Rutland Vermont Jails 1784 to 2000

RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY QuarterlY VOLUME
30 No.1
2000
Rutland Vermont Jails
1784 to 2000
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Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility built in 1981.
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Rutland Vi
1784
by Paul J.
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The very first courthouse and j
Tinmouth which at that time was the s
the most prominent men of the county
Bingham. It was built of logs, one stor
occupied one room and the courts weI
the adjoining log barn to deliberate. Th
courthouse.
Rutland County Jail (1784-1792)
In 1784, Rutland was adopted as
there from 1784 to 1792 in a gambrel-n
room was used as a courtroom and the
jail was constructed of logs, had two I
nearby. It stood a few yards to the no
Real Estate is now situated at 19 West
The years following the Revoluti
pressing for New Englanders. Many fa
creditors' demands or pay their taxes.
the courts for sending these debtors to
24 November 1786 at the courthouse (
club-wielding men and boys. The doc!
mob's goal was to postpone the session
day. Some 50 prisoners were taken to 1
cells.
Location of Rutland, Vermont, Jails
0
Rutland County Jail
19 West Street
1784-1792
®
Rutland County Jail
Rutland County Jail
39 So. Main Street
43 So. Main Street
1792-1812
1812-1879
©
®
Rutland County Jail
73 Center Street
1919-1981
House of Correction
Women's Reformatory
Marble Valley Regional
Correctional Facility
167 State Street
167 State Street
167 State Street
1878-1919
1921-1970
198 I-Present
2
Rutland County Jail (1792-1812)
In 1792 when the county erected a
the west side of South Main Street, 16~
section on property now located at 39 S
jail was built was sold by Thomas Ha
Rutland County residents were taxed (
estate in 1791, and 1.0 percent in 1792
In January 1811 Rutland County G
the jail on South Main Street and four
findings submitted to the Vermont SUI
appeared that the principals upon whi(
defective and the materials of which it 1
purpose. But little regard seems to ha'
Rutland Vermont Jails
1784 to 2000
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The very first courthouse and jail in Rutland County were located in
Tinmouth which at that time was the shire town of Rutland County and home of
the most prominent men of the county. The courthouse was the inn of Solomon
Bingham. It was built of logs, one story high and about 40 feet long. The family
occupied one room and the courts were held in the barroom. The jury retired to
the adjoining log bam to deliberate. The jail was located about a mile north of the
courthouse.
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:1, Vermont, Jails
) West Street
1784-1792
~ So. Main Street
I So. Main Street
1792-1812
1812-1879
I Center Street
1919-1981
,7 State Street
,7 State Street
,7 State Street
1878-1919
1921-1970
1981-Present
Rutland County Jail (1784-1792)
In 1784, Rutland was adopted as the county seat. The courts held sessions
there from 1784 to 1792 in a gambrel-roofed building having two rooms. The west
room was used as a courtroom and the east room for Grand and Petit Juries. The
jail was constmcted of logs, had two rooms, a door on the east side, and a well
nearby. It stood a few yards to the northwest of the courthouse where RE/Max
Real Estate is now situated at 19 West Street.
The years following the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) were financially
pressing for New Englanders. Many faced imprisonment for failure to meet their
creditors' demands or pay their taxes. There was widespread resentment against
the courts for sending these debtors to jail. When the County Court convened on
24 November 1786 at the courthouse on West Street it was met by a mob of 600
club-wielding men and boys. The docket was heavy with debtors' cases and the
mob's goal was to postpone the session. The militia was called in on the following
day. Some 50 prisoners were taken to the jail and forced to stand in the crowded
cells.
Rutland County Jail (1792-1812)
In 1792 when the county erected a new courthouse, it also built a new jail on
the west side of South Main Street, 165 feet south of the Washington Street inter­
section on property now located at 39 South Main Street. The land upon which the
jail was built was sold by Thomas Hale to Sheriff Jonathan Bell in April 1792.
Rutland County residents were taxed 0.5 percent on the list of polls and rateable
estate in 1791, and 1.0 percent in 1792 to finish the jail.
