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TABLE OF CONTENTS


Overview

Agency History

Scope and Content

Organization

Restrictions

Index Terms

Related Material

Administrative Information

Description of Series

1920, [ca. 1955-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1965-ca. 1980]),

[ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1960-ca. 1980]),

1933-[ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1955-ca. 1980]),

[ca. 1962-ca. 1985], undated,

1911, [ca. 1940-ca. 1980], undated,

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Texas Department of Criminal Justice:

An Inventory of Photographs at the Texas State Archives, [ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1965-ca. 1980])



Overview

Creator: Texas. Dept. of Criminal Justice.
TitlePhotographs
Dates: [ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1965-ca. 1980])
Abstract:This series consists of photographs, contact sheets, negatives, and slides of prison system activities, dating from ca. 1911 to ca. 1985, and undated (bulk ca. 1965-ca. 1980). Most of the images are black and white 8 x 10 prints, 5 x 7 prints, or 3 x 5 snapshots. Also present are a few enlargements, up to 16 x 20. Other formats include color 8 x 10 prints, color Polaroids, color snapshots, color and black and white negatives and contact sheets, and color and black and white slides (most are color). Lastly are three albums of photographs of black and white prints, dating mostly from the 1940s to the 1970s. One album has some photographs dated 1911 and other photographs dated in the 1940s; one was compiled for a former assistant warden, Joe Byrd, dating ca. 1940-1980; and one is from the Photo and ID Unit of the Department of Corrections, containing images from the Walls Unit dating from ca. 1949-ca. 1954. Also present is a small set of prints and negatives used in the prison newspaper, The Echo, dating from 1960 to 1962.
Quantity: 25.07 cubic ft.
LanguageEnglish.

Agency History

"An Act to Establish a State Penitentiary" was passed in 1848 by the Second Legislature. The act established a governing body of the penitentiary as a three-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the Senate. The Board was responsible for creating and distributing a set of rules and bylaws for the administration of the penitentiary, overseeing the treatment of convicts, preparing an annual inventory of property, and making an annual report to the Governor. Over the years, the name and composition of the Board changed. While its basic functions were not greatly altered, some duties were added. These included acquiring land for the Huntsville and Rusk facilities, purchasing machinery, effecting repairs, leasing the penitentiaries, leasing convicts for outside labor, purchasing and/or leasing farms for the employment of convicts, and providing for the transfer of convicts from county jails to the penitentiary. During the 19th century the direct management of the prison was through the inspector, later known as the superintendent. Other officers included assistant superintendents, inspectors of outside camps, the financial agent, and physicians. The superintendent and financial agent had the most direct dealings with the Board and the Governor in the management of the prison system.

The prison system began as a single institution, located in Huntsville, known as the Huntsville Penitentiary. Convicts were put to work in various shops and factories housed within the institution. In 1871, the legislature directed that the penitentiary be leased to private individuals (Chapter 21, 12th Legislature, 1st Called Session). These men, known as lessees, paid the state for the convict labor and use of facilities, and in turn, managed the system, including clothing and feeding the convicts and paying the guards. It was during this period that the outside camp system was firmly established as part of the prison system. In addition to the use of convicts in and around the prison, the convicts were hired out to large labor employers, mainly plantation owners and railroad companies. A second prison facility, Rusk Penitentiary, was built between 1877 and 1882. It began receiving convicts in January of 1883.

In 1881, the Legislature reorganized the prison system, abolishing the Board of Directors, and creating in its place a Penitentiary Board, consisting of the governor, the state treasurer, and the prison superintendent (Chapter 49, 17th Legislature, Regular Session). In April 1883, the administrative system was again reorganized, with the board comprised of the governor and two commissioners appointed by the governor (Chapter 114, 18th Legislature, Regular Session). In 1885, the board composition changed once more, now consisting of three commissioners appointed by the governor (House Bill 562, 19th Legislature, Regular Session). This board was succeeded by the Board of Prison Commissioners in 1910, which was composed of three commissioners appointed by the governor (Senate Bill 10, 31st Legislature, 4th Called Session). The legislation that created the new board also directed the prison system to begin operating again on state account, i.e., lessees no longer managed the prison system, effective in January 1911. Convicts, or inmates, were housed and worked in one of the two prisons or on one of several state prison farms. The shop industries slowed down while the prison farms expanded. This arrangement made it more difficult to provide education and other reform measures. Such measures were generally practiced at Huntsville, with some teaching extended to a couple of prison farms by the early 1900s.

The Texas Prison Board replaced the Board of Prison Commissioners as the governing body for the Texas Prison System in 1927, increasing in size to nine members (House Bill 59, 40th Legislature, Regular Session). The members of the board were appointed by the governor, with senate approval, to six year overlapping terms. The Board formulated the policies and the manager carried them out. During the Board's tenure, 1927-1957, the Board made changes in the system including more emphasis on prison reform, teaching, recreation--including the establishment of the Texas Prison Rodeo--and a new method of classifying inmates. The Texas Prison System became the Department of Corrections in 1957 (Senate Bill 42, 55th Legislature, Regular Session). This Department was governed by the Board of Corrections, composed of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate to six year overlapping terms.

In 1989, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Board of Criminal Justice were created (House Bill 2335, 71st Legislature, Regular Session). The Board is composed of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate to six year overlapping terms. The governor may not appoint more than two members who reside in an area encompassed by the same administrative judicial region. This new agency absorbed the functions of three agencies: the Department of Corrections, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Adult Probation Commission. The Department of Corrections, which was responsible for the operation of the prison system, is now the Institutional Division of the Department of Criminal Justice. This Division still manages the housing of inmates within the prison system. Offenders are currently housed in 73 facilities--59 prison units and 14 transfer facilities, that include five women's units, four medical units, three psychiatric units, a diagnostic unit for initial processing, two boot camps, and two work camps. TDCJ also contracts with seven privately operated facilities to house inmates. As of July 1998, approximately 124,000 offenders were housed in TDCJ units; 6,168 in private facilities.

