Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years Read online

  ALCATRAZ

  A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years

  By Michael Esslinger

  Introduction by Former Alcatraz Inmate Darwin Coon

  ALCATRAZ - A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years

  By Michael Esslinger

  Original Illustrations by Phil Hall, Mira Kamada, and Philip R. Bergen

  Original Copyright: © 2003 by Michael Esslinger

  Revised Edition Copyright: 2011

  Kindle eBook Edition: 2011

  All Right Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including informational storage or retrieval systems without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information e-mail: [email protected].

  Cover Design by James Zach

  Original Book Design and Composition (Print Version) by John Reinhardt

  eBook Design: Joshua Tallent

  Cover Photo by Jack Hollingsworth (Getty Images)

  Library of Congress Card Number: 00-109107

  The paper used in this publication (print version) meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Information Sciences-Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, and Archival Preservation.

  Ocean View Publishing

  P.O. Box 222317

  Carmel, CA 93922

  No biographies within this reference have been authorized by those persons named or associated.

  Table of Contents

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  FOREWORD – By former Alcatraz inmate Darwin Coon

  DEDICATION

  PREFACE

  THE HISTORY OF ALCATRAZ ISLAND

  DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION

  ALCATRAZ –THE FORTRESS

  The Gold Rush

  The Casting of a New Prison Concept

  THE EARLY YEARS AS A MILITARY PRISON

  U.S. Disciplinary Barracks

  ALCATRAZ FEDERAL PENITENTIARY

  The New Cellhouse

  Guard Towers

  Warden James A. Johnston

  The Guards of Alcatraz

  Visitation and Inmate Rights

  Transition to a Civilian Prison

  The Daily Routine

  The Rule of Silence and Strict Regimen

  The Alcatraz Dungeon

  Solitary Confinement (D Block)

  Religious Services and Education

  The Prison Industries

  The Prison Hospital

  Alcatraz in War Time

  The Prison Library

  The Recreation Yard

  The Mess Hall

  Warden Edwin Burnham Swope

  Warden Paul Joseph Madigan

  Warden Olin Guy Blackwell

  Family Life

  Island Transit

  Strikes and Protests

  NOTORIOUS INMATES OF ALCATRAZ

  ALPHONSE “SCARFACE” CAPONE

  THE BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ - THE LIFE AND IMPRISONMENT OF ROBERT FRANKLIN STROUD

  ALCATRAZ ON TRIAL - THE LIFE OF HENRI YOUNG

  Young Arrives at Alcatraz

  Rufus McCain

  Alcatraz on Trial

  The Hollywood Version

  MACHINE GUN KELLY

  MORTON SOBELL

  ROY GARDNER

  ATTEMPTED ESCAPES FROM ALCATRAZ

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #1

  Joseph Bowers

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #2

  Theodore Cole

  Ralph Roe

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #3

  Thomas Robert Limerick

  James Lucas

  Rufus Franklin

  The Escape

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #4

  THE BARKER-KARPIS GANG AND THE ESCAPE ATTEMPT OF 1939

  Arthur “Doc” Barker

  Dale Stamphill

  Henri Young

  William “Ty” Martin

  Rufus McCain

  Alvin “Creepy” Karpis

  Henri Young and Rufus McCain

  The Escape

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #5

  Joseph Paul Cretzer

  Sam Richard Shockley

  Arnold Thomas Kyle

  Lloyd H. Barkdoll

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #6

  John Richard Bayless

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #7

  James A. Boarman

  Fred Hunter

  Harold Brest

  Floyd G. Hamilton

  The Escape

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #8

  Huron Ted Walters

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #9

  John Giles

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #10

  THE BATTLE OF ALCATRAZ (Intro)

  The Conspirators

  Bernard Coy

  Joseph Cretzer

  Marvin Hubbard

  Miran Thompson

  Clarence Carnes

  Sam Shockley

  PREPARATIONS FOR THE ESCAPE

  Early Planning Stages

  The Scene of the Battle

  The Battle of Alcatraz

  THE AFTERMATH

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #11

  Floyd P. Wilson

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #12

  Clyde Milton Johnson

  Aaron Walter Burgett

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #13

  THE “ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ”

  Frank Lee Morris

  John and Clarence Anglin

  Allen Clayton West

  ESCAPE ATTEMPT #14

  John Paul Scott

  Daryl Lee Parker

  THE CLOSING OF ALCATRAZ

  The Fall of an Icon

  The Indian Occupation

  From Penitentiary to National Park

  APPENDIX

  1956 Rules and Regulations

  Inmate Roster

  REFERENCES

  Bibliography

  Photographic Sources

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Alcatraz may well continue to stand as a symbol of confinement and isolation, but the scope of my research and the influence of those who have contributed were, simply stated, not. They encircled the globe, from across the US to as far away as Holland and these people have helped me to define the framework upon which to build. I once came across a quotation from the Dalai Lama, who stated in his great wisdom that sharing knowledge is the path to immortality. As it may, I will be forever grateful to the following immortals:

  First and foremost, Joseph V. Sanchez, Archivist at the National Archives was an enthusiastic supporter and always went above and beyond to help me navigate through the endless maze of files and records. Michael Frusch and Rosemary Kennedy also extended their support and always came through on my short-notice requests. John Martini, historian, writer and masterful researcher, was a phenomenal resource on a multitude of levels. His passion for exploring history, his willingness to share new discoveries and his careful attention to detail have made my work so much more engaging. In addition he is the author of one of my favorite books, Fortress Alcatraz, which remains “the” landmark reference on the military years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the late Erwin Thompson, whom I never had the chance to meet, but whose mammoth reference entitled Alcatraz – The Rock was key to my studies.