In January 1811 Rutland County Grand Jurors made their annual inspection of
the jail on South Main Street and found it to be in deplorable condition. In their
findings submitted to the Vermont Supreme Court, the Grand Jurors wrote " .. .It
appeared that the principals upon which the jail was constmcted were originally
defective and the materials ofwhich it was made were totally unfit for any durable
purpose. But little regard seems to have been paid to its strength and little to its
3
convenience. This was the condition when first completed. Since that time its
inefficiency has been repeatedly proven by the frequent escapes of those
committed within it for the perpetration of any considerable crimes. To repair its
original defects as well as those occasioned by almost daily escapes have
continually involved the county in heavy expenses without adding to its strength,
security or convenience. The jail has now become a mere edifice of shreds and
patches from repeated alterations and repairs. The construction and situation of
the rooms of confinement are so greatly defective that the all important virtue of
cleanliness can never be introduced and a free circulation of wholesome air is
prevented by the overwhelming exhalations of the loathsome place. Prisoners,
shocking to humanity, resemble the legitimate tenants of the mire, and not the
inhabitants of civilized society .... Our jails are erected for imprisonments and not
for the barbarous purpose of distress or torture ...."
Rutland County Jail (1812·1879)
A new jail was subsequently built circa 1812 on land that Elnathan Darling
sold to Rutland County in 1807 for $400. The land was situated 103.5 feet south
and slightly west of the former 1792 jail. Constructed of rough blocks of marble,
this new jail consisted of eight rooms, four below and four above. The two front
rooms on the lower floor were used for parlors and a hearing room. Two
dungeons, one above the other, with marble walls several feet thick and lined with
boiler iron were located in the southwest corner. The upper southeast room
housed female prisoners. The "Debtor Room" where people were confined for
non-payment was in the upper northeast room. The new jail was in use by 1814.
In earlier times it was very common for a person to be sued by a creditor for a
very small sum. If the person could not pay what the court decreed he was sent to
jail. The practice was finally outlawed in 1839.
In 1857 a 50-foot-Iong by 30-foot-wide marble extension was added to the
west end of the jail. The new section housed two rows of cells to accommodate 30
additional prisoners.
Vermont law provided for the establishment of a jailyard, usually surrounding
the business district of the village, where prisoners could obtain employment
similar to the work release program presently used by the Vermont Department of
Corrections. One such jailyard existed along both sides of Main Street extending
from Aiken Place to Killington Avenue. A jailyard marker with the inscription "J.
Limit. Extent of jailyard for debtors in 1840 ... " still stands on the north side of
Route 4 east in Rutland Town just east of the Prior Drive intersection.
Five murder trials were held in the second courthouse on South Main Street.
The most celebrated of these trials was that of James Anthony who was accused
of robbing, then killing a young storekeeper Joseph Green with a hatter's cooling
iron. After hearing the evidence against him during a trial held 4 March 1814, the
jury returned a guilty verdict against Anthony within a few minutes. Anthony was
sentenced to be hanged 10 days later on 14 April 1814. A gallows had been
erected on "Gallows Hill" at the northeast corner of Crescent and Church Streets.
4
Stone jail
Thousands of people had assemb
never took place because Anthony cc
day.
[There have been 21 execution
carried out at the Vermont State Pris(
1864 to 8 December 1954. Capital I
imprisonment in Vermont.]
In 1867 the Rutland County Jail,
ated it was noted that O.B. Clark, ace
the most dangerous men in the countI
was saved from certain death due to 1
who crawled upstairs through blindinl
In the spring of 1879 inmates v.
Correction and the old jail was later
was removed and the old section was
torn down in 1890 to make way for
original jail foundation at 43 South ~
I
n first completed. Since that time its
by the frequent escapes of those
. any considerable crimes. To repair its
coned by almost daily escapes have
xpenses without adding to its strength,
become a mere edifice of shreds and
lirs. The construction and situation of
~fective that the all important virtue of
1 free circulation of wholesome air is
Ins of the loathsome place. Prisoners,
mate tenants of the mire, and not the
, are erected for imprisonments and not
rture .... "
~~
I
::a 1812 on land that Elnathan Darling
The land was situated 103.5 feet south
:onstructed of rough blocks of marble,
r below and four above. The two front
)r parlors and a hearing room. Two
~ walls several feet thick and lined with
st comer. The upper southeast room
)om" where people were confined for
)om. The new jail was in use by 1814.
Ir a person to be sued by a creditor for a
y what the court decreed he was sent to
1839.
de marble extension was added to the
:d two rows of cells to accommodate 30
lment of a jailyard, usually surrounding
'e prisoners could obtain employment
ltly used by the Vermont Department of
ng both sides of Main Street extending
jai1yard marker with the inscription "J.