The other divisions of the Department of Criminal Justice are the Parole Division (including the Board of Pardons and Paroles), the Community Justice Assistance Division (former Adult Probation Commission), the State Jail Division (created in 1993), the Executive Division, Internal Affairs, Programs and Services, Victims Services, Office of the General Counsel, Financial Services, Health Services, Internal Audit, and State Counsel for Offenders. Direct management of the prison system is through an executive director, with each division headed by a director and each individual prison unit managed by a warden.

The prison system has changed since the 1900s. A major penal reform program was initiated in 1947, modernizing agricultural production, initiating industrial production by inmates, and providing improvements in physical facilities for inmates and employees. A Construction Division was created in 1948 to make use of inmate labor, prison-made brick, and concrete for new building projects. In 1963, the Prison-Made Goods Act authorized an Industries Program to produce materials for internal use and for sale to qualified agencies in the state while providing occupational skills training to inmates. Other services available to inmates include education, recreation, religion, and physiological and psychological health care. The Windham School District was created in 1969 to offer GED certificates or high school diplomas to inmates. Junior college and senior college classes are available. Rehabilitation programs offer vocational training, work furlough programs, and community services to aid inmates in securing work upon release and making the adjustment and transition into society. Legal services are also available to inmates through the Office of the General Counsel.

In 1978, a class action suit was filed by inmate David Ruiz and others on behalf of the inmates confined in the various institutions operated by the Texas Department of Corrections against the director W.J. Estelle, Jr. and the Texas Department of Corrections. The courts found the conditions of confinement violated the United States Constitution and appointed a special master and monitors to supervise implementation of the court-ordered changes. These changes have included reduction of crowding in the prisons and the development of better living, health, and working conditions for inmates. TDCJ is still monitored by the federal government to insure continued compliance with the court orders.

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Scope and Content

This series consists of photographs, contact sheets, negatives, and slides of prison system activities, dating from ca. 1911 to ca. 1985, and undated (bulk ca. 1965-ca. 1980). Most of the images are black and white 8 x 10 prints, 5 x 7 prints, or 3 x 5 snapshots. Also present are a few enlargements, up to 16 x 20. Other formats include color 8 x 10 prints, color Polaroids, color snapshots, color and black and white negatives and contact sheets, and color and black and white slides (most are color). Lastly are three albums of photographs of black and white prints, dating mostly from the 1940s to the 1970s. One album has some photographs dated 1911 and other photographs dated in the 1940s; one was compiled for a former assistant warden, Joe Byrd, dating ca. 1940-1980; and one is from the Photo and ID Unit of the Department of Corrections, containing images from the Walls Unit dating from ca. 1949-ca. 1954. Also present is a small set of prints and negatives used in the prison newspaper, The Echo, dating from 1960 to 1962.

Most of the images in this series were taken by staff photographers, though some were taken by commercial photographers, others were taken by private individuals and donated to the prison, and some were likely taken by inmates for prison publications. Many of these images appear to have been used in The Echo (in addition to those mentioned above), staff newsletters, annual reports, and other agency reports. Topics of these photographs include:

  • interior and exterior views of the various prison units, including cells, exercise yards, shops, construction of facilities, etc.
  • inmates working at jobs, including construction, making brooms and mops, drycleaning, sewing, laundering, cooking, farming, welding, making shoes, making furniture, making license plates, etc.
  • various views of inmates inside the prison, such as inmates at the commissary, being frisked by guards, walking the corridors, exercising in the outdoor yards, eating meals, etc.
  • inmates in educational and vocational classes, including shots of inmates receiving high school diplomas
  • recreational activities of the prisoners, including boxing, basketball games and other team sports, prison musical bands, scenes from plays, female prisoners working on needlework, inmates participating in the prison rodeo, etc.
  • various other inmate topics, including medical and dental treatment, inmate alcoholism and counseling services, transportation, transferring prisoners, etc.
  • guards on duty in the prison and at the prison farms, guards at the rifle range, officers training school, guards receiving awards, etc.
  • portraits and other images of the executive director, wardens, and other prison staff; governors and other state officials; and other individuals interested in the operation of the prison system, most shown with the executive director - directors most often pictured are Dr. George Beto and W.J. Estelle, Jr.
  • portraits of prison governing board members and images of board meetings and/or corrections-related conferences or meetings - the board member most featured is H.H. "Pete" Coffield
  • personnel-related topics, including views of staff at work, portraits of staff, staff picnics, softball games, etc.

Most of the photographs are foldered alphabetically by topic. There are five groups or subseries of photographs in this series - two separate groups of topical photographs; a group of unit photographs; a miscellaneous group of slides, contact sheets, prints, and negatives; and scrapbooks. Because many of these images are not individually dated, circa dates for each group are used instead of placing dates on each folder. Most of the photos in the "unit photos group" and the slides are dated, but few of the topical photographs were individually dated. Folders are dated when the images have specific dates.

Most of the photographs of the Texas Prison Rodeo were maintained in a separate series; see the series Texas Prison Rodeo photographs in a separate finding aid. Slides prepared for training purposes, also showing various aspects of life in prison (views of guards, inmates, contraband, etc.), can be found in the the overall TDCJ finding aid, Records, in the series In-service training materials.

