OLD JAIL - Revision history

Randylyon at 16:37, 16 May 2024

2024-05-16T16:37:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 16 May 2024
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	[[Image:OJAIL.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The "Old Jail" is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857, and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000 to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.		[[Image:OJAIL.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The "Old Jail" is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857 and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000 to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.

	The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], ~~of the Old Jail~~ designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols. Decorative columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.		The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols. Decorative columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.

	The jail was constructed in two parts. A two-story square section was used as living quarters for the sheriff's family. The jail was attached to the south side. Three tiers of cells were located along the eastern wall with a catwalk used to reach the upper cells. The stonewalls were eighteen inches thick. A cell block in the curved-ceiling dungeon was used to hold Confederate prisoners during the [[CIVIL WAR]] and later found use with incorrigible prisoners who caused trouble in the upper cells. Six cells were added in 1874 to house juvenile and women prisoners. This area was later used ~~as a jail~~ for those in solitary confinement.		The jail was constructed in two parts. A two-story square section was used as living quarters for the sheriff's family. The jail was attached to the south side. Three tiers of cells were located along the eastern wall with a catwalk used to reach the upper cells. The stonewalls were eighteen inches thick. A cell block in the curved-ceiling dungeon was used to hold Confederate prisoners during the [[CIVIL WAR]] and later found use with incorrigible prisoners who caused trouble in the upper cells. Six cells were added in 1874 to house juvenile and women prisoners. This area was later used for those in solitary confinement.

	Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours daily. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.		Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours daily. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.
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	In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. This area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.		In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. This area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.

	[[Image:jailbreak.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area. This did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:jailbreak.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years, the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area. This did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)
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	[[Image:oj-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Three tiers of cells. Library of Congress.]]		[[Image:oj-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Three tiers of cells. Library of Congress.]]
	[[Image:oj-2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Cells in the jail's basement. Library of Congress]]On Friday, January 8, 1971, Iowa Social Services Commissioner James N. Gillman ordered the facility closed. On Wednesday, January 13, 1971 by a unanimous decision, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agreed with the decision. Prisoners were taken to either the Dubuque City Jail--where they could be held for a maximum of twenty-four hours--or they were again transported at county expense to neighboring county jails.		[[Image:oj-2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Cells in the jail's basement. Library of Congress]]On Friday, January 8, 1971, Iowa Social Services Commissioner James N. Gillman ordered the facility closed. On Wednesday, January 13, 1971, by a unanimous decision, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agreed with the decision. Prisoners were taken to either the Dubuque City Jail--where they could be held for a maximum of twenty-four hours--or they were again transported at county expense to neighboring county jails.

	One of only three surviving examples of [[EGYPTIAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE]] and the last to be built using this style in the United States, the Old Jail was added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] in 1972.		One of only three surviving examples of [[EGYPTIAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE]] and the last to be built using this style in the United States, the Old Jail was added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] in 1972.

Randylyon at 16:18, 24 November 2023

2023-11-24T16:18:14Z

Randylyon at 22:11, 13 January 2021

2021-01-13T22:11:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 13 January 2021
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	In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.		In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.

	[[Image:jailbreak\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:jailbreak.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)

Randylyon at 22:10, 13 January 2021

2021-01-13T22:10:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 13 January 2021
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	In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.		In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.

	[[Image:~~cell.jpg~~\|left\|thumb\|250px\|~~Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes~~.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:jailbreak\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)

	On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.

	State officials issued a close order in 1970 but permitted limited use of the county jail as a "pretrial detention center" for periods of up to twenty-four hours on weekdays and forty-eight hours on weekends. This forced the county to transport a number of its prisoners to neighboring counties at a per-prisoner cost of more than $4.00 for each day of confinement. This cost Dubuque County more than $1,000 each month.		State officials issued a close order in 1970 but permitted limited use of the county jail as a "pretrial detention center" for periods of up to twenty-four hours on weekdays and forty-eight hours on weekends. This forced the county to transport a number of its prisoners to neighboring counties at a per-prisoner cost of more than $4.00 for each day of confinement. This cost Dubuque County more than $1,000 each month.

Randylyon at 22:07, 13 January 2021

2021-01-13T22:07:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:07, 13 January 2021
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	Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours each day. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.		Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours each day. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.

	In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was ~~improveD~~ with sod and shrubbery.		In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. By 1946 this area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.

	[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

Randylyon at 17:31, 2 August 2019

2019-08-02T17:31:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 2 August 2019
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	In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.		In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.
	(Photo Courtesy: http://dubuque-tour.tripod.com)		(Photo Courtesy: http://dubuque-tour.tripod.com)

			See: [[CITY LANDMARKS]]

	---		---

Randylyon at 16:03, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T16:03:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 20 April 2017
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	[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)

	On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.		On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.
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	In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.		In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.

	On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (4)		On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (5)

	In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.		In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.
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	3. Ibid., p. 18		3. Ibid., p. 18

	4. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		4. Ibid.

