Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/444

 364 Sloan's Architectural Review and Builders' Journal. [Dec, among our people and their legislators. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon this humane and philanthropic class of our fellow-citizens, ever foremost in good works, for to them is, in a great measure, due the reformation that has taken place in our penal system. The building which we are now about to describe, the NEW COUNTY PRISON, in the Borough of Wilkes- bARRE, Luzerne County, Pennsyl- vania, has been designed in accordance with all the most modern approved principles of construction of such edi- fices, assisted by the results of personal visits of inspection, by the Commission- ers of the County, to most of the princi- pal Prisons and Penitentiaries in this and neighboring States. The fullest and most reliable information upon the sub- ject was sought after and obtained, from all who were practical^ interested in the subject, and had made it their study ; all defects existing in other similar insti- tutions, earefulty ascertained and noted , and the result has been the adoption of a plan, wherein is combined the invaluable experience gained by such earnest and thoughtful deliberation, retaining every principle, which has been found to be sound and beneficial elsewhere ; and discarding, or improving upon, other points, which have proved defective and objectionable. They were fortunate in procuring the services of Mr. John McArthur, Junior, an able, scientific and experienced Architect, of the City of Philadelphia, to whom they are in- debted for the building now in course of erection at Wilkesbarre ; an elevation and plan of which, we have presented to our readers in the present issue. The Prison is, as will be seen, of two stories, the wings each containing a double tier of cells in each story Should it, at any future time, be desired to enlarge the building, the manner in which it has been located on the lot will permit of its being so extended without difficulty Each wing will be constructed fire-proof, in order that, in the event of a fire taking place in the front portion, communica- tion between it and the wings could be at once cut off, by heavy iron doors. The style in which the whole of the structure has been designed is the castellated, or, what is more generally known, the " Prison Style ;" and the effect is most striking and imposing, being quite in unison with the purpose for which it has been designed. The building; is being; erected on the centre of a lot of ground, facing the Susquehanna river, which was selected on account of its peculiar aptitude and fitness. Being situated directly upon the bank of the river, (the current of which at this point is very rapid,) at a height of about 45 feet above the level of the stream, there is no difficulty in dis- charging and carrying off the refuse and sewage of the prison, which will be done by the very best terra-cotta vitri- fied drain-pipes, through a brick sewer into the riv«r, at a point beyond low water-mark; and should, at any time, there be any need of a larger supply of water, than is now available, it could be easily obtained from the river. The whole exterior of the edifice will be constructed of a greenish drab sandstone, and brick. The facing of the whole of the front and flanks will be of cut stone. The pile consists of a centre building sixty feet in width and about forty feet deep, two stories high, exclusive of basement, with two towers on the front, which will each have an additional story This portion contains the residence of the Warden, also a Registering Office, Board and Com- mittee Rooms and Laundry To the rear of the centre building, and divided from it by a ten feet corridor, is a one story structure used for kitchen, bakery, pantry, engine and boiler-house. The ten feet corridor leads right and left to the two wings, extending at right angles from the rear of the front building, hav- ing a front of 280 feet, and running back 204 feet in depth, and of a width of 47 feet. These wings contain the prison