The Archives and Information Services Division has a few photographs of prisoners and prison activities, primarily from one of the prison farms, dating ca. 1910-1920 in the Prints and Photographs Collection, photos 1930/003-18, 1975/070-4415, and 1976/031-166 through 186. Additionally, the collection, Records Relating to the Penitentiary, in the series Special subject reports, contains photographs in a engineer's report on the iron industry operations at Rusk Penitentiary, dated 1908.

A collection of historic photographs of the prison is housed at the Walls Unit in Huntsville. For access to these and more current photographs of the prison, including mug shots of inmates, contact the Media Services Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Some older historic photographs can also be found at Newton-Gresham Library, Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, Texas.

This series was removed from the overall TDJC finding aid due to the electronic file size limitations imposed by the online finding aid web site (TARO). If you are reading this electronically, click on the following link to access the overall finding aid, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Records. If you are reading this in paper in the Archives search room, the finding aid, Records, is found in the first divider within the same binder.

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Organization

There are five groups or subseries of photographs in this series:
  • Topical photographs, 1920, [ca. 1955-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1965-ca. 1980]), 3.6 cubic ft.
  • Topical photographs, [ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1960-ca. 1980]), 7.74 cubic ft.
  • Unit photographs, 1933-[ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1955-ca. 1980]), 9.12 cubic ft.
  • Slides and miscellaneous photographic media, [ca. 1962-ca. 1985], undated, 4.08 cubic ft.
  • Scrapbooks, 1911, [ca. 1940-ca. 1980], undated, 0.53 cubic ft.

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Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

None.

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are required to use gloves provided by the Archives when reviewing photographic materials.

Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).

Technical Requirements

None.

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Index Terms

The terms listed here were used to catalog the records. The terms can be used to find similar or related records.
Personal Names:
Beto, George.
Estelle, Jr., W. J.
Coffield, "Pete," (H. H.).
Subjects:
Prisoners--Texas--Recreation.
Prisoners--Texas--Social conditions.
Correctional personnel--Texas.
Prisons--Texas--Buildings.
Prisons--Texas--Officials and employees.
Document Types:
Photographs--Texas--Prisons--[ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated.
Scrapbooks--Texas--Prisons--[ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated.
Negatives--Texas--Prisons--[ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated.
Slides (photographs)--Texas--Prisons--[ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated.

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Related Material

The following materials are offered as possible sources of further information on the agencies and subjects covered by the records. The listing is not exhaustive.

Texas State Archives
Records Relating to the Penitentiary, 1846-1921, 87.85 linear ft.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville
Records of special interest as related to Archives and Information Services Division holdings: [size and dates of these series are unknown]:
Historical photographs, Walls Unit [contact the Media Services Unit]
Newton-Gresham Library, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville
Various manuscript and photograph collections.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

(Identify the item and cite the subseries), Photographs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Accession Information

Accession number: 1998/038

These records were transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Department of Criminal Justice on November 17, 1997.

Processing Information

Processed by:

Laura K. Saegert, October 1999

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Detailed Description of the Records

 

Topical photographs, 1920, [ca. 1955-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1965-ca. 1980]),
3.6 cubic ft.

The images in this group consist primarily of black and white prints, most 8 x 10, some 5 x 7 and smaller, covering the variety of topics described in the series description, dating 1920, ca. 1955-ca. 1985, undated (bulk ca. 1965-ca. 1980). A few color snapshots and some negatives are present as well. This group was in place when the photographs were received. In several cases, there are two or more sets of the same topic. These sets have been maintained as found, so the folder inventory may read Education [4 folders], then Education [10 folders]. A few folder titles assigned by either prison staff or staff of the Texas Prison Archives (where the photos were housed previously) overlap in coverage with other headings. For example, views of officials and staff of the Department of Corrections are found under the headings "TDC administrators,""Department personnel,""Past personnel," and also "Dr. George Beto," and "W.J. Estelle." Many of the photos in the last two categories include various officials and staff with Dr. Beto as director of the prison; later with W.J. Estelle during his tenure as director. Shots of guards can also be found under the headings "TDC administrators,""Department personnel," and "Past personnel." Guard views are also present under the headings "Officers training school,""Pistol team," and in numerous views showing inmates. Shots of board members can generally be found in the folders titled "Board of Corrections,""Dr. George Beto," and "W.J. Estelle." Inmates working in the various industries are under "Industry,""Agriculture,""Food services," and "Construction." Another case of similar headings includes "Agriculture," and "Livestock and poultry operations." The assigned headings are general. Researchers should check other topics that are related to their area of interest. These photographs have not been processed; misfilings are present; what is used as a topic now may be somewhat different than that used by the prison staff when these files were initially set up. Since the headings used in the next group of topical photographs vary slightly from those used for this group of topical photographs check the description provided to determine significant changes. The largest color selection of topical images of inmates are slides that can be found in the fourth group or subseries within this series - Miscellaneous slides, contact sheets, prints, and negatives.
Because most of the photographs are not individually dated and fall within the bulk dates of ca. 1965-ca. 1980, dates are not placed on each folder. Folders with dated images are dated following the heading.
Arrangement
The folders are arranged alphabetically by topic.
Preferred Citation
(Identify the item), Topical photographs, Photographs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Box
1998/038-270AAdministration buildings
[3 folders]
TDC [Texas Department of Corrections] administrators
[6 folders]
Agriculture
[1-9 of 15 folders]
Box
1998/038-271Agriculture
[10-15 of 15 folders]
Miscellaneous photos - agriculture
[2 folders]
Alcoholism program and inmate counseling services
American Correctional Association
James Anderson
Art class
Assistant wardens
[3 folders]
Awards - banquets
[2 folders]
Dr. George Beto [prison director]
[1-4 of 6 folders]
Box
1998/038-272Dr. George Beto
[5-6 of 6 folders]
Lester Beaird
Board of Corrections
[8 folders]
Board of Pardons and Paroles
[2 folders]
Chaplains, chapels, and religious instruction
[7 folders]
Box
1998/038-273H.H. Coffield [board member]
[2 folders]
Commissary
Construction
[16 folders]
Box
1998/038-274Construction
Departmental personnel
[6 folders]
Departmental personnel
[12 folders]
Dogs and kennels
The Echo , miscellaneous
Education and vocational education
Box
1998/038-275Education and vocational education
[4 folders]
Education and vocational education
[10 folders]
Education and vocational education
[1-2 of 4 folders]
Box
1998/038-276Education and vocational education
[3-4 of 4 folders]
Electric chair equipment
Employee housing
[2 folders]
Employee of the Year awards
[7 folders]
W.J. Estelle, Jr. [prison director]
[6 folders]
Box
1998/038-277Food services
[8 folders]
Former assistant directors
[2 folders]
Former assistant wardens
[9 folders]
Box
1998/038-278Free world personalities
[3 folders]
Governors, senators, and representatives
[5 folders]
Guard pickets
Houston Rotary
Industry
[1-11 of 16 folders]
Box
1998/038-279Industry
[12-16 of 16 folders]
Industry
[2 folders]
Inmate Jaycees and other inmate organizations
[2 folders]
Jack Kyle
John Sealy Hospital
Laundry
Livestock and poultry operations
D.V. McKaskle
Medical and dental services
[1-3 of 8 folders]
Box
1998/038-280Medical and dental services
[4-8 of 8 folders]
Miscellaneous
[8 folders]
Miscellaneous
[5 folders]
Dr. Lane Murray
Box
1998/038-281Officers - field officers, 1920
Officers training school
[4 folders]
Pack II
Past personnel
[1-14 of 25 folders]
Box
1998/038-282Past personnel
[15-25 of 25 folders]
Past personnel
Pistol team
[1-5 of 8 folders]
Box
1998/038-283Pistol team
[6-8 of 8 folders]
Pre-release program
R.K. Procunier
Texas Prison Archives, Sam Houston State University, exhibit, October 1984
[5 folders]
Texas Public Employees Association (T.P.E.A.)
[6 folders]
Box
1998/038-284Recreation and entertainment
[6 folders]
Special services
Miscellaneous tours
Transportation
[2 folders]
Treatment
[2 folders]
Unidentified
[7 folders]
Visitors
TDC Women's Correctional Association
[2 folders]

