle inmate violence in a controlled environment. The two men identified in the photo are Perry Nelson and DeLyons. A 1975 photo depicts a barefooted female prisoner awaits trial in her dark cell with an array of greeting cards, trinkets, and a cross displayed on a shelf above her. The article pasted en verso discusses the improved conditions for female inmates at Parish due to public concern. In 1973, "CONCEPT" was created by volunteers who wished to begin programs for Parish inmates who were ready to seek counseling and education. Classes in creative writing, sewing, drawing, and black history were burgeoned from this organization. Guests would volunteer to conduct music nights, and to speak on various topics such as women's liberation and drug abuse. Another photo from Parish's women's sector shows a group of female prisoners and workers in a class setting circa 1976. Some editor's original markings, and minor edge wear. Overall very good condition. This archive serves to show the improvement process of the Parish Prison system in both the men and women's sectors during the 1970s. Seller Inventory # 20934
Bibliographic Details
Title: Former Slave Jail, Parish Prison, Louisiana ...
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Max Rambod Inc offers thousands of historical documents, letters, manuscripts, printed ephemera, and first editions in all variety fields. Since 1991, we have served an international clientele of collectors, private institutions, and public libraries in acquisition and collection development. We are members of ILAB, ABAA, and PADA, and have furnished collections around the world with rare and unique material for over 30 years; from the personal letters of Nobel-Prize winning poets to first edition Journals of Congress to unique pamphlets promoting abolition and suffrage.
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4438 Tedregal Court, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364, U.S.A.
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Max Rambod Inc.4438 Tedregal Court, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364, U.S.A.
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