DATELINE SAN FRAN: THE ROCK, Pt. 2

The cells were the coolest part of the island. Men had to spend years in these closet-sized living spaces.

Their cots were practically in the toilet bowls. Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh urine every morning. Yuck!

The most surprising factoid of Alcatraz life was the food. Convicts were served some pretty good nosh. A menu dated "21 March 1963" -- the year Alcatraz stopped housing prisoners-- offered "steamed whole wheat," "stewed fruit," and other tasty morning treats surprisingly comparable to dishes served at a South Philly diner.

If you make it out to San Fran with an extra $23 per person to spend, go see where Al Capone spent his lonely nights. It is a piece of a criminal justice history. And who doesn't love that?

Posted by simone at May 12, 2006 12:57 PM