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Topical photographs, [ca. 1911-ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1960-ca. 1980]),
7.74 cubic ft.

These images consist of mostly black and white prints, the majority being 8 x 10, with 5 x 7 and snapshots present, as well as oversize prints, ranging from 11 x 14 to 16 x 20. Dates covered are ca. 1911-ca. 1985, undated (bulk ca. 1960- ca. 1980). Also present are a few color 8 x 10 prints and photographic reproductions of historic photographs. Additionally, there is a set of photos and negatives identified as being used in The Echo from 1960 to 1962, and another set of photos, unlabeled but kept together in separate envelopes, that was likely used for specific publications. This last set has been listed as "Probable publication photos," and cover a variety of topics. Most of the photographs in this last set are duplicated elsewhere within either subseries of the topical photographs.
Following the publication photos are a few photographs removed from the correspondence files described in this finding aid. The removed photographs are accompanied by transfer sheets that detail where the accompanying correspondence can be found. Most of these are images of Board of Corrections members or of director W.J. Estelle, Jr. Lastly, at the end of this subseries, are various oversize and/or mounted prints, most (if not all) of which were prepared for exhibits. These prints are of various topics, including the prison rodeo, recreation and sports, industry, agriculture, life in prison, and individuals, such as directors W.J. Estelle, Jr. and George Beto. A few buildings are shown, such as the old main building and tower at Huntsville before its restoration.
The photographs in this subseries were scattered in several boxes, some foldered, most housed in manila envelopes with topics written on the envelopes. The photographs have been put in topical order, but groups of photos from different folders/envelopes are maintained separately. The photographs cover a variety of topics as described in the series description. In several cases, there are two or more groups of the same topic. The groups are foldered separately, so the folder inventory may read Industry [15 folders], then Industry [4 folders]. There are a few headings used here by either prison staff or staff of the Texas Prison Archives (where the photos were housed previously) that overlap in coverage with other headings. For example, views of prisoners at work in the various industries are found under both the headings "Industry" and "Inmates on the job." Inmates working in agriculture or construction can be found under the headings "Agriculture" and "Construction." For views of officials and staff of the Department of Corrections see the headings for "TDC administration,""TDC administration, officials,""TDC personnel," and also "George Beto" and "W.J. Estelle," as many of the photos in this last category include various officials and staff with Dr. Beto as director of the prison, later with W.J. Estelle during his tenure as director. Also, the folders labeled "Education" contain both classroom and vocational education views as well as graduation ceremonies, in addition to the folder titled "Graduation," and the folders labeled "Vocational education." And, views of guards/officers training, receiving awards, etc. listed generally as "Officers - training school" in the first group of topical photos are listed in this group as "Guards." The assigned headings are general. Researchers should check other topics that are related to their area of interest. These photographs have not been processed; misfilings are present; what is used as a topic now may be somewhat different than that used by the prison staff when these files were initially set up. The headings used in the previous group of topical photographs vary slightly from these. Check the description provided to determine significant changes. The largest color selection of topical images of inmates are slides which can be found in the fourth group or subseries within this series - Miscellaneous slides, contact sheets, prints, and negatives.
Because most of the photographs are not individually dated and fall within the bulk dates of ca. 1960-ca. 1980, dates are not placed on each folder. Folders with dated images are dated following the heading.
Arrangement
The folders are arranged alphabetically by topic.
Preferred Citation
(Identify the item), Topical photographs, Photographs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Box
1998/038-285TDC (Texas Department of Corrections) administration
[3 folders]
TDC administration, officials
[10 folders]
Box
1998/038-286TDC administration, officials
[6 folders]
TDC administration, officials - dinner parties, etc.
[3 folders]
TDC administration, former wardens
[2 folders]
Admission
Agriculture
Agriculture
[1-3 of 8 folders]
Box
1998/038-287Agriculture
[4-8 of 8 folders]
Agriculture
Dr. George Beto
[1-11 of 30 folders]
Box
1998/038-288Dr. George Beto
[12-26 of 30 folders]
Box
1998/038-289Dr. George Beto
[27-30 of 30 folders]
Dr. George Beto, conferences, meetings, including Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes
[2 folders]
Dr. George Beto, prison rodeo and officials
[2 folders]
Dr. George Beto and Homer Garrison [signed by Garrison]
Beto Unit construction, 1979
Clemens State Farm
H.H. Coffield
[2 folders]
Commissary
Construction
[2 folders]
Construction
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-290Construction
[11 folders]
Box
1998/038-291Construction, industry, and education
[2 folders]
Counseling
[4 folders]
Counseling
Dogs
Eastham Unit
[2 folders]
The Echo, [photos used in the paper, most arranged by prison unit], ca. 1960-1962
Clemens, 6-6-1960
[untitled]. 1962
Harlem, ca. 1960
Harlem #2, 5-26-1960
[untitled], ca. 1960
Wynne, ca. 1960
Ramsey #1, ca. 1960
Smither, week of July 4-8, ca. 1960
Field shots, Central #2, ca. 1960
Guards cleaning shop, Huntsville, ca. 1960
Retrieve, ca. 1960
Ferguson, ca. 1960
Box
1998/038-292Individuals, wardens, employees, inmates, 6-8-1960
[untitled], ca. 1960
Commissary, ca. 1960
Central #1, ca. 1960
The Walls, ca. 1960
Greer cell blks[?], ca. 1960
Darrington, 5-31-1960
Dale Carnegie, ca. 1960
[untitled], ca. 1960