  Kim Sulik at the National Park Archives suffered through my never-ending requests for material and was always a kind spirit. Susan Ewing Haley was also instrumental in offering advice and direction regarding materials in the early stages of my research. Sam Daniel at the Library of Congress helped me to locate some hard-to-find photographs from a variety of sources. Bill Kooiman an
d Irene Stuchura at the San Francisco Maritime Museum were extremely obliging in allowing me to repeatedly set up camp in their offices and explore materials. Chuck Stucker, another skilled historian and former resident of Alcatraz, proved to be one of my most exceptional resources. Chuck’s passion to preserve the history and perspectives of those who called Alcatraz home will undoubtedly be celebrated by future historians who are tasked to chronicle this chapter of America’s history. Pat Akre and Susan Goldstein, Archivists at the San Francisco Library, were also very gracious in helping me with my photograph inquires. Thanks also go to my friends at the Monterey and Carmel Library for helping me in my early California research and likewise to my good friends at the National Steinbeck Center for their support and sound advice. I must also mention Loretta Thompson and Yolanda Talamonte of Hartnell College, who helped transcribe numerous documents included in this reference.

  Herbert Hart was one of the pioneers in collecting information on the military years, and he allowed me to use quotations and photographs from his 1969 Report to the San Francisco Mayor’s Office. Tom Pavia was kind enough to let me use his wonderful portrait of Phil Bergen for the dedication. Vernel Crittendon and Lieutenant Pat Blanson at San Quentin State Prison both proved to be excellent resources in helping me to locate materials and information on Warden Johnston. Another unique source was Frank Keaton at Keaton’s Mortuary. Keaton’s handled the body of Sam Shockley following his execution and Frank directed me to a variety of repositories to help verify burial records for various inmates. Unfortunately, much of this information was left on the cutting room floor and didn’t make it into the final reference. Frank was also helpful in providing unique insight into many of the subjects covered in this reference.

  The late Jim Quillen was another wonderful source to whom I owe very special thanks. He recounted for me his numerous experiences while incarcerated at Alcatraz, and offered me his first hand memories of the 1946 events, which he witnessed while being incarcerated in D Block. I came to admire his honesty and his willingness to revive some very unpleasant memories. Willie Radkay and the late Dale Stamphill also provided valuable assistance in understanding the challenges of confinement at Alcatraz. Former inmates Darwin Coon and Glenn "Nate" Williams are likewise two people whom I greatly admire, and I am grateful for their contributions. Former President Ronald Reagan awarded Williams the President’s Action Award and Glenn is without question one of nicest and most inspirational people I have ever met. A true Christian and a great storyteller in his own right, Darwin Coon has dedicated himself to openly sharing his experiences and giving back to society. He has offered the public a rare gift by capturing the interest of youths who are intrigued by Alcatraz and educating them about the consequences of crime.

  It would be difficult to adequately thank former Alcatraz Correctional Officers Clifford Fish and the late Philip Bergen for the extensive time they spent painstakingly reviewing my manuscript, giving direction and making appropriate corrections. Both provided extensive commentary on various aspects of the prison and its history, and they made this project an extraordinarily special experience. I would also especially like to thank Shelly Roby of Michael Hoff Productions and the Discovery Channel for inviting me to tag along during the filming of Cliff’s first visit back to Alcatraz since he left in 1962. This was a very special privilege and I feel extremely honored to have been included.

  I also wish to thank Ronald Paolini and Don Graffe of the Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space, who both were very helpful in the search for and identification of Miran Thompson's unmarked burial site. Don deserves special mention since he helped personally in the tedious search and even when the rains hit, he didn’t mind getting a little soiled while excavating mud. Anne Diestel of the Bureau of Prisons provided me with some excellent photographs and other materials. Anne G. Sevinga offered expertise and knowledge, corresponding from Holland. He offered numerous suggestions on the manuscript, and was always a prodigious source of guidance.

  A special thank you goes to Alcatraz Ranger John Cantwell and to the volunteers and staff members at Alcatraz. These men and women always took time to accommodate my requests and answer my questions and always approached the island’s historical past in a balanced and dignified fashion. Namely but not limited to National Park Rangers: Benny Batom, Lori Brosnan, Jayeson Vance, Dan Unger, Al Blank, George Durgerian, Craig Glassner, Wendy Swee and Tim Brazil. They are the key conservators of this important history.