~40 ..." still stands on the north side of
the Prior Drive intersection.
cond courthouse on South Main Street.
at of James Anthony who was accused
er Joseph Green with a hatter's cooling
m during a trial held 4 March 1814, the
Jny within a few minutes. Anthony was
1 14 April 1814. A gallows had been
corner of Crescent and Church Streets.
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Stone jail erected circa 1812.
Thousands of people had assembled to watch the execution. But the hanging
never took place because Anthony committed suicide in his jail cell earlier that
day.
[There have been 21 executions (three hangings and 18 electrocutions)
carried out at the Vermont State Prison in Windsor during the period 20 January
1864 to 8 December 1954. Capital punishment has since been replaced by life
imprisonment in Vermont.]
In 1867 the Rutland County Jail caught fire. As prisoners were being evacu­
ated it was noted that O.B. Clark, a celebrated forger and considered to be one of
the most dangerous men in the country, was still confined in the upper cell. Clark
was saved from certain death due to the heroic rescue efforts of three individuals
who crawled upstairs through blinding smoke, unlocked the cell, and released him.
In the spring of 1879 inmates were transferred to the newly-built House of
Correction and the old jail was later sold to George E. Lawrence. The addition
was removed and the old section was converted into a residence. The building was
torn down in 1890 to make way for a newer residence which now exists on the
original jail foundation at 43 South Main Street.
5
House of Correction (1878-1919)
In 1876 the Vermont Legislature passed an act by which commissioners were
appointed to locate and build a "Work House", and $20,000 was appropriated for
that purpose. At the same session Rutland County was authorized to raise and
contribute $20,000 more to secure the building of the institution in Rutland for the
purposes of a county jail. State and local officials met in Rutland in March 1877 to
discuss a location for a "Work House". The building, located just west of the vil­
lage line on the bank of East Creek, was erected in 1877-1878 at a cost of $60,000.
During its 1878 session the Legislature changed the purpose of the institution from
its original intent as a Work House to a House of Correction. Criminal laws were
also amended giving the state courts discretion in sentencing prisoners convicted
of a punishable offense to either the State Prison at Windsor or the House of Cor­
rection at Rutland.
Under the old jail system the male prisoners, young and old, good and bad,
were all confined to one room, in complete idleness and engaging in unprofitable
and demoralizing conversation and practices. The jails were training schools of
vice. This all changed when prisoners entered the House of Correction. Discipline
was the order of the day with special care given to cleanliness, clean and
wholesome food and moral instruction. The institution was divided into a north
and south wing, or extension, with kitchen, guard room and chapel between.
There were 75 cells, four of which were lined with boiler iron and solid iron doors
for confining dangerous or unmanageable inmates. When a prisoner entered the
institution he/she was first obliged to bathe, then dress in clean clothes, and from
that time until release, habits of cleanliness and good manners were constantly
enforced. Conversation with fellow prisoners was prohibited, and a full day's
work was required. One day each week inmates gathered together for religious
instruction and advice. Female prisoners were employed in making, mending and
washing prison bedding and clothing. Until the summer of 1879 the prisoners
were engaged in the work of grading the grounds, building walls and generally
improving the premises. Male prisoners were contracted to finish marble at the
rate of 25 cents per day from September 1879 to August 1880, and 30 cents per
day thereafter.
The establishment of the Vermont House of Correction reduced the expenses
of all the jails in the state by $9,000 for the two year period 1878 to 1880. The
institution also proved to be an efficient collector of fines and costs resulting in
$16,000 per year more in receipts than ever before. A 120-foot by 40-foot
workshop was completed in October 1879, additional land was purchased, and a
wooden stockade was built around the buildings at a cost of $6,000.
During the period 1878-1900 admissions to the House of Correction, exclud­
ing admissions to the Rutland County Jail, were divided into four classes:
Tramping 985; Intoxication 1,693; Selling Liquor 941; All other Offenses 2,449
for a total of 6, 118 admissions.
