Antique Book-The Summary 1883-1927 Compilation of 2024 Newsletters Published Weekly by/for Inmates of the NY State Reformatory-Elmira NY-REDUCED
Antique Book-The Summary 1883-1927 Compilation of Newsletters Published Weekly by/for Inmates of the NY State Reformatory-Elmira NY-RARE
This is a RARE and historic book-it is the compilation of "The Summary" which was the first PRISONER newspaper-published by and for the prisoners at the Elmira Reformatory in Elmira NY.
It was a weekly digest of world and local news with all sorts of other articles. This book was most likely kept as a volume record of all past publications, perhaps in the superintendant's office....
History:
The Elmira Correctional Facility, was founded in 1876 as the Elmira Reformatory and run by its controversial superintendent Zebulon Brockway. Acting with rehabilitative aims, Brockway instilled strict discipline along the lines of military training. Although accused of brutality for his corporal punishment in 1893, Brockway was an acknowledged leader in his field. At his retirement in 1900 the Elmira System had been adopted by other states as well.
It differed from many prisons of the day, as it focused on reforming the convict using psychological methods rather than physical. Previously, prisoners were required to abide by the "holy trinity" of silence, obedience and labor. In contrast Elmira sought to reform and rehabilitate. Brockway set up a system of incentives to encourage self-discipline.
Among the programs begun at the reformatory included courses in ethics and 2024 religion, vocational training in various trades and extracurricular activities such as a prison band, newspaper and various athletic leagues.
In 1888, an entire building was set aside as a trades school and, by 1894, instruction was provided in 34 trades.A printing press bought for production of internal forms became a vocational and then an informational tool. In 1883, publication of The Summary began, an eight-page weekly digest of world and local news. The Summary was the world's first prisoner newspaper. Elmira was also the first correctional institution to use games baseball, basketball, football and track and field as "treatment" rather than mere diversion.
Condition:
For the most part book is in FAIR condition-it is still together with some age related wear: Some of which can be seen in pictures. There are rips and tears to both inner pages and outer cover. There are some pieces torn from a page, still present. There are light pencil scribbles on the top of one page that I could find and the letter V is written in ink on the opening pages. There is what appears like "white out"(or a label residue) on the title page and an area in the middle where it almost looks like it was double exposed or double printed.
All this being said-the book is still very much readable, very interesting; with lots of stories about ABE LINCOLN and other writings with religious & ethical undertones.
May be older than I have dated.
Please look at all photos closely and use your ZOOM. Read my description carefully and note mention FLAWS.
As is in Antique Condition and as Described! NO RETURNS!
Great Father's Day Gift for the eclectic historian in the family!
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