From the Archives -

From the Archives

June 19, 2017 23 comments

Author Rebecca McKinnell

The Ohio State Reformatory is “the largest castle-like structure in Ohio [and] it is one of the five largest in the United States" (The Haunted History of the Ohio State Reformatory by Sherri Brake). Although much of it was built by the inmates who were housed here, the initial administrative and living quarters, as well as the West Cell Block, were built by local masons and craftsmen. The stone came from a local quarry, nicknamed, “The Devil’s Punchbowl.”

The West Administrative wing will soon house the Ohio Prison Museum, but while it was under restoration a little item was found beneath the floorboards in one of the former office rooms. Buried in the fill dirt that was used below the floor was a small pottery item. Jeff Bell, a restoration woodworker, pulled the item out and found it to be a pipe. Jeff did some research and found that the pipe was manufactured by The Akron Pipe Smoking Company sometime between 1890 and 1915. There is a saying “if walls could talk.” Did one of the masons or craftsmen building this administrative office leave this as a reminder that they were there or did it fall there by accident? We will probably never know but it is a unique item that leaves a very human fingerprint on this massive structure which inmates used to call “the Castle."

Pipe manufactured by The Akron Smoking Company


Post a Comment

Comments

  • This is what I need to find. Thank you so much!
    Things to do at
  • It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people in this particular topic,
    but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! 토토
    majortotositetop at
  • I bookmark this site and will find your posts frequently in the future. Thanks again 온라인카지노
    majortotositetop at
  • whoah this weblog is excellent i really like reading your articles. 메이저사이트
    oncasinositenet at
  • Stay up the good work! You know, many people are looking round for this info, you could aid them greatly. 토토
    Totopick Pro at
  • This is so interesting. Thanks for sharing.
    Medieval Ghost at
  • Good blog and very good article... lovve it!!
    SOGWIN
    SOGWIN at
  • Thanks for sharing this great blog..
    I got trick to Cara Menang Slot
    Cara Menang Slot at
  • This game Donkey Kong will last forever. No matter how much I play, it never bores me. still attracts my attention.
    Annie at
  • Your article has answered the question I was wondering about! I would like to write a thesis on this subject, but I would like you to give your opinion once :D totosite
    totosite at
  • If you're looking for relaxing or challenging games, capybara clicker is an excellent option.
    Lillian Ford at
  • Most infamous game PC due to the amount of sheer rage this game has caused Flappy Bird
    laura at
  • Simply wanna remark that you have a very nice site, I
    like the design it really stands out. I’ve review about that in my web Bonanza88 thank you.
    vivi at
  • According to Becky McKinnell, vice president of the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society remove tree stump
    Philip Adams at
  • Did one of the masons or craftsmen building this administrative office leave this as a reminder that they were there or did it fall there by accident? fort worth texas soundproofing drywall
    Simon at
  • What are the trending destinations in France at the present? We can easily find all info on things to do with detailed article.
    things to do near me at
  • Main Bersama Agen Terbaik Deposit Pulsa Tanpa Potongan Sbobet888
    Sbobet888 at
  • This is a nice history blog in Ohio. Thank you for sharing.
  • I appreciate the author's ability to distill complex concepts into accessible language. They strike the perfect balance between depth and clarity, making the article engaging and informative for readers of all backgrounds.
    Window Cleaning Cincinnati
    Sheila at
  • When I read an article on this topic, the first thought was profound and difficult, and I wondered if others could understand.. My site has a discussion board for articles and photos similar to this topic. Could you please visit me Link alternatif bonanza88 when you have time to discuss this topic?
    bro at
  • Thank you for sharing this knowledge with me. The content of your blog is excellent. You allowed others to read a really informative and entertaining blog post you wrote. dordle game
    sara jane at
  • The stone came from a local quarry, nicknamed, “The Devil’s Punchbowl”. I'm wondering what is purple drywall? Am I able to find it in your archive?
    Genna at
  • safest and discreet way possible
    Megha Malik at

Post A Comment

« Back to Blog

The Ohio State Reformatory
100 Reformatory Rd, Mansfield, OH 44905
Phone: (419) 522-2644 • Email: info@mrps.org

mansfield and richland county, ohio state reformatory
shawshank trail, ohio state reformatory

facebook

twitter

youtube

instagram

tiktok

 

Copyright © 2023 The Ohio State Reformatory Preservation Society. All rights reserved.

The Ohio State Reformatory is open 11am-4pm daily.

$19 per person for self-guided tours (Labor Day-November 17th), $35 per person for guided tours.

The tour route is adjusted Labor Day-November 17th due to the Blood Prison Haunted House setup. A $6 discount will be offered on self-guided tickets during this time. Guided tours will still be 90-minutes long and are still full-price, but the tour visits different areas than normal. There is no access to solitary confinement, the ground floor of the cell blocks, the showers, or the bullpen. If you want full access to the tour route, please plan to attend outside of this window.

Plan your visit to
The Ohio State Reformatory.

Don't Wait -
Book Your Tickets Today

Buy Tickets Now

 *Except major holidays, like Labor Day, and some blackout dates.  Please see calendar.