6
Among "All Other Offenses" we
cows, cursing or swearing, intent to
chance on the Sabbath, riding a bicyc
Seventy-two prisoners were confi
women. Commitments from Rutland
1900 were 1,571 (26 percent of the
percent could not read or write, 5 pe
were married, 67 percent were singl,
females, 96 percent were white, and ~
of male prisoners were under the age
In 1883 those prisoners under tl:
subjects. Instruction was held five eve
men committed to the House of Com
time the Superintendent gave physic,
week in the yard. This appeared tl
beneficial to inmates in dealing with t
In 1891 there were 10 to 15 cases
to improvement of sanitary arrang<
physician and chaplain were in full-til
In 1898 one of the improvements
assemble for their meals in a dining rc
In the same year the Vermont Legislat
after which 17 acres of the Pierpoint e~
to the state's property. This land prov
and vegetable yield for use by the ins1
The House of Correction was fon
female prisoners were then transferred
An old cemetery located behind]
Avenue in Rutland has recently been
fenced area are 11 grave markers withe
inscriptions: R.C.Y., 5741, 6107, 652
[marking incomplete] and one stone v
prisoners who died while incarcerated
ied here and that the inscriptions ma;
positive verification to date has been I
situated, formerly known as "Riverside
State of Vermont to the City ofRutland
City desired this land for an elementa
etery located in Windsor measures 83
graves. It has been used since 1880 fc
death were in custody of the Vermont
known relatives, friends or communi!;
ed an act by which commissioners were
use", and $20,000 was appropriated for
ld County was authorized to raise and
Iding of the institution in Rutland for the
fficials met in Rutland in March 1877 to
he building, located just west of the vil­
'ected in 1877-1878 at a cost of $60,000.
anged the purpose of the institution from
:ouse of Correction. Criminal laws were
retion in sentencing prisoners convicted
Prison at Windsor or the House of Cor­
,risoners, young and old, good and bad,
te idleness and engaging in unprofitable
tices. The jails were training schools of
ered the House of Correction. Discipline
i care given to cleanliness, clean and
fhe institution was divided into a north
:hen, guard room and chapel between.
ined with boiler iron and solid iron doors
Ie inmates. When a prisoner entered the
he, then dress in clean clothes, and from
less and good manners were constantly
>Dners was prohibited, and a full day's
inmates gathered together for religious
were employed in making, mending and
Jntil the summer of 1879 the prisoners
e grounds, building walls and generally
were contracted to finish marble at the
. 1879 to August 1880, and 30 cents per
ouse of Correction reduced the expenses
. the two year period 1878 to 1880. The
collector of fines and costs resulting in
III ever before. A 120-foot by 40-foot
79, additional land was purchased, and a
uildings at a cost of $6,000.
,ions to the House of Correction, exclud­
f Jail, were divided into four classes:
19 Liquor 941; All other Offenses 2,449
Among "All Other Offenses" were selling matches without a stamp, killing
cows, cursing or swearing, intent to become a pauper, resorting to games of
chance on the Sabbath, riding a bicycle on sidewalks and disfiguring a dwelling.
Seventy-two prisoners were confined at the institution, seven of whom were
women. Commitments from Rutland County during the 22-year period 1878­
1900 were 1,571 (26 percent of the state total). Of the total commitments 20
percent could not read or write, 5 percent could read but not write, 33 percent
were married, 67 percent were single, 91 percent were males, 9 percent were
females, 96 percent were white, and 4 percent were Negroes. Fifty-three percent
of male prisoners were under the age of 30.
In 1883 those prisoners under the age of 20 were taught common school
subjects. Instruction was held five evenings each week. A trade school for young
men committed to the House of Correction was also established. For a period of
time the Superintendent gave physical exercise and military drill six days each
week in the yard. This appeared to be indispensable moral discipline and
beneficial to inmates in dealing with the hard problem of monotony.
In 1891 there were 10 to 15 cases of typhoid fever in the institution. This led
to improvement of sanitary arrangements and a new hospital building. A
physician and chaplain were in full-time attendance.
In 1898 one of the improvements inaugurated was to allow male prisoners to
assemble for their meals in a dining room instead of eating in their separate cells.
In the same year the Vermont Legislature appropriated $5,000 for additional land
after which 17 acres of the Pierpoint estate to the north were purchased and added
to the state's property. This land proved to be productive in terms of gardening
and vegetable yield for use by the institution.
The House of Correction was formally closed in 1919, and all the male and
female prisoners were then transferred to the State Prison at Windsor.