  I would also like to thank the various officers who risked their employment by covertly snapping photos of the prison, notably George DeVincenzi and many others. Without them, much of the history would have been lost. There were many others I met at Alcatraz who suffered through my endless questions and requests for clarification – I thank them for their contribution. Jolene Babyak, who wrote an excellent biography on Robert Stroud and the Morris-Anglin escape, offered some early advice on locating a few specific photos. Ernest Lageson, who wrote two exceptional books on the 1946 events helped me to locate a few key photographs that remained elusive until our meeting at Alcatraz. Brad Sears, the owner of the launch Warden Johnston, shared his photos and information on the history of this San Francisco seafaring icon. I applaud his relentless efforts to save this important historical treasure. Mario Gomes was also a wonderful help in locating unpublished photos of Al Capone. Stan Hamilton of the National Press Club was supportive and offered some early tips on researching Machine Gun Kelly.

  Kathryn Marusak, Bruce Hagen and Jamie Schoonover all provided guidance on the manuscript through its various stages of development. The first drafts were so large that we joked about naming the book The Brick. Thanks to their careful surgical guidance, the book will now fit on a bookshelf. Lucy Boling, the true wizard behind the curtain, was a master in the final editing stages and was always honest yet gentle in her advice on changes in structure and content. John Reinhardt, the extraordinary book designer, has contributed with infinite patience. He engaged in the process years before the design concepts ever started and a decade later remains a good friend. Phil Hall and Mira Kamada are the skillful creators of this book’s wonderful illustrations and I feel lucky to have collaborated with them.

  Lastly, I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to say publicly to the special people in my life how much they mean to me. Words can’t express my gratitude to my mother and father, who have always shown full support in all of my interests. This in itself could be the subject of another book. From my youngest years they encouraged my small adventures and allowed me to explore a variety of places on my own – something that is sadly no longer possible in today’s world. Whether it was by dropping me a off at a movie studio in Hollywood, or by letting me explore Alcatraz, they always encouraged me, and their love and trust have blessed me with a most gifted life. My beautiful wife Julie deserves the greatest thanks. I love you... To Forrest, Ross and Brandon, the little men who make my world, may you all do great things. Love also to my late dog and companion Luck (and Spark too). I deeply miss my writing partner...

  And finally, to my late friend Michael Lundeen, my best friend – Godspeed...

  Thank you all,

  Michael Esslinger

  Foreword

  Darwin Evert Coon

  I can still vividly remember that crisp September day in 1958. I stepped from the prison launch, the Warden Johnston, straining to get a good view of my new surroundings. The cold steel shackles chafed against my skin as I walked through the gates and into a world kept secret from the public. It was a somber feeling, trying to come to grips with the idea that I had been branded as one of the nation’s most incorrigible inmates in the federal prison system. I had been a bank robber, and I was now collecting the wages of my sin. After processing I was strip-searched, then permitted a brief shower and escorted to my new home – a diminutive five-by-nine-foot cell. As I lay back on my hard bunk, I realized that this was it... I had finally reached the end of line... Alcatraz.

  I
lived under the strict routine of America’s most infamous prison and faced head-on the relentless pressures of existence within my cramped and tiny cell. I became well versed in the cloak-and-dagger underground of Alcatraz, a silent code known only to the inmates. Not everyone was able to come to terms with the stressful and unrelenting regimen. Some responded by committing suicide, and others with explosive surges of deadly violence. Meanwhile, the painful landscape of freedom was spread before us, just out of reach across the bay. The sights and sounds were a continuous reminder of everything we had lost. On some occasions while we were locked in our cells, an eerie quiet would pass over the men. Distant feminine laughter would resonate from a passing tour boat through an open barred window. The voices would quickly fade into the backdrop of seagulls and slow time, and the men would be left with only their thoughts and their memories.

  I personally knew many of the famous and not-so-famous inmates who served time on The Rock. I helped my friends John Anglin and Frankie Morris to acquire some of the essential tools that they used in their famed escape attempt (later portrayed in the motion picture Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood) and I would dream like so many others of someday making my own escape.

  A long time has passed since I last heard the frequent clashing of steel gates, and the prison guards calling out their counts. Even still, I remain a marked man. One cannot survive such a profound experience and expect to emerge unaffected. When Alcatraz finally closed in 1963, I was one of the last inmates to step off the island and it was then that I started my long journey back to freedom. In 1972, after serving nearly fifteen years in the federal prison system, I made my way back into society with a newfound spirit and outlook. I earned my way to a respectable career, was a proud foster parent to ninety-four beautiful children, and wrote a successful book entitled Alcatraz - The True End of the Line.

  I think you will enjoy reading Michael’s book. Through meticulous research, he has captured the experience of Alcatraz with an authentic voice. It is a skillful blend of history and character study, and a compelling portrait of America’s most notorious prison.

  Over the years, I have returned to the island on various occasions to share my experiences with inquisitive visitors. I sometimes return to my old cell and think of that young man lying on his bunk, dreaming of this day. As Richard Nixon once said: “...only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain...”