			5. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15		Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15

	[[Category: Buildings]]		[[Category: Buildings]]

Randylyon at 15:43, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T15:43:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:43, 20 April 2017
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	[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (2)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3)

	On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.		On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.
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	In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.		In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.

	On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (3)		On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (4)

	In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.		In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.
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	1. "It's A Great Day to Go to Jail," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 6, 1960, Dubuque News, p. 1		1. "It's A Great Day to Go to Jail," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 6, 1960, Dubuque News, p. 1

	2. "Chronology," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 31, 1967, p. 18		2. "Chronology," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 31, 1967, p. 16

	3. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		3. Ibid., p. 18

			4. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15		Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15

	[[Category: Buildings]]		[[Category: Buildings]]

Randylyon at 15:40, 20 April 2017

2017-04-20T15:40:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 20 April 2017
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	[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area which did not exist in the current jail. (1)

			Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (2)

	On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.		On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters, and the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.
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	In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.		In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.

	On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (2)		On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently houses the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (3)

	In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.		In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.
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	1. "It's A Great Day to Go to Jail," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 6, 1960, Dubuque News, p. 1		1. "It's A Great Day to Go to Jail," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 6, 1960, Dubuque News, p. 1

	2. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		2. "Chronology," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 31, 1967, p. 18

			3. Reber, Craig. "Museum Withdraws Request; Old Jail to Remain Cultural," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 21, 1998, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980421&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15		Kruse, Len. "Our Egyptian Jail," '''My Old Dubuque'''. Center for Dubuque History, Loras College, 2000, p. 12-15

	[[Category: Buildings]]		[[Category: Buildings]]

Randylyon at 02:27, 16 April 2016

2016-04-16T02:27:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 16 April 2016
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	[[Image:~~oldjail~~.~~gif~~\|left\|thumb\|~~350px~~\|The Old Jail is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857, and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000, to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.		[[Image:OJAIL.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The Old Jail is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857, and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000, to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.

	The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], of the Old Jail designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols and decorative columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.		The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], of the Old Jail designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols and decorative columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 24 November 2023
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	[[Image:OJAIL.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The Old Jail is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857, and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000, to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.		[[Image:OJAIL.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The "Old Jail" is one of America's rare examples of Egyptian style architecture.]]OLD JAIL. The Old Jail was built between February 1857, and the spring of 1858 at a cost of $40,000 to replace a combination courthouse/jail built in 1839. The "Calaboose" as the first jail in the community was called was located at Seventh and Clay (Central). The building offered no heat or sanitary facilities. Public criticism led to prisoners being moved to the basement of the central market at 13th and Clay.

	The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], of the Old Jail designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols ~~and decorative~~ columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.		The architect, [[RAGUE, John Francis\|John Francis RAGUE]], of the Old Jail designed the building to be constructed of gray limestone. Cast iron doors and window frames featured sun disk symbols. Decorative columns, made of cast iron, flanked the entrance on 8th Street. The original plans called for the building to be a combination jail, hospital, and poor house.

	The jail was constructed in two parts. A two-story square section was used as living quarters for the sheriff's family. The jail was attached to the south side. Three tiers of cells were located along the eastern wall with a catwalk used to reach the upper cells. The stonewalls were eighteen inches thick. A cell block in the curved-ceiling dungeon was used to hold Confederate prisoners during the [[CIVIL WAR]] and later found use with incorrigible prisoners who caused trouble in the upper cells. Six cells were added in 1874 to house juvenile and women prisoners. This area~~, however,~~ was later used as a jail for those in solitary confinement.		The jail was constructed in two parts. A two-story square section was used as living quarters for the sheriff's family. The jail was attached to the south side. Three tiers of cells were located along the eastern wall with a catwalk used to reach the upper cells. The stonewalls were eighteen inches thick. A cell block in the curved-ceiling dungeon was used to hold Confederate prisoners during the [[CIVIL WAR]] and later found use with incorrigible prisoners who caused trouble in the upper cells. Six cells were added in 1874 to house juvenile and women prisoners. This area was later used as a jail for those in solitary confinement.

	Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours ~~each day~~. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.		Prisoners were put to work breaking rocks for eight hours daily. The crushed stone was used in road construction. Being chained together made the work especially hard and prisoners often rioted. In 1882 when they arrived at the rock quarry, the prisoners deliberately broke the handles on their hammers.

	In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. ~~By 1946 this~~ area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.		In 1893 a ten-foot wall was constructed to enclose a small yard on the west side of the jail. This area was used as an exercise yard. The exterior appearance of the grounds was improved with sod and shrubbery.