An old cemetery located behind Northwest Elementary school on Pierpoint
Avenue in Rutland has recently been discovered. Within the 39-foot by 77-foot
fenced area are 11 grave markers without names or dates but bearing the following
inscriptions: R.C.Y., 5741,6107,6524, 7115, 7548, 9476, 10310, 10539,
[marking incomplete] and one stone without visible marking. It is presumed that
prisoners who died while incarcerated at the old House of Correction may be bur­
ied here and that the inscriptions may in fact be prisoner numbers although no
positive verification to date has been made. The land upon which the cemetery is
situated, formerly known as "Riverside Reformatory Meadow", was deeded by the
State ofVermont to the City ofRutland on 29 May 1956 for the sum of$2,000. The
City desired this land for an elementary school. The Vermont State Prison Cem­
etery located in Windsor measures 83 feet by 168 feet and has approximately 35
graves. It has been used since 1880 for indigent inmates who at the time of their
death were in custody of the Vermont Department of Corrections and who had no
known relatives, friends or community to claim the body.
7
THE VERMONTER
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Vermont Women's Reformatory (Riverside) (1921-1970)
In 1921, two years after the old House of Correction had closed and all
prisoners had been transferred to the State Prison at Windsor, the Vermont
Legislature voted to return the women prisoners to the same House of Correction
in Rutland. Lena Ross, a first grade teacher of25 years, was chosen by Judge John
E. Weeks of Middlebury, to take charge of the institution. The Vermont
Legislature in 1923 appropriated funds to remodel or rebuild the facility. Many
changes under the leadership of Miss Ross soon became evident. Gray paint was
scraped from the windows allowing the women a view of the mountains. A solid
cell block became a dining room. Curtains were hung at the windows. Small
tables seating four people each were placed in the dining room. Pictures of oceans
and rivers, childhood and motherhood decorated the walls. Another cell block was
converted into a chapel with windows that opened to allow fresh air to circulate.
Bedrooms were bright and cheerful and arranged to suit the individual's taste
lending a homelike environment. The kitchen had one door that opened to the
west and led into a courtyard with a lattice fence. The kitchen was also used to
host birthday parties, a wedding breakfast, and banquets for the Rutland Women's
Club and Rutland Rotary Club. There was a large recreation room where the
women could gather to sew, read, listen to the radio, dance, and play games. A
piano and several books were donated by the community. Soon a laundry was
opened and laundry was being taken in from Rutland people. The laundry room
eventually became two rooms ... the wash room and ironing room with several
windows along the side. The income from the laundry room grew substantially
and nearly paid all expenses for operating the facility. The women were paid a
monthly bonus and encouraged to set aside one dollar per month for use after
discharge. Clothes were delivered to and picked up at Riverside by the families
and state facilities, such as Castleton Nonnal School and the Pittsford Sanitorium,
which utilized this service.
Many of the women were serving federal sentences. A work release program
was later instituted allowing prisoners to work in Rutland during the day and return
to their cells at night. Prisoners were taken in groups to the movies in Rutland or to
picnics at nearby lakes. Many of the prisoners were housed at the reformatory
becaus~ of narcotics violations, murder, prostitution, and burglary. Prior to World
War II there were 50 female prisoners at the reformatory. The population dropped
to only 16 in 1963 and, at the time ofclosing in 1967, just three prisoners remained.
An atmosphere of pride, responsibility, and solidarity among the women
developed from their interaction with the outside community. Riverside became a
model facility for women prisoners. Miss Ross felt that the women should be
treated like everyone else and with human dignity ... a clean body, warm bed at
night, nourishing food and good recreation. The aim of Riverside was to create a
constructive rehabilitative program. A healthy body, the importance of human
relationships, and an opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and ideals were
some of the goals for which Miss Ross strove. Preparation for acceptance into
10
society following the prisoner's relea
encouraged human ideals was also
indicate that less than 6 percent of the
Lena Ross died in 1936 leaving t
Miss Ross' assistant, Helen Koltonski
as the new Superintendent and operate
70. A Rutland Herald news article sta
that sound judgement, common sense
problems are more effective tools ofn
rigid restrictions."
Life at Riverside continued for fiv
two more superintendents and many Opl
voted in 1966 to close the refonnatoI)
curred. The facility closed its doors on
Rutland County Jail for Women until]
began.
Rutland County Jail (1919-1981)
On 23 December 1863 Melzor E(
Susan A. Pierce for $50. It was durin
front section of the Italianate building
as the Rutland Courthouse Historic I
Abbie A. Crain in 1891 for $6,600. 1
who owned the building until his deat]
to Rutland County 11 July 1919 at w]
three-foot wall separated the cell bloc
block was used to house prisoners un
(Left) This house and property at 73 (
County Jail in 1919. Later that year
rear ofthe house. (Right) A view oftJ
) (1921-1970)
e of Correction had closed and all
e Prison at Windsor, the Vermont
ers to the same House of Correction
-25 years, was chosen by Judge John
:=e of the institution. The Vennont
remodel or rebuild the facility. Many
· s soon became evident. Gray paint was
men a view of the mountains. A solid
were hung at the windows. Small
tbe dining room. Pictures of oceans
.....raled the walls. Another cell block was
opened to allow fresh air to circulate.