[loose, not originally foldered]
Education
[12 folders]
Box
1998/038-293Electric chair
O.B. Ellis [signed by Ellis] [prison director]
Ellis Unit
W.J. Estelle, Jr.
[2 folders]
Exercise yard - Death row
Goree State Farm [for women]
Governor Dolph Briscoe
Governor John Connolly
Governors, senators, representatives
Graduation
Guards
[1-8 of 33 folders]
Box
1998/038-294Guards
[9-24 of 33 folders]
Box
1998/038-295Guards
[25-33 of 33 folders]
Historic photos, ca. 1925-1950s
Historic photos, copies, ca. 1911-ca. 1950
Historical - Texas Prison Board, 1930s
Huntsville
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-296Industry
Industry
[6 folders]
Industry
[2 folders]
Inmates at work camp with photographer - inscription on notebook "with appreciation to our friends - Toshi, Dan and Pete Seeger, March 1966"
[3 folders]
Inmate Jaycees
[7 folders]
Box
1998/038-296AInmates - female - Goree Unit:
Negatives and contact sheets [for some images found within this box]
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts, displays
Arts and crafts, flower arranging
At work
At work, kitchen
Counseling
[2 folders]
Education
[2 folders]
Education [cosmetology]
Fashion advising
Miscellaneous views from Goree
[5 folders]
Recreation
[2 folders]
Religious services and choirs
Sewing warehouse
Inmates - female - Mountain View Unit:
Inmates - female
At work
Education
[3 folders]
Recreation
Sewing
Transportation
Box
1998/038-297Inmates - female, sewing
Inmates - female, women's warehouse [at the Goree Unit]
[2 folders]
Inmates on the job
[5 folders]
Inmates on the job
[3 folders]
Inmates on the job
[2 folders]
Inmates on the job, Ramsey Unit
Literature and pictures re: memorials for Wallace Pack and Billy Moore, 1981
[Pack was the warden at the Ellis Unit, Moore was the farm manager there]
Medical and dental services
[large set of color photos]
[1-3 of 11 folders]
Box
1998/038-298Medical and dental services
[large set of color photos]
[4-11 of 11 folders]
Medical and dental services
[color photos and negatives]
[3 folders]
Medical and dental services
[2 folders]
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
[3 folders]
Miscellaneous
[2 folders]
Box
1998/038-299Miscellaneous
[3 folders]
Miscellaneous - Inmates
[large set of color photos]
[1-12 of 15 folders]
Box
1998/038-300Miscellaneous - Inmates
[large set of color photos]
[13-15 of 15 folders]
Miscellaneous - Inmates
[8 folders]
Miscellaneous [kept for publication]
[10 folders]
Box
1998/038-301TDC personnel
[12 folders]
Pistol team
Power lifting
Prison officials
[2 folders]
Box
1998/038-302Prison officials
[5 folders]
Prison rodeo
[5 folders]
Probable publications
[photos maintained in several envelopes, most with numbers, such as issue numbers, added to the back]
Probable publication photos - #1, #4, #7
[2 folders]
[includes copies of some historic photos, likely from the turn of the century]
Probable publication photos - #2
Probable publication photos - #3
Probable publication photos - #5
Probable publication photos - #6
Probable publication photos - #7
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-303Probable publication photos - #8
Probable publication photos - no # assigned
[2 folders]
Probable publication photos - no # assigned
[4 folders]
Recreation and entertainment
[5 folders]
Recreation and entertainment
Recreation and entertainment
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-304Recreation and entertainment
[9 folders]
Recreation and entertainment
[3 folders]
Recreation and entertainment
Bud Russell, ca. 1925
Box
1998/038-305Sports
[13 folders]
T.C.A. [Texas Corrections Association], 1974
Texas Prison Board, 1956
First TDC tractors, ca. 1946
Units and facilities
[1-2 of 5 folders]
Box
1998/038-306Units and facilities
[3-5 of 5 folders]
Visitation
Vocational education
Vocational education
[2 folders]
Wolves trapped by TDC
Photographs removed from the correspondence files
Box
1998/038-306Board of Corrections member Walter W. Cardwell, 1960
Board of Corrections member Clifford F. Smith, 1980
Board of Corrections members, 1973
Board of Corrections, view from prison farm and views of W. J. Estelle, Jr. and others, 1974
W.J. Estelle, Jr. and Houston Rotary Club members, 1976
W.J. Estelle, Jr., speaking at Windham graduation ceremony, 1976
Inmate weapon, 1961
Virgil Starns, warden at Harlem Farm, 1961
Oversize photographs
These are 8 x 10, 11 x 14, and 16 x 20 photographs. The 8 x 10 prints and some of the 11 x 14 and 16 x 20 prints have been mounted on heavy stock board. Some of the 8 x 10 prints are backed with thick styrofoam. Most of the mounted prints were likely used for exhibits or displays. The oversize unmounted photos generally were grouped by topic in the boxes they were housed in. Many of these photos are enlargements of images already present in the collection, generally in 8 x 10 format. Topics include inmates at work (industry and agriculture views), prison rodeo, inmate recreation activities, and prison officials and guards.
oversize
1998/038-307 Drawing of Dr. Beto and Jack McKee at Legislative Budget Board hearing, by Neil Calwell 1962,
Dr. George Beto at meeting [Board of Corrections?]
oversize
1998/038-307Dr. George Beto with Indian chief, next to grave of Satanta
oversize
1998/038-307 Governor Mark White with W.J. Estelle, Jr.
B. A. Stufflebeme, ca. 1911-1912
Agriculture
Inmate at work
Units
Inmates and officials, copyright by the Saturday Evening Post, photos by Bill Shrout
Recreation
[2 folders]
Industry
[2 folders]
Inmates and guards
Black inmates and prison rodeo
oversize
1998/038-308 [Untitled],
[unfoldered]
This box contains fifteen boards, with each board containing four 8 x 10 mounted photos, showing views of units, construction, and inmates at school, at church, and at recreation.
oversize
1998/038-309 [Untitled]:
The first part of this box contains thirteen boards of 8 x 10 mounted photos showing various views of prison rodeo activities. [unfoldered] The rest of the photographs are foldered as follows:
Prison rodeo, 1950s
[one photo has had color added by hand]
Prison rodeo, 1970s
Inmates coming from or going to the fields
New inmates arriving at Huntsville
Historic photo - copy - old main building with ornate clock tower, 1900s or early 1930s
oversize
1998/038-309Farm units
[2 folders]

