October 7, 2010

Wardensville Jail

The old jail in Wardensville (WV) was open during Hardy County's Heritage Weekend. It was a blacksmith shop before it became a jail.

The property has been owned by the Cline family since Wardensville was founded in 1832. The brochure tempted us to visit by this description:
Experience the ambiance of the Wardensville Jail, enjoyed by prisoners from 1930 through the 1950's. Not many towns could boast of a jail where families kept in touch with a captive relative during a leisurely stroll down Main Street.

...The original structure was built of hand dressed stone, held together with lime mortar. The rear section collapsed years ago but the front section remains secure enough for prisoners, even today.

Since the windows were handy for friends to pass a bottle, prisoners often came out drunker than when put in.

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