:l..rranged to suit the individual's taste
en bad one door that opened to the
ence. The kitchen was also used to
_ and banquets for the Rutland Women's
as a large recreation room where the
the radio, dance, and play games. A
. the community. Soon a laundry was
m Rutland people. The laundry room
.- room and ironing room with several
Jm the laundry room grew substantially
_ the facility. The women were paid a
SIde one dollar per month for use after
j picked up at Riverside by the families
School and the Pittsford Sanitorium,
oeral sentences. A work release program
ark in Rutland during the day and return
n In groups to the movies in Rutland or to
isoners were housed at the reformatory
prostitution, and burglary. Prior to World
he reformatory. The population dropped
:= in 1967,just three prisoners remained .
. '. and solidarity among the women
. "utside community. Riverside became a
~S Ross felt that the women should be
an dignity .. .a clean body, warm bed at
on. The aim of Riverside was to create a
healthy body, the importance of human
1 knowledge, experience and ideals were
move. Preparation for acceptance into
o
society following the prisoner's release by creating humanizing conditions that
encouraged human ideals was also part of Miss Ross' philosophy. Records
indicate that less than 6 percent of the women were repeat offenders.
Lena Ross died in 1936 leaving behind a legacy of love for human dignity.
Miss Ross' assistant, Helen Koltonski, was then appointed and warmly received
as the new Superintendent and operated the facility until she retired in 1962 at age
70. A Rutland Herald news article stated "Miss Koltonski held firm to the belief
that sound judgement, common sense and understanding of the female offenders'
problems are more effective tools of rehabilitation than are prison bars, walls, and
rigid restrictions."
Life at Riverside continued for five more years during which time there were
two more superintendents and many operational changes. The State Buildings Board
voted in 1966 to close the reformatory, and in 1967 the Vermont Legislature con­
curred. The facility closed its doors on 30 June 1967. The building was used as the
Rutland County Jail for Women until 1970 at which time demolition of the garage
began.
Rutland County Jail (1919-1981)
On 23 December 1863 Melzor Edson deeded the land at 73 Center Street to
Susan A. Pierce for $50. It was during the ownership by Pierce in 1870 that the
front section of the Italianate building was constructed. It is in an area designated
as the Rutland Courthouse Historic District. Pierce then deeded the property to
Abbie A. Crain in 1891 for $6,600. Abbie was married to Mark R. Crain, MD,
who owned the building until his death. The property was sold by the Crain estate
to Rutland County 11 July 1919 at which time the cell block was constructed. A
three-foot wall separated the cell block building from the house section. The cell
block was used to house prisoners until January 1981. Each cell contained metal
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(Left) This house and property at 73 Center Street were purchased for the Rutland
County Jail in 1919. Later that year a brick cell block building was added to the
rear ofthe house. (Right) A view ofthe interior cells.
11
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First floor plan ofcell block at Rutland County Jail,
12 wall-hung bunks, a sink and a toilet. 1
long. In 1977 the Rutland County Assi!
building calling it "unsafe for human (
plagued by escapes.
The old jail had served as a cou
Community Correctional Center in 1c
brick building was occupied by the Rl
and used temporarily as a safe house fi
Marble Valley Regional Correctiona
This facility opened 4 January 19
House of Correction (1878-1919) and 1
1970) at 167 State Street just west of 1
from the Rutland County Jail on Cent,
Correctional Center" on a Sunday mon
Construction of the $3.2 million I
Sabotka-Norflor and subsequently Jorn
The property has a chain link perimeter
wall with brick facing still stands alonl
square foot brick structure has mini
Minimum security inmates are involv
security is for sentenced, pre-trial, and
security is reserved for protective cm
There are also two holding cells used
District Court, or for detoxification (0
The facility also includes areas
Visiting, Administration and Support
Recreation, Laundry, Food Service a:
Officers, Medical and Building Mainte
staff.
