I Knew It Would Come To This

I knew it would come to this.

Wild Thang Behind Bars

at Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was once the most expensive (and famous) prison in the world.  The beauty of its grand architecture counterpointed its strict disciplinary code, which was designed to inspire penitence (from which the word penitentiary is derived) in its convicts.  Imprisonment here was certainly no picnic.  The place is purportedly haunted, as there must have been some strong emotional imprints that left detectable energy signatures on the premises, for those who are sensitive to such things.  Lots of famous criminals were incarcerated at ESP.  Apparently, Wild Thang has now joined their ranks.

Boss Lady's Release From an ESP Cell

How did Boss Lady secure her release from her cell at the prison?

I might have known.

Al Capone was a prisoner at Eastern State Penitentiary.  Here is his cell.

Almost Cosy

Hardly the spartan furnishings most inmates "enjoyed" during their time at ESP.  High-profile criminals apparently got some perks in 1929.

So, Boss Lady, what did you and Wild Thang do to land in the slammer?  Did you pull a chocolate heist at that confectioner's shoppe (see yesterday's blog posting)?  Or did the fashion police arrest Wild Thang for wearing those red shoes without matching purse?

I'm getting reports via instant messaging that our gals were NOT actually imprisoned at ESP.  They were visiting in a tourist group.  Likely story, I'd say.

Well, let's hope that our adventurous duo is released in time to attend some of those Public Library Association (PLA) workshops going on this week.  Maybe one of the sessions will focus upon recent developments in prison libraries.

Bring On the Man-in-Black,

Cauli Le Chat

MPL Roving Reporter

PLA News Beat

P.S.  This calls for a truly great prison song.  "Folsom Prison Blues," by Johnny Cash, was included on his debut album, Johnny Cash With His Hot and Blue Guitar (1957).  Here's a kinescope clip from Town Hall Party, a radio/TV country music program on KXLA-AM (Pasadena), FKI-AM (Los Angeles), and KTTV-TV (Los Angeles) (August 8, 1959).