Prison life 2 Montana State Prison

a cell in cellblock 1

the jobs available prisoners few; between 1930 , 1960, 200 inmates out of population averaging 550 had do. in 1940s , 50s, prisoners spent twenty-two hours day in cells. industries available managed not civilians or guards, but, due shortage of staff @ prison, system of inmate overseers. called con-bosses, these privileged inmates had complete control on areas, reserving right choose inmates worked under them, how work received, , had receive work @ all. since work meant not other sit in cell time earned off sentence, system led rampant corruption, favoritism, , ill-feelings among prisoners, since con-bosses sold positions or used them leverage number of illicit favors.

the onset of great depression flooded prison new inmates, , montana state further curtailed use of inmate labor provide jobs civilians. in blow prisoners, in 1934, state prohibited sale of convict-made goods civilians. prisoners had no legitimate, worthwhile industries keep busy, , exacerbate situation further, of prison yard within walls had been converted vegetable garden, eliminating exercise pastime.