The records relate to buildings and construction, equipment and supplies, escape attempts, inmate unrest, financial matters, maintenance and welfare of the inmate population, personnel and staffing, publicity in the press, and rules and regulations. Among the subjects covered are the 1946 riot; reaction to allegations of brutal and inhuman treatment of inmates generated by the Henri Young trial; escapes attempted in 1958 (Johnson and Burgett), June 2, 1962 (the Anglins and Morris), and December 16, 1962 (Parker and Scott); racial tensions; effects of food service on inmate satisfaction or unrest (many records concerning culinary operations are filed in the prisoner riot and strike files, including those documenting the reorganization and racial integration of the inmate culinary detail in 1952); obtaining medical personnel; providing religious services to inmates; remodeling and altering facilities; transferring inmates between institutions; and closing the prison. Newspaper clippings, correspondence, memorandums, reports, and requisitions are included as well as architectural and engineering drawings, and photographs of facilities, people and events.
The index cards contain summary information on selected inmates, primarily those with register numbers from the 900s to the 1200s, though many earlier register numbers are included. The cards appear to have been used to track dates eligible for parole/conditional release and due dates for reports on inmates.