Vermont currently has seven corree
they are St. Albans, Newport, So. Bu
and Woodstock. New or expanded faci
and Springfield. MVRCF has permanc
sion has at times peaked to nearly 160 •
a two bunk cell, and use of bunk beds Recent upgrades at MVRCF inch
cooling system, air quality improvemel
new razor wire fencing and a new cam~
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upgrade to living units in accordan<
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wall-hung bunks, a sink and a toilet. The cells were five feet wide by eight feet
long. In 1977 the Rutland County Assistant Judges sued to evict the state from the
building calling it "unsafe for human occupancy". In the late 1970's the jail was
plagued by escapes.
The old jail had served as a county lockup for 62 years and became the
Community Correctional Center in 1968. Within two weeks after closing, the
brick building was occupied by the Rutland County Battered Women's Network
and used temporarily as a safe house for battered women.
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Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (MVRCF) (1981-Present)
This facility opened 4 January 1981, on the same site occupied by the old
House of Correction (1878-1919) and the Vermont Women's Reformatory (1921­
1970) at 167 State Street just west of East Creek. Fifty inmates were transported
from the Rutland County Jail on Center Street to the new "Rutland Community
Correctional Center" on a Sunday morning at 4:30 a.m. in sub-zero temperatures.
Construction of the $3.2 million building was begun in August 1973 with
Sabotka-Norflor and subsequently John Russell Corporation as prime contractors.
The property has a chain link perimeter fence with razor wire. The original marble
wall with brick facing still stands along the west side of the property. The 32,500
square foot brick structure has minimum, medium and high security areas .
Minimum security inmates are involved in the work-release program. Medium
security is for sentenced, pre-trial, and unsentenced inmates and detainees. High
security is reserved for protective custody, punitive segregation and detention.
There are also two holding cells used to detain inmates pending arraignment at
District Court, or for detoxification (DETOX/INCAP) purposes.
The facility also includes areas of Admission/Discharge, Control Room,
Visiting, Administration and Support, Medical, Work Training and Learning,
Recreation, Laundry, Food Service and Utilities. Administration, Correctional
Officers, Medical and Building Maintenance personnel make up the 50-member
staff.
Vermont currently has seven correctional facilities. In order of decreasing size
they are St. Albans, Newport, So. Burlington, Rutland, S1. Johnsbury, Windsor
and Woodstock. New or expanded facilities are planned for Newport, Waterbury
and Springfield. MVRCF has permanent bed space for 113 beds. Actual admis­
sion has at times peaked to nearly 160 necessitating triple bunking of offenders in
a two bunk cell, and use of bunk beds in the gymnasium.
Recent upgrades at MVRCF include installation of a dentist's office, new
cooling system, air quality improvement, permanently anchored outside furniture,
new razor wire fencing and a new camera surveillance system; also modernization
of two boiler systems, paving of parking lot, installation of sprinkler system in all
cells and living units, new fire alarm system, new smoke evaluation system and
upgrade to living units in accordance with American Disability Association
guidelines.
13
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Population wise during Fiscal Yea
sentenced (including Federal boarders).
tated. Federal law requires youthful offi
to be held outside the confines of the co
Recreational activities at MVRCF
basketball, volleyball, handball/ping-p~
cial events include Christmas parties
basketball games and musical program
During 1998, 246 individuals from
time in the Volunteer Service Program
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Old Federal Building Holding Cells
From 1858 to 1930 this building, I
Street, served as the Post Office and U.
dungeon-type cells in the basement s
Underground Railroad, housing escape
moved north to Brandon and Ferrisbuq
used during the Civil War (1861-18
Confederate spies. During the prohibiti
store seized stocks of bootleg liquor. 1
thick walls were without heat, light or
medieval-type, and doors were of heav
Rutland City Police Department Holl
For several years the Rutland Cit)
City Hall to lodge suspects arrested aT
Court. Three cells in the basement and tl
five feet by seven feet with a two-foot b
were used for men, while two slightly II
female prisoners.
Rutland County Courthouse Holdin~
A room in the basement of the Rud;
was at one time used as a holding cell f
The room had a hemlock plank floor, '
through a steel-strapped door. A cemen1
bootleg whiskey during prohibition timf
Family Court.
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Marble Valley Regional Correctional F aGility.
14
U.S. District Court Holding Cells
There are holding cells in the U.S
located at 151 West Street used for
pending their arraignment, court hearill
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Population wise during Fiscal Year 1998, MVRCF had 631 detainees, 518
sentenced (including Federal boarders), 95 sentenced/detained, and 328 incapaci­
tated. Federal law requires youthful offenders that have committed misdemeanors
to be held outside the confines of the correctional facility where adults are housed.
