The Alcatraz mess hall food was not known for its diversity. This menu from 1956 is typical, with one type of meat, sides, and dessert offered. Now, to us, the menu seems to be rich and satisfying, consisting of appetizing dishes; however, could you imagine being served almost the same thing day in and day out? This was worse than a school dinner.
You could always exchange your school dinner with a packed lunch from home that would include a tuna sandwich; however, when it came to Alcatraz and possibly any other prison, what was served today would probably be served the next day.
The Snitch Box
A picture was taken in 1956 of a guard operating one of the prison’s “snitch boxes,” as named by the prisoners. The boxes were both static and portable and were used to detect metals such as weapons and contraband. As it is in all prisons, and not only in Alcatraz, metal of any sort was prohibited.
A simple object like a fork or even a spoon could immediately become a harsh weapon or a digging device for making the way to freedom. Spoons were used to carve through the sand that was behind the tiled walls and forks; well, there is no need to explain how a fork can easily turn into a severe injury weapon.
The Inmate Band
So, not everything was terribly bad in Alcatraz. Although many inmates were locked up behind the prison's walls for life, they were still given the option to have a phone conversation every now and then. This photo was taken sometime in the 1950s, and it shows a prisoner during a phone conversation.
The prison guard is standing right behind him, not giving the prisoner any chance for privacy. Unlike today, where phone conversations can be monitored and listened to, even from afar, this was the only way the prison could ensure nothing (yet again(illegal was going on).
The Mess Hall
The dining room in Alcatraz was often referred to as The Mess Hall, where prisoners and guides alike would eat their meals. This shot was taken in 1955, and it shows a guard watching the inmates entering the mess hall for a meal. This so-called dining room was connected to the west part of the main cell house, and the corridor leading there was called by the inmates Timed Square.
Beyond this hall was the prison's kitchen, where the food was prepared. Unlike these days, where prison workers have a totally different menu, the isolated prison's guides, and other workers would eat the same food the prisoners did, except for additional treats the inmates could only dream of.
Solitary Confinement
Being transferred into solitary confinement was one of the harsh punishments an inmate could be given. This punishment, too, had two meanings. The prisoner could either be sent into "The Hole," which was a dark room with barely enough room to move, or a cell that looked pretty much like this, which had the basic needs but no light at all.
This stark and simple cell was used for solitary confinement and contained only a sink, toilet, and bed. Prisoners were kept in isolation with no light except for mealtimes. The date the picture was taken is unknown.