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Unit photographs, 1933-[ca. 1985], undated (bulk [ca. 1955-ca. 1980]),
9.12 cubic ft.

This subseries or group consists of color and black and white prints - ranging in size from 8 x 10 to snapshots - color and black and white contact sheets, negatives, and a few slides, dating 1933-ca. 1985, undated (bulk ca. 1955-ca. 1980). These photographs consist largely of construction views, also interior and exterior views of units and grounds, some views of personnel and inmates at those units, and aerial views of the units and surrounding vicinity. Many of these photographs are curled due to improper housing in the past. For many units, there are two or more groups of photographs from the same time period. These groups are maintained separately, so the folder inventory may read Ellis Unit, 1974 [4 folders], then Ellis Unit, 1974 [4 folders].
Arrangement
These records are arranged alphabetically by unit.
Preferred Citation
(Identify the item), Unit photographs, Photographs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Box
1998/038-310Barnes, Landss, Goodman, Youngblood proposal
[7 folders]
Beto Unit
Box
1998/038-310 [undated]
November 1, 1977
May 20, 1978
[2 folders]
May 25, 1978
1977, undated
[found in folder labeled 5-5-78]
May 31, 1978
May 28, 1978
[4 folders]
July 6, 1978
[2 folders]
Box
1998/038-311 July 12, 1978
July 20, 1978
July 27, 1978
August 2, 1978
[2 folders]
August 10, 11, 16, 1978
[2 folders]
August 16, 1978
[2 folders]
August 23, 1978
August 30, 1978
[2 folders]
September 7, 1978
September 28, 1978
October 4, 1978
[5 folders]
October 12, 1978
October 20, 1978
[2 folders]
October 27, 1978
Box
1998/038-312 November 7 and 9, 1978
November 15-16, 1978
November 29, 1978
[2 folders]
December 7, 1978
December 12, 1978
December 20, 1978
February 21, 1979
February 28, 1979
March 6, 1979
[2 folders]
March 7, 1979
March 14, 28, 1979
[2 folders]
April 4, 1979
April 25, 27, 1979
[2 folders]
May 2, 1979
July 24, 1979
[4 folders]
Box
1998/038-313 August 10, 1979
[4 folders]
September 6, 1979
September 27, 1979
December 14, 1979
February 14, 1980
[undated]
[undated]
[14 folders]
Box
1998/038-314[undated]
[8 folders]
Negatives
Beto Bridge
Boyd Distribution Center
Central Unit
Box
1998/038-314 [undated]
ca. 1962-1976
[1-11 of 63 folders]
Box
1998/038-315 ca. 1962-1976
[12-37 of 63 folders]
Box
1998/038-316 ca. 1962-1976
[38-51 of 63 folders]
Box
1998/038-317 ca. 1962-1976
[52-63 of 63 folders]
Box
1998/038-318 1977
# 2, Main building and guards dorms, 1970-1971
# 2, Rehabilitation, 1966, 1976
# 1, 1960
ca. 1969
1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
# 1 and 2, 1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
# 2, 1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
# 1, 1978
[negatives and contact sheets]
# 1, 1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
Criminal Justice Center
Box
1998/038-318 [undated]
1970s
[1-7 of 14 folders]
Box
1998/038-319 1970s
[8-14 of 14 folders]
Clemens Unit
Box
1998/038-319 1960s-1980
[1-11 of 22 folders]
Box
1998/038-320 1960s-1980
[12-22 of 22 folders]
ca. 1968-1977
Coffield Unit
Box
1998/038-320 1976
1960s-1980
[1-5 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-321 1960s-1980
[6-24 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-322 1960s-1980
[25-40 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-323 1960s-1980
[41-49 of 49 folders]
1970s
[2 folders]
1975
[negatives and contact sheets]
1976
[2 folders] [negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[2 folders] [negatives and contact sheets]
Box
1998/038-324 1978
[6 folders] [negatives and contact sheets]
1979
[2 folders] [negatives and contact sheets]
1979-1980
[negatives and contact sheets]
Pictures of a flood
[2 folders]
Dedication, 1972
Construction
Darrington Unit
Box
1998/038-324 1960s-1970s
[1-7 of 11 folders]
Box
1998/038-325 1960s-1970s
[8-11 of 11 folders]
ca. 1980
[3 folders]
Diagnostic Unit
Box
1998/038-325 1960s-1970s
[2 folders]
1970s
[5 folders]
Eastham Unit
Box
1998/038-326 late 1950s-1970s
[22 folders]
Box
1998/038-327 ca. 1980
[2 folders]
late 1960s-1970s
Eastham Unit
[negatives]
1976-1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1978-1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
Ellis Unit
Box
1998/038-327 1974
[4 folders]
1974
