Respectfully,
Elliott Michener
* * *
From Elliott Michener Feb. 26, 1951
55506
To Warden E. B. Swope
Dear Sir:
A couple of days ago I received a slip from the Parole Board saying that my application had been denied.
As you may recall, I wrote to Mr. Bennett a few months ago to the effect that I’d prefer to stay at Alcatraz unless, in the event I should transfer here and be denied parole. I could then be sent to a minimum security institution in order that I might have a chance, as Franseen had at Sandstone, to show dependability and after a couple of years earn a parole. Mr. Bennett didn’t answer so I can’t know what his attitude is. The outlook seems bleak, however, and after thinking the problem over for a couple of days I believe that my best and only practical course is to get back to Alcatraz.
You will understand, I think, that after sixteen years in prison I just haven’t the stomach for eight more of the discipline and close confinement that are standard here. At Alcatraz I could at least grow Bell roses and delpheniums seven days a week and enjoy considerable freedom and trust, and in general make the best of things. I haven’t the fortitude for a long and weary pull here, with repeated disappointments regarding parole. I’d much rather forget the whole thing and content myself with what privileges as can be had there, even if they must be earned all over again. Of course, prisoners are usually not returned there except for cause, and that is the reason for this letter. Will you help me in this, please? A letter of explanation from you to Mr. Bennett would do more to help me get back than would anything else. I’d be very grateful.
Mr. Madigan would be glad to know that Franseen is doing very well and was allowed to make a plane trip to Los Angeles to visit old friends there. The only news I have to report of myself is that I’ve been assigned to the shoe factory.
Will you give my respects to Mrs. Swope, please, and to Wesley, and thank the Magruders for their cheerful card at Christmas?
Respectfully,
Elliott W. Michener
#55506
From E. Michener Jan. 10, 1952
55506
To Warden E. B. Swope
Dear Mr. Swope –
The seven (or seventeen) lean years are past, and there are, it seems, some fat ones ahead. The Board has just granted me a parole and I’m due to go out within a week or so. Mr. Charles Ward, of Brown & Bigelow, has assured me a job as clerk at the St. Paul plant, at a starting wage of $200 a month, and indicated that later I may have a choice of occupation. Needless to say, I’m as happy as Pat is when he sees you coming in the front door!
This letter is to thank you for the help and consideration which you and Mrs. Swope have given me. I enjoyed working for you, was grateful for the trust you showed, and appreciate your efforts on my behalf. You may be sure that I’ll do nothing to make you regret it.
If you have time would you tell me how the orchids came out? And would you tell my friend Giles of my good fortune and that I wish him good cheer? Thank you.
With respect to you and your family,
Elliott W. Michener
#55506
(General Delivery, St. Paul)
January 15, 1952
Elliott W. Michener
PMB 55506
Leavenworth, Kansas
This will acknowledge your letter of January 10, 1952, and we are quite pleased with the fact that the Parole Board has seen fit to grant you parole, and that Mr. Charles Ward of Brown and Bigelow, has assured you a position as Clerk in the St. Paul Plant with a starting wage of $200.00 with every indication of advancement. I understand that he has, in times past, been of material assistance to other men who have been paroled or discharged from prison, and feel quite sure he will give you every consideration.
I, also, am convinced that you will certainly adjust yourself to conditions on the outside and be successful in fitting yourself back into a position in society, which will bring you a great deal of joy and pleasure in the future.
With reference to the orchids, these plants are still growing, but very slowly. A great many of them perished along the way, however, there will be plenty perhaps in the next four to five years.
With reference to Giles, he has been transferred to McNeil Island, and I am sure would have been very happy to hear about your good fortune.
Again, hoping for your every success.
Sincerely,
E. B. SWOPE
Warden
* * *
January 24, 1952
Mr. Elliott Michener
c/o Mr. C. Buckley
Probation Officer
Federal Building
St. Paul, Minn.
My dear Michener:
This will acknowledge recent of your recent letter. We are all happy for you and there is no question of doubt in my mind but what you will make good. Do not become distressed when it is necessary for you to meet adversities. The only thing that will ever get you into difficulty is your temper and acting on the impulse of the moment. We all must go through life and meet many disappointments. I am sure you will overcome all of the many trying situations that you will be confronted with.
It certainly was a good thing that you worked in Industries and earned the $250.00 price to your parole from Leavenworth. I am so happy they gave you a nice suit of clothes which made you feel you were presentable.
Mr. Ward will no doubt give you every opportunity to make good. The Probation Officer in that District is a very capable man and he has a very excellent organization. Don’t hesitate to discuss your trouble with him as I am sure he will help you.
The value of the dollar unquestionably has decreased and you will find that it is a little more difficult to stretch it than it was seventeen years ago.
It is certainly encouraging to be informed that Franzeen is making good. He has been out quite a little while now and we all have a feeling he will conduct himself in the future as he has in the past, that is, since his release. It is also encouraging to know that you will, no doubt, be as proud of your conduct as we will be. Anything we might have done for you while you were committed to this institution was done because you earned the right to our confidence by your conduct and application and we are quite sure that our confidence was not misplaced and the proof of that is you earned the parole and that the board could see you were determined to prove your eligibility for release.
