It's the stuff of horror stories. In fact, visitors to the rusty relic claim to See ghosts of the prisoners who were once Locked up in the castle-like fortress. The tiers of imposing cells are now Corroded with peeling paint after being Vacant for 20 years. Looking down from the height of 6 levels can Cause "cold vertigo" like it did to my Sister-in-law who became woozy and Wanted, like the former occupants, to escape. Many of the tiny barred quarters still hold Steel bed frames, double bunked, with an Occasional filthy mattress left behind. A sign on one of the cells tells of a young Prisoner who set himself on fire and Burned to death in his chilling blistering Chamber. The "hole" in the basement must hold Tragic tales as well. Men were confined in the dungeon for Days on end, alone, exposed to 24 hours of Darkness or intense light. In a word, the tour was sobering, an experience I Am still trying to process, wondering what Attracts people to the ghoulish scene. The edifice was state of the art when it was Built 150 years ago as a reformatory to help Criminals mend their ways. My grandson pointed out the story of one such Convict that was posted on a wall. I believe his name was Willie. He had been transformed, not by the prison, but By Jesus. He was loved and respected by the other inmates and After he was released he returned to minister. The man's redemption story was a bright spot, A bit of hope in a dark dismal place. (The tour was at the old Mansfield Reformatory) |
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
December 2020
Categories
All
|