[4 folders]
ca. 1975
[3 folders]
ca. 1960s-1980
[1-3 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-328 ca. 1960s-1980
[4-20 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-329 ca. 1960s-1980
[21-41 of 49 folders]
Box
1998/038-330 ca. 1960s-1980
[42-49 of 49 folders]
1970s
[3 folders]
Ellis Recreation Center
[2 folders]
Ellis II, 1984
[2 folders]
Ellis II, 1984
Ferguson Unit
Box
1998/038-330 ca. 1961-1980
[1-8 of 17 folders]
Box
1998/038-331 ca. 1961-1980
[9-17 of 17 folders]
ca. 1967-1980
[4 folders]
1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977-1978
[negatives and contact sheets]
1979-1980
[negatives and contact sheets]
1980, 1982
[negatives and contact sheets]
Gatesville Unit
Box
1998/038-332Riverside and Live Oak, 1979
[2 folders]
1979
[4 folders]
ca. 1979
ca. 1980
[5 folders]
ca. 1981
[5 folders]
Box
1998/038-333Gatesville Unit [photos labeled "Central" on reverse], ca. 1979
[2 folders]
1979
[2 folders] [negatives and contact sheets]
1982
[negatives and contact sheets]
Goree Unit
Box
1998/038-333 ca. 1972-1978
[3 folders]
1960s-1970s
[12 folders]
Box
1998/038-334 1970s-early 1980s
[3 folders]
ca. 1958
Boiler room, 1970s
1975-1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1978-1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
Huntsville
Box
1998/038-334 1949-1952
1949
1950-1952
[4 folders]
1950-1953
[3 folders]
1958
[2 folders]
ca. 1961-1976
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-335 ca. 1965-1976
[11 folders]
1977-1978
ca. 1974-1979
[8 folders]
Box
1998/038-336 1970s
[11 folders]
ca. 1949
1950s-1970s
[3 folders]
1970s
1979
ca. 1970-1980
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-337 1975, 1977
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1978
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1978
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1978
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1978-1979
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1979
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
1979-1980
[negatives and contact sheets - Book 2]
Jester Unit [Many folders include a mixture of images from units I and II. However, in a couple of instances images are present from just unit II.]
Box
1998/038-337 [photos actually of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation]
[2 folders]
1960s-1970s
[1-3 of 5 folders]
Box
1999/038-338 1960s-1970s
[4-5 of 5 folders]
1960s-1970s
[13 folders]
Kitchen and bridge, 1970s
Grimes County flooded areas, 1970s or 1980s
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-339Pre-release center, 1970s
1970s
1960s-1970s
[9 folders]
Jester II Unit, 1970s
[4 folders]
Box
1998/038-340Barnes, Landss, Youngblood proposal, 1960s-1970s
[5 folders]
ca. 1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
1976
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
ca. 1978
[negatives and contact sheets]
John Sealy Hospital
Box
1998/038-340 1981
1982
Miscellaneous units
Box
1998/038-340 1933-1939
[3 folders]
ca. 1940-1960s
Box
1998/038-341Miscellaneous units [Fort Parker?], ca. 1966
[3 folders]
1970s
1970s-1980s
[10 folders]
1970s
[2 folders]
1980
[2 folders]
ca. 1970s
[contact sheets]
Aerial views, 1970s
Mountain View Unit
Box
1998/038-342 1970s
ca. 1970s
1975
[2 folders]
1975
[5 folders]
1976
[2 folders]
1970s
[3 folders]
Ramsey I Unit
Box
1998/038-342 1950s
[2 folders]
ca. 1960s
[6 folders]
1962
Box
1998/038-343 1960s-1970s
[6 folders]
1970s
[2 folders]
1978-1980
Ramsey II Unit
Box
1998/038-343 1950s-1960s
[2 folders]
1960s-1970s
[10 folders]
ca. 1979-1980
Retrieve Unit
Box
1998/038-344 1962
ca. 1968
1960s-1970s
[14 folders]
Box
1998/038-345 1970s
[4 folders]
1975-1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1978-1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
Wynne Unit
Box
1998/038-345 ca. 1958-1970
[3 folders]
1960s-1970s
[7 folders]
1970s
[5 folders]
Box
1998/038-346 ca. 1975
[3 folders]
1975-1976
[2 folders]
1984
[2 folders]
1970s
[2 folders]
ca. 1974
[2 folders]
ca. 1975
[negatives and contact sheets]
1976-1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1977
[negatives and contact sheets]
1978-1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
1979
[negatives and contact sheets]
Box
1998/038-347 1960s-1970s
[These photographs must be unrolled by the photo archivist prior to use.]

