Research: Topics: Genealogy: Department of Corrections: Description: Institutional Records
C. INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS
ALBION CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Albion Correctional Facility is located in Albion, Orleans County. It is classified as a medium security correctional facility for females 16 years of age or older. It functions as a general confinement facility and a work release facility. Albion presently confines approximately 500 inmates.
The Western House of Refuge for Women at Albion was established by the Laws of 1890, Chapter 238. It opened in 1893 for women between the ages 15 and 30 who were convicted of petit larceny, habitual drunkenness, prostitution, or other misdemeanors. Albion's program included academic training to the sixth grade, vocational training, and religious training. It used a grading system to reward good behavior. Sentences were indeterminate and inmates could be held as long as five years. The institution operated under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Charities until 1926 when it was transferred to the new Department of Correction. In 1923, the name of the institution was changed to the Albion State Training School.
In 1931 (Chapter 546), the institution's name was changed to the Institution for Mentally Defective Delinquent Women. The institution took over the function of confining defective delinquent inmates from Bedford Hills, which in turn became the new State prison for women. In 1932, the institution's name was changed back to Albion State Training School but its function remained the same.
In 1957 (Chapter 802), the Western Reformatory for Women was also established at Albion. The reformatory used the same grounds and facilities as the Albion State Training School but they were managed as separate institutions. In 1967, a narcotic rehabilitation center also opened at Albion and was operated by the Narcotic Addiction Control Commission. In 1970, the reformatory was renamed the Western Correctional Facility and the training school renamed the Albion State Institution. In 1971, the entire facility became the Albion Correctional Facility.
14610-78. Inmate case files, 1894-ca. 1968. R 167 cu. ft.
Approximately 7,000 inmate case files relate to women confined at the institution from 1894 to about 1968. Approximately 3,000 case files are included from the period when the institution functioned as a reformatory (1894-1931) and approximately 4,000 case files from the period when Albion served as an institution for defective delinquents (after 1931). There are no case files from the Western Reformatory for Women (1957-1970).
B1283. Correspondence, memoranda, and subject files, 1957- 1971. R 2 cu. ft.
These files from the warden's office relate to various aspects of Albion's administration from the late 1950s until 1971. A large amount of the material consists of memoranda from the Department of Correction to the warden relating to new legislation and policies affecting Albion. There is also a large quantity of correspondence and reports relating to Department of Mental Hygiene staff work at Albion.
B1278. Minutes of monthly meetings of the Board of Visitors, 1942-1946, 1949-1970. 1 cu. ft. (4 volumes)
These are typescript copies of monthly meetings held by Albion's Board of Visitors. The reports summarize activities at Albion during the previous month and highlight reports from the superintendent, the school staff, the hospital and dental clinic, and other areas of the institution.
B1255. Inmate ledgers, 1894-1948. R 10 cu. ft. (12 volumes)
These ledgers contain summary information relating to inmates admitted to the institution from 1894 to 1948. Information is provided on the inmate and her family in such areas as residence, social life, occupation, education, religion, morals, habits, and criminal history. For the inmate, there is more detailed information in these areas and additional information on physical characteristics, relationships to family members, and intelligence level. Through June 1931, the ledgers provide information relating to the inmate's education, work performance, and behavior at the institution and to the inmate's life during parole or after release. Beginning in July 1931, when the institution began to confine defective delinquent inmates, the information in the ledgers is limited to data taken at admission.
Western House of Refuge for Women
B1257. Superintendent's daily journal, 1895-1899, 1901. 1 cu. ft. (6 volumes)
This journal contains brief daily notations made by the superintendent relating to events occurring at the institution. The journal contains notes relating to inmates admitted, discharged, disciplined, sick, etc.; staff assignments and absences; activities in classes; names of visitors; construction and repairs to buildings; and special events such as concerts, plays, or class presentations.
B1279. Annual reports, 1902-1922 (with gaps). .2 cu. ft. (8 volumes)
This series contains Western House of Refuge annual reports for the years 1902, 1905, 1908, 1910, 1916, 1918, 1919, and 1922. The majority of the reports consist of statistics on the inmate population and individual reports summarizing activities of the various departments of the institution.
Albion State Training School
B0088. Daily census of inmate population, 1933-1945. 1 cu. ft. (1 volume)
This is a chronological record of inmates entering, leaving, and housed at Albion. The census contains numerical totals of inmates being confined; inmates received, discharged, or paroled; inmates at various locations including cottages; mothers and infants; and African-American women housed in congregate buildings.
B1282. Yearly statistical summaries of the inmate population, 1930-1942. .2 cu. ft. (12 volumes)
These summaries contain tables listing numbers of inmates comparing various categories of crime and sentencing with categories of inmate characteristics. Included are comparisons of types of crime with inmate age, mental age, mental and physical disabilities, employment, race, and country of birth.
B1281. Federal census schedules, 1926-1931. .5 cu. ft.
This series consists of copies of completed federal population schedules sent by Albion to the Bureau of Census. They include detailed summaries of Albion's inmate population, both individually and in aggregate. Included are schedules relating to admissions, discharges, paroles, and the institutional staff.
B0093. Principal keeper's daily journal of infractions and complaints, 1938-1969. R 4.5 cu. ft.
This is a daily record of inmate and officer infractions, punishments, and complaints compiled by Albion's assistant superintendent. The journal notes the name of inmate or officer, if there were previous complaints or offenses, the nature of offense or complaint, and action taken.
B0090. Psychological evaluation tests and reference information, 1952-1966. R 1 cu. ft.
This series contains materials used in the psychological testing of inmates including tests, test sheets, instructions for tests, mazes, Rorschach plates, etc. The records also include guidebooks for new inmates and rules for officers.
B1280. Management investigation hearing testimony, 1933. .2 cu. ft. (1 volume)
This series contains hearing testimony given at special meetings held by Albion's Board of Visitors in November, 1933. The testimony was given by Albion staff as part of the Board's investigation into mismanagement at the institution.
Western Reformatory for Women
B0092. Daily activity notebooks, 1960-1967. R 4 cu. ft.
These notebooks briefly record daily activities such as routine inspections, orders given by officers, visitors, infractions of rules, and disciplinary action.
B0089. Psychiatric and psychological statistical reports, 1959-1971. R 1 cu. ft.
This series consists principally of monthly statistical reports submitted by the Department of Mental Hygiene to the Department of Correction. The reports contain numerical summaries of inmates examined, receiving therapy, in group therapy, or transferred to another institution.
B0091. Psychological evaluation reports, ca. 1960-1970. R 4 cu. ft.
These reports consist principally of psychiatric progress notes, psychological reports, medication records, and other detailed documentation relating to individual inmate evaluation and treatment programs.
B1285. Lists of clothing and personal items brought by or given to inmates at admission, 1959-1966. R 1 cu. ft.
This series contains descriptive lists for approximately 75 inmates relating to clothing and personal items worn or carried in, issued to the inmate, or placed in storage for the inmate. Lists include the inmate's name, number, birthdate and birthplace, marital status, religion, and race.