	[[Image:jailbreak.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area ~~which~~ did not exist in the current jail. (1)		[[Image:jailbreak.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Jailbreak attempt in 1954.Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]Over the years the Old Jail developed a sorry reputation caused by the frequency with which prisoners escaped. Referendums for improvements were defeated twice. In November 1960, two days before voting on a $396,000 bond issue proposal, Dubuque County voters were given their first opportunity to see why officials believed the 104-year-old structure needed replacing. Sheriff's deputies provided tours with the prisoners confined to one area of the jail. Among the improvements desired was better security. In the current jail, the jailer had to open all cell doors when only one door needed to be opened. Another improvement would be segregation of habitual prisoners from juveniles or first time offenders. A third improvement would be a women's cell area. This did not exist in the current jail. (1)

	Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)		Failure of the bond issue led to conditions unchanged. Prisoners were transferred to a neighboring county jail in February after a municipal court judge ruled the facility "inadequate," (2) In March 1967 an inspector for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, following an inspection of the facility, said he would try to pressure Dubuque and Dubuque County to build a new jail (3) In August, 1967 the Dubuque Council of Churches renewed its attack on the poor facilities. (4)

	[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters~~, and~~ the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.		[[Image:cell.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Cells over the years proved unable to prevent escapes.]]On November 6, 1969 an open house was held at the jail to show the public the condition of the building. Even this did not influence voters; the measure was defeated. The Dubuque Council of Churches and the State Board of Control criticized the jail without effect.

	State officials issued a close order in 1970 but permitted limited use of the county jail as a "pretrial detention center" for periods of up to twenty-four hours on weekdays and forty-eight hours on weekends. This forced the county to transport a number of its prisoners to neighboring counties at a per-prisoner cost of more than $4.00 for each day of confinement. This cost Dubuque County more than $1,000 each month.		State officials issued a close order in 1970 but permitted limited use of the county jail as a "pretrial detention center" for periods of up to twenty-four hours on weekdays and forty-eight hours on weekends. This forced the county to transport a number of its prisoners to neighboring counties at a per-prisoner cost of more than $4.00 for each day of confinement. This cost Dubuque County more than $1,000 each month.
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	[[Image:oj-2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Cells in the jail's basement. Library of Congress]]On Friday, January 8, 1971, Iowa Social Services Commissioner James N. Gillman ordered the facility closed. On Wednesday, January 13, 1971 by a unanimous decision, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agreed with the decision. Prisoners were taken to either the Dubuque City Jail--where they could be held for a maximum of twenty-four hours--or they were again transported at county expense to neighboring county jails.		[[Image:oj-2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Cells in the jail's basement. Library of Congress]]On Friday, January 8, 1971, Iowa Social Services Commissioner James N. Gillman ordered the facility closed. On Wednesday, January 13, 1971 by a unanimous decision, the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors agreed with the decision. Prisoners were taken to either the Dubuque City Jail--where they could be held for a maximum of twenty-four hours--or they were again transported at county expense to neighboring county jails.

	One of only three surviving examples of [[EGYPTIAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE]] and the last to be built in the United States, the Old Jail was added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] in 1972.		One of only three surviving examples of [[EGYPTIAN REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE]] and the last to be built using this style in the United States, the Old Jail was added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] in 1972.

	In 1975 the Old Jail was given a second life when the [[DUBUQUE ART ASSOCIATION]] leased and renovated the building as an art museum. For a time the building housed the county's juvenile probation offices and the art association. On August 8, 1983, the Dubuque County Supervisors agreed to lease the building to the Dubuque Art Association for twenty years. Later the building is used for lectures, demonstrations, instructional purposes and exhibitions as 'well as a site for poetry readings and dramatic presentations.		In 1975 the Old Jail was given a second life when the [[DUBUQUE ART ASSOCIATION]] leased and renovated the building as an art museum. For a time, the building housed the county's juvenile probation offices and the art association. On August 8, 1983, the Dubuque County Supervisors agreed to lease the building to the Dubuque Art Association for twenty years. Later the building is used for lectures, demonstrations, instructional purposes and exhibitions as 'well as a site for poetry readings and dramatic presentations.

	In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.		In September 1987, the National Park Service gave the jail "Historic Landmark" status. In 1988 renovations resulted in the building becoming an accredited museum of art. In October 1993 the William and Adelaide Glab Children's Gallery was opened.

	On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. It had most recently ~~houses~~ the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. It offered the Old Jail to the county as office space in for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (5)		On February 16, 1998 museum officials announced the purchase of the [[STATESMAN BANK]] building located on the corner of Seventh and Locust [[STREETS]]. The site had most recently housed the [[PEOPLES NATURAL GAS]] administrative offices. In turn, the company offered the Old Jail to the county as office space for reimbursement to the museum for its renovation expenses. In April, 1998 the board of trustees of the Dubuque Museum of Art reconsidered its position regarding the use of Old Jail. Providing office space, the trustees decided, would result in the loss of a "unique cultural asset" for Dubuque. (5)

	In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.		In 1999 the Dubuque Museum of Art moved to its new building across the street from [[WASHINGTON PARK]]. The Old Jail became part of the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY]] and was used for selected displays.