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Slides and miscellaneous photographic media, [ca. 1962-ca. 1985], undated,
4.08 cubic ft.

This subseries consists primarily of sheets of slides, most in color; a few contact sheets and negatives, in both color and black and white; and a few black and white photographs, dating ca. 1962-ca. 1985, undated. Most of these items are unidentified or else identified by unit only. Topics include a variety of activities as described in the series description, including a large number of views of inmates within the prison, at work, etc. One set of slides was used as a presentation on murder, titled "Homicide and Culture." Of special interest is a box of black and white slides that have various views of inmates--at work in the fields, within the prisons, etc. Also of note is the last file in this group that contains a photograph of inmate David Ruiz and others in the Wynne Unit writ room in 1978.
The materials are arranged as received. The slides were housed either in notebooks or boxes, and their arrangement within the notebooks/boxes has been maintained. The notebooks in which they were housed are identified in the folder inventory.
Arrangement
These records are arranged in the order received.
Preferred Citation
(Identify the item), Slides and miscellaneous photographic media, Photographs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Box
1998/038-348Slides [from black notebook]:
GINC - 1983
[2 folders]
1983
Ellis II Unit, 1983
Pack Unit, 1983
Walls Unit
Box
1998/038-349Ellis Unit
Miscellaneous construction views
Miscellaneous aerial views
Slides [from 1st blue notebook]:
Box
1998/038-349Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1977
[1-3 of 4 folders]
Box
1998/048-350Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1977
[4 of 4 folders]
Slides [from 2nd blue notebook]:
Box
1998/048-350Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1977-1985
[1-5 of 12 folders]
Box
1998/038-351Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1977-1985
[6-11 of 12 folders]
Box
1998/038-352Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1977-1985
[12 of 12 folders]
1987
Slides and photographs [from 3rd blue notebook]:
Box
1998/038-352Slides - Solar panel fabrication, ca. 1985
[3 folders]
Photographs - Coffield levee, 1977-1979
[6 folders]
Box
1998/038-353Slides - ca. 1977-ca. 1979
[5 folders]
Box
1998/038-354Slides [from blue double notebooks, vol. I]:
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1972-ca. 1980
[1-6 of 12 folders]
Box
1998/038-355Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1972-ca. 1980
[7-12 of 12 folders]
Box
1998/038-356Slides [from blue double notebooks, vol. II]:
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1972-ca. 1977
[1-5 of 10 folders]
Box
1998/038-357Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1972-ca. 1977
[6-10 of 11 folders]
Box
1998/038-358Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1972-ca. 1977
[11 of 11 folders]
Slides [loose sheets]:
Miscellaneous, 1984
Blueprints, ca. 1975
Slides [from boxes, placed in slide sheets]:
Miscellaneous inmates - "8-83, Mike George,"
[black and white slides]
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-359Agriculture, 1964
Miscellaneous views from most units, 1978
[1-5 of 8 folders]
Box
1998/038-360Miscellaneous views from most units, 1978
[6-8 of 8 folders]
Miscellaneous - "Danny Fuentes," ca. 1970-ca. 1975
[1-3 of 6 folders]
Box
1998/038-361Miscellaneous - "Danny Fuentes," ca. 1970-ca. 1975
[4-6 of 6 folders]
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., ca. 1973-ca. 1978
Buildings - "Pasty Woodall slides," 1987
Unit views, 1976
Box
1998/038-362Miscellaneous aerial views, 1975
[2 folders]
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1970-1978
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1970-1978
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1970-1978
Miscellaneous views of inmates, etc., 1977
Box
1998/038-363Units - buildings, etc., ca. 1971-ca. 1978
Murder slide presentation - "Homicide and Culture"
Negatives, miscellaneous
Contact sheets, units, 1981
Contact sheets, aerial views, 1982
Contact sheets, interior views
Contact sheets and negatives, employees, etc., 1979
Contact sheets and negatives, miscellaneous, ca. 1976-ca. 1980
Contact sheets and negatives, recreation and entertainment
[2 folders]
Contact sheets, miscellaneous views of inmates, etc. - "James Balzaretti"
[3 folders]
Box
1998/038-364Negatives, levee project "from Mr. Hall"
Contact sheets and negatives, various machinery - "Mr. Williamson"
Contact sheet, cemetery
Negatives and prints, miscellaneous
Contact sheets and negatives, miscellaneous views of inmates, etc.,[most directed to Mr. Ricks, Photo and ID]
[2 folders]
Negatives, miscellaneous views of inmates, etc.
[3 folders]
Negatives, copy of an old photo - "pictures of a girl, Bell Family"
Photographs, miscellaneous
Photographs - David Ruiz, et al., Wynne Unit writ room, July 1978

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