Wednesday, July 23, 2014

J/Alphabe-Thursday

The Old Stone Jail, Beaverton

J is for JAIL.

It was a hot summer day when I visited this jail - part of the Beaver River Museum. Sadly the museum wasn't open the morning I was there, but I bet it was cool inside. Not so nice in winter on damp, winter days and nights, I'm sure, and the small fireplace inside  (I'm guessing because of the chimney) wouldn't have helped much. 

Front - and only - door

The stone walls look thick and the  door looks sturdy don't they?  A breakout would not be easy.

Three windows on each side, none on back

A stonemason from Scotland built the jail more than a century and a half ago during the late 1840s. This slice of history was rescued from demolition and moved to this museum spot in 1995.

Bars on windows

I'm thinking it's dark and gloomy in there.

I posted about this jail four years ago HERE.  Not much has changed since then except this time I took photos on a sunny day.

I am linking to Jenny Matlock at Alphabe-Thursday HERE 

55 comments:

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

It's kind of a handsome and sturdy building.

Kate said...

Thanks for all the different views of this building. Looks like it has been kept up quite nicely, altho I would not have wanted an extended stay there.

Kate said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Revrunner said...

It certainly has been well maintained.

Roan said...

Cool building!

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

Quite a fortress! Would never want to be on the inside!

William Kendall said...

It stands out quite nicely. Saving it from demolition was the right thing to do.

Andy said...

I have marked this historic jail on my list of places to visit.

Pradeepa said...

Nice building!

Debbie said...

it's such a beautiful building, it's hard to think of it as a jail!!

it made for some very pretty images!!!!

Tanya Breese said...

i love the stonework...i'm sure the inmates were less appreciative ;)

TexWisGirl said...

looks like a tough spot to spend time.

Darla said...

Another great rescue, nice to know it was saved from the wrecking ball.

Darla

orchid0324 said...

Oh My! It SURE is new kind of scene was and really interesting. Good to be rescued from demolition♪♪♪

Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love the stone work. so impressive. ( :

Judy said...

But back then, jail was all about punishment, not rehabilitation! But those bars sure look like they would be hard to get out!!

Gillian Olson said...

What a great slice of history, the building sure must be sturdy because it is still is great shape. Bet it was a cool, dark and lonely place as a jail.

Rune Eide said...

I'm glad that it does not serve its original purpose anymore, but it makes a fine subject for photographers.

Linda W. said...

Yes, that building looks very sturdy. No jailbreaks there!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

I always find it a marvel how they move entire buildings to a new location for preservation. Too bad you could not go inside.

Small City Scenes said...

I'm glad it was saved but I wouldn't like to spend any time in it. LOL MB

Gail Dixon said...

I love the stonework. But it does appear to be a foreboding place to be incarcerated.

MadSnapper said...

today's photos have better color and detail than the older post. here is my plan... two horses and two ropes to pull those windows out for the jail break. it might take 3 horses since those are really heavy duty bars.. i would not want to stay in it winter or summer. but i do like the look of it

Judy said...

Looks pretty if you don't have to worry about getting locked up in there. I am glad to hear that the buildings will be preserved.

RedPat said...

It looks like it is in beautiful condition, EG!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Neat historical building- but definitely not one I would want to have to spend a lot of time in!

Ginny Hartzler said...

The stonemason did wonderful work. But also, no fire escape, not even a back door! It is more secure this way, but one would go absolutely bonkers...

Ginny Hartzler said...

Sandra's plan is brilliant!

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Really really wonderful this house and done for eternity...
Best regards, Synnöve

cedarmerefarm said...

It's great that this building was preserved.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

It would be extremely difficult to break out of that jail! lovely shots...

Our photos said...

Hmm, not a nice place to be, I think

Stephanie said...

Love the stonework and that wooden door.

eileeninmd said...

The stonework is pretty, it looks very well cared for.. Great shots!

Rose said...

It is just such a sturdy building! I don't think it would have been easy to break someone out there.

As always, I love stone buildings.

carol l mckenna said...

Great shots and textures for Alphabe J ~ love the door shot ~ thanks, ^_^

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Unknown said...

Lovely shots! That is a well maintained building and I love the structure. :)

Judie said...

Good Lord! How on earth did they move it????? Great photos, as always!

Maggid said...

Really different from our "Prison Systems" today . . hm??? Has life really changed that much???

strong and sturdy - helped the community feel safe and secure . .
wow.

Jack said...

That is mighty fine stonework. It would be tough enough to do it once, but twice?

Cloudia said...

Field-stone speaks of Northern history!





ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= <3

SandyCarlson said...

That cold and possibly damp jail makes me think of a Revolutionary War prison (Newgate because why come up with an American name for a jail?) that is underground and very comfortable and pleasant this time of year. I guess the thing would be to get yourself tossed in for the summer months!

Randy said...

I like stone buildings.

Kay said...

I'm sure it's not a place full of happy memories, but it would have been a great shame if it had been demolished. (This reminds me of several funny jailbreak scenes in "The Grand Budapest Hotel.")

Halcyon said...

I wouldn't want to be jailed there!

Anonymous said...

VERY solid looking!

Jenn Jilks said...

I love these old buildings. Perth is dominated by such, built by Scots.

Anonymous said...

Too cute to be a jail!

Lmkazmierczak said...

Nice jailhouse rocks...I must have Elvis on my mind♪

Anonymous said...

Very interesting architecture. It's charming on one hand, but I wouldn't want to do time there.

fredamans said...

Amazing that it still stands and looks to be in so good of shape!

Anonymous said...

The stonework is gorgeous! I like the wood door,but I would like it much better without the bars.. :)

Splendid Little Stars said...

That's very interesting. I wonder if those jailed were kept chained up.

Pat Tillett said...

It is a great looking building. The stone work is really good looking. Great photos!

Jenny said...

I am always a sucker for stonework.

It is so substantial and 'forever'.

Seems like a good idea to build a jail like that!

And it's charming to look at one top of secure!

Thanks for a wonderful link for the letter J.

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.