I hope you will not hesitate to write to me whenever you feel in the mood to do so. If there is anything we can do to assist you in your adjustment on the outside, please do not hesitate to call upon us. As I told you in the previous letter, the plants are all doing fairly well, although it is quite a chore to take care of them, as very few people have the interest that you had in the flowers and garden.
Looking forward to your continued success.
Sincerely,
E. B. SWOPE
Warden
* * *
August 21, 1952
Dear Mr. Swope –
Thought you might be interested in the enclosed clipping....
Dick and I are getting along well and for the first time I’m learning how much better one can do living honestly than by, say, counterfeiting! We have cars & fat bank accounts; and have two patents (one for a soap dispenser that fits into packages) which Brown & Bigelow is going to manufacturer and pay us royalties on.
And we have a favor to ask: will you send us a bush of our old ‘gardener’ rose? It is not ‘Mrs. Charles Bell’ as the rosarian in Berkeley told Mrs. Swope. We have ordered ‘Mrs. Charles Bell’ and it is considerably different from, and inferior to, the ‘Gardener.’ We’d like very much to have one, or even cuttings from one, and have no idea of where else to get one. In return we’d be glad to send you any named variety you’d like. Do you have ‘Peace’? Good luck to you and your family.
Respectfully,
Elliott W. Michener
* * *
September
2, 1952
My dear Michener:
We were very happy to hear from you and appreciate your sending us the clipping. Everyone is indeed gratified to know that you and Dick are getting along so well. Mr. Ward must be a fine person to give you boys the opportunity he has to readjust yourselves.
That seems to be some car you are driving and of course I know you feel very happy over the fact that you have freedom of action and it certainly must give you a great deal of pleasure to own an automobile.
Your patents must be good or Mr. Ward wouldn’t handle them. I do hope you make a lot of money out of them. Brown and Bigelow are a big outfit and can be of lot of help in selling your soap dispensers, etc.
I would be very happy to do something about sending you the rose bush but we just can’t identify it. As you know, Wesley when he purchased a house, we gave him some of the plants and it might be the rose you want was given to him. I see you are still interested in flowers – this is commendable.
It is indeed a great deal of satisfaction to all of us to know you are doing so well.
With kindest regards.
Sincerely,
E. B. SWOPE
* * *
THE RYAN HOTEL
SIXTH AND ROBERT
SAINT PAUL 1
RECEIVED
JAN 24 8:52 AM, ‘52
U.S. PENITENTIARY
ALCATRAZ, CALIFORNIA
Dear Mr. Swope –
Just a note to let you know that I’m out! Everything worked out for the best – during the year in Leavenworth I earned about $250, and that comes in handy now. Furthermore I got a very nice gray suit and overcoat, and look quite presentable. The world doesn’t seem to have changed so very much during the last 17 years, except that a dollar sizzles out as fast as a drop of water on a hot stove. And the girls look prettier.
Parole is not going to be hard to keep. The probation officers here have made it plain that they’re on my side and will give me all possible help provided I just play fair. My boss, of course, is to be Mr. Charles Ward. He’s at his Arizona ranch now but will be back here in a few days and I’ll then learn definitely where I’m to work – in the big plant, or out on one of his farms.
Franseen is working in Mr. Ward’s home, and has about the same work there (except for cooking) that I had with you. He’s very happy, well-liked and trusted, and the proud possessor of a new Oldsmobile. You may put it down on the record that he’s one Alcatraz man who has made good – and that I’m going to be another.
Much of my good fortune I owe to you – first for giving me the chance to work at your home (when it must have seemed to most of the officials there a risky thing to do), and later for your active help in getting me a transfer and a parole. I know now that your recommendations carried the day. I’m grateful.
Please give my regards to Mrs. Swope.
Respectfully,
E. Michener
c/o Mr. C. Buckley
Probation Officer
Fed. Bldg., St. Paul
* * *
11601 Brockway St.
El Monte, Calif.
June 19, 1954
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swope –
This letter has a dual purpose. The first is just to let you know that I was married over in Yuma about five weeks ago, and that we’re living in El Monte. Dick Franseen was also married, back in Hudson, Wisc. Mr. & Mrs. Ward, and the elite of Hudson, attended their wedding and reception. Both the Franseens and the Micheners got presents from the Wards – a check apiece for $1000.00, and the most gorgeous sterling 4-piece coffee services. My wife and I are very happy and look ahead to happy years.
The second purpose of this letter is to ask a favor that may be a bit presumptuous. Dr. Newton of Hudson is in San Francisco for the A.M.A. convention, and would like more than anything to see Alcatraz. He has been mayor of Hudson for fourteen years and is a close friend of the Wards. He is also the doctor for whom my wife, Lucille, worked as receptionist, and has of course heard all about the Rock and Warden & Mrs. Swope. If you can manage it, would you extend him an invitation to see the Island? He is staying at the Hotel Shaw, or could be reached through his son George F. Newton, 131 Waltham Rd., Concord.
