Freedom from work did not mean freedom from a timetable. Time in the recreation yard and even time for bathing and shaving was strictly regimented. If desired, inmates could partake in bimonthly movies, weekly religious services, and have monthly visitors. To maintain their sanity and relieve boredom, some inmates took college correspondence courses. Others learned to play musical instruments and to oil paint. Whether daily, weekly, or monthly, all activities had a designated time and place.

Bathing and Shaving

Twice a week, inmates marched to the shower room. Following a shower, each inmate walked through a long shallow tank filled with a disinfectant solution to prevent the spread of athlete's foot. A guard checked off the name and number of the inmate.

Donning bathrobes and backless slippers, inmates picked up a clean set of clothes. The...