NCJ Number
152912
Journal
Badge Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 8-11
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This history of the Norfolk County House of Correction and Jail (Massachusetts) from 1795 to 1980 focuses on the physical facility, jail conditions, inmate services, escapes, and punishments.
Abstract
Norfolk County's first jail was a small wooden structure, two stories high and surrounded by a high fence. The "strongest room" was called "the dungeon" and likely was used for solitary confinement. The heating system was primitive by modern standards and consisted of charcoal stoves and a number of iron kettles. Within the first 20 years, overcrowding became an issue at the original jail. Plans for a new jail specified a two-story facility. Details of the plans are provided in this article. On April 9, 1927, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were committed to the Norfolk County Jail and held without bail. On November 15, 1978, about 1 week after the Norfolk County House of Corrections and Jail passed its fire inspection, a four-alarm fire of suspicious origin broke out in its North Wing. The fire virtually destroyed the recently renovated North Wing. Estimated repair costs were set at $500,000. Major repairs were made throughout the entire facility. All renovations were completed in accordance with Department of Correction minimum standards, and the jail reopened on January 14, 1980.