It continually amazes me that so many good things can have happened, beginning with the day when you gave me a job at the house. I have a fine job, financial security, a nice home and a lovely wife. We even have an invitation out to dinner with the Wards next week, when they will be in Los Angeles. Ain’t that sumpin!?
Please give my respects to the Schroeders, etc., and all of your friends who were so kind to me, and my very best wishes for you and Wes and Family.
Respectfully,
Mickey
* * *
June 24, 1954
My dear Michener:
This will acknowledge your letter of June 19, 1954, and we are so happy to hear that you are now married. We certainly wish the utmost happiness to both of you. I am sure you must have married a very lovely girl, and of course we know you will make her a good husband. Also, thanks for the information that Dick Franzeen is married and living in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Ward must, indeed, be fine people to have treated both of you boys so elegantly. A check for $1000.00 – just think of how nice it is to have this next egg to start your married life on. They are certainly wonderful people and we are so happy for you both.
With reference to Dr. Newton of Hudson. I am extremely sorry that we are unable to comply with your wishes, but we had so many Doctors in town during the American Medical Association Convention, and are visiting arrangements, as you know, are so that only a few can go through the institution, that it was necessary for us to turn down a great number. In fact only this morning our Chief Medical Officer wanted to bring four Doctors over today and we had to turn him down. Will you please advise your good doctor if he is ever in San Francisco again to please drop us a line and we will try to take care of him. I am awfully sorry we can’t do it at this time.
Sincerely,
E. B. SWOPE
W a r d e n
* * *
RECEIVED
SEP 10 1957
CRESCENT Engineering & Research Co.
5440 North Peck Road
El Monte, California
TELEPHONE:
Gilbert 4-0528
Mr. J. V. Bennett
Director of U. S. Prisons
Room 554, HOLC Bldg.
Washington 25, DC
Dear Mr. Bennett:
As you may know, both John D. Giles and I are now employed as technical writers. Giles has just finished a two-year job with American Pipe and Steel, working with Air Force refueling systems. He is largely concerned with hydraulics. My work has so far been with the above company, which designs and manufacturers transducers and other electronic sensing devices, and carrier systems.
To progress as technical writers, we have found, and to get the pay checks that go with important work, it is often essential to have security clearance. Do you know of any way or avenue which we could use to get this clearance? Have any ex-convicts that you know of been able to get clearance?
My job is secure, but has its limitations. The work which Giles has now, however, seems somewhat temporary.
We are both doing well, and feel a great sense of gratitude for the help which you and other prison officials have given us.
Respectfully,
/S/ Elliott W. Michener
Elliott Michener
Rufus Franklin, 335-AZ
In the dark cloak and dagger underworld of Alcatraz, Rufus “Whitey” Franklin held a high-ranking status within the inmate population. This was for his role in the vicious and violent murder of senior Correctional Officer Royal Cline. Franklin would spend the longest term in a closed front solitary cell of any inmate in the history of Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Officer Royal Cline was brutally murdered by Thomas Limerick during an escape attempt. In his final moment of bravery, Cline refused to aid the escap
ees, and subsequently was killed.
Thomas Robert Limerick
Death mask of slain guard R. C. Cline; the hammers used in his murder; and other tools found in the Model Industries building that were used in the escape attempt.
On May 23, 1938, inmates Thomas Robert Limerick, James Lucus, and Rufus Franklin executed a desperate plan to escape using a few simple tools coupled with deadly force to break out of the prison industries. The escape would rank as one of the bloodiest chapters in Alcatraz history (rivaled only by the Battle of Alcatraz in 46’). It resulted in the tragic death of both a well-liked officer and the shooting death of one of the inmate escapees. Franklin would suffer severe consequences for his role in the officer’s murder and would be made an example to other inmates.
While at work in the woodworking shop in the Model Industries building, the inmates attacked senior Correctional Officer Royal Cline, who was patrolling the floor unarmed. The three men rushed the unarmed officer using a hammer and other blunt objects with brutal force, delivering fatal wounds. The three inmates went out of a window and crawled up onto the roof after cutting through barbwire in an attempt to disarm the correctional officer positioned in the Model Industries building tower and secure his weapons. While locked in the tower behind shatterproof glass, the inmates—in what was later described by the officer as an all out suicide charge—stormed the tower from various angles. They hurled heavy metal objects—including hammers, drill chucks, and wrenches—against the shatterproof glass windows. The reinforced glass held up remarkably against the barrage and only one heavy metal fragment managed to break through the glass. The officer was hit. The officer first fired warning shots, then began to fire at the inmates with the intent to kill. Limerick received a bullet wound to the head, and Franklin suffered moderate wounds from a gunshot. This left him completely immobilized lying on barbed wire. Limerick died later that evening in the prison hospital, while Cline died the following day at the Marine Hospital from the wounds inflicted by the convicts.
Letters from Alcatraz Page 36