Recreational activities at MVRCF include spades and cribbage tournaments,
basketball, volleyball, handball/ping-pong tournaments, movies and bingo. Spe­
cial events include Christmas parties, family days, barbecues, staff-offender
basketball games and musical programs.
During 1998, 246 individuals from the community gave 5369 hours of their
time in the Volunteer Service Program at MVRCF.
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From 1858 to 1930 this building, now the Rutland Free Library at 10 Court
Street, served as the Post Office and U.S. Courthouse. It is believed that the three
dungeon-type cells in the basement served as a way station on the Vermont
Underground Railroad, housing escaped slaves overnight or until they could be
moved north to Brandon and Ferrisburgh. It is also believed that these cells were
used during the Civil War (1861-1865) to incarcerate Union deserters and
Confederate spies. During the prohibition era they were used by federal agents to
store seized stocks of bootleg liquor. The 7-foot by 10-foot cells with two-foot­
thick walls were without heat, light or plumbing. Ceilings were the low, arched,
medieval-type, and doors were of heavy iron plate.
Rutland City Police Department Holding Cells
For several years the Rutland City Police Department used holding cells at
City Hall to lodge suspects arrested and held pending their arraignment in City
Court. Three cells in the basement and three more on the first floor, each measuring
five feet by seven feet with a two-foot by six-foot iron door and a single bunk bed,
were used for men, while two slightly larger cells on the first floor accommodated
female prisoners.
Rutland County Courthouse Holding Cell
A room in the basement of the Rutland County Courthouse at 83 Center Street
was at one time used as a holding cell for prisoners whose cases were being tried.
The room had a hemlock plank floor, a window with iron bars, and single entry
through a steel-strapped door. A cement trough in the room was used to dispose of
bootleg whiskey during prohibition times. The area is now occupied by the Rutland
Family Court.
al Correctional Facility.
U.S. District Court Holding Cells
There are holding cells in the U.s. Post Office and Federal Court Building
located at 151 West Street used for temporary holding of federal prisoners
pending their arraignment, court hearings, or triaL
15
Bibliography
Burlington Free Press, 13 August 1982
Gazetteer and Business Directory ofRutland County, Vt. 1881-1882, Child
History ofRutland County, Vermont, Smith and Rann
Interview with Scott Baker, Asst. Supt. MVRCF
Interview with Mike Coxan, Supt. Southeast State Correctional Facility, Windsor
Interview with Robert Tepper, Attorney at Law
Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, Annual Report FY 1998
Old Rutland 1761-1922, Edward L. Temple
Rutland County Grand Jury Report, January 1811
Rutland Free Library 1886-1986, 100 Years of Service
Rutland Herald, 23 May 1890, 23 Jun 1967, 5 Jan 1981, 30 Apr 1981, 5 Jun
1982, 10 Aug 1982
Rutland Historical Society Quarterly, Riverside Women s Reformatory, Vol. XIX
No.2, 1989
Rutland in Retrospect, Rutland Historical Society, 1978
The History ofRutland, Vermont 1761-1861, Hance
The Vermonter, Vol. VIII No.4, November 1902
About the Author
Paul J. Crossman, Jr., is a Rutland native. He received his education at Rutland
High School and the University of Vermont. He retired from the General Electric
Company in 1990 after 36 years service as an Electrical Engineer. His duties in­
cluded field engineering and design and test of complex surface weapons systems
for the U.S. Navy. He is a Vermont-licensed Professional Engineer (Electrical). He
has been a licensed Private Investigator for seven years. He also volunteers for the
Vermont Department of Corrections and the Vermont District Court in Rutland.
His interests include the criminal justice system, court watching, historical research,
genealogy, computers, photography and traveling. He has written previous articles
for the Rutland Historical Society entitled "Pine Hill Stone Crusher and Early Stone
Crushing Practices in Vermont (1887-1932)" (Volume 28, Number 2) and "Devel­
opment of Rocky Pond Recreational Area, Rutland, Vermont 1952-1954" (Volume
29, Number 1).
The Quarterly is published by the Rutland Historical Society, 96 Center Street, Rutland
VT 05701-4023. Co-editors: Jim Davidson and Elaine Purdy. Copies are $2 each plus
$1 per order. Copyright © 2000 The Rutland Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 0748-24493.
16