Letters from Alcatraz

by Esslinger, Michael

  Sincerely yours

  Frank C. Weatherman

  #86238

  * * *

  Epilogue

  The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.

  -Maya Angelou

  Correctional Officer Keith Dennison standing guard inside the main cellhouse corridor on the day the prison closed.

  The silhouette of an officer standing inside D Block holding a calendar symbolizing the last day of operation.

  Images of the last group of inmates being led down “Broadway” on the day the prison was closed down.

  Inmates filing onto the prison launch for their final departure from Alcatraz on March 21, 1963. Frank Weatherman, who was assigned the last register number (1576-AZ) when he arrived in December of 1962, would also be the last inmate to walk down the gangway and leave Alcatraz on the day it closed.

  By 1962, Alcatraz was one of the most expensive facilities in the federal prison system, and officials finally accepted that Alcatraz had outlived its usefulness.

  But even as early as 1949, Attorney General Tom C. Clark had informed Congress that closing Alcatraz was under consideration. At that time, Alcatraz cost $8.00 a day per inmate, while at other federal institutions inmate costs averaged only $3.00 a day. By 1959, the per day cost at Alcatraz had risen to more than $10, while parallel costs at other institutions remained close to the $3 rate.

  Alcatraz continued to fall under extreme scrutiny in the press. When the San Francisco Examiner published a feature article in February 1962 entitled: ‘The Rock’ Is Crumbling; Alcatraz Is Reaching the End of the Line, the Kennedy Administration acknowledged that its closure considerations included the prison’s structural degradation from age and natural caustic elements. In the article, Bureau of Prisons Director James Bennett provided a variety of other factors that made the prison difficult to maintain. The Examiner quoted Bennett as stating that Alcatraz had become an “administrative monstrosity,” and that “Prison Bureau guards and staff do not like to be assigned to the barren island any more than prisoners like being sent there.”

  Alcatraz had been established in the 1930s to strike fear into the hearts of the American gangsters, and by the early 1960s, more central and state-of-the-art facilities better served the ever-changing demographics of crime. But although Alcatraz closed its gates for the last time on March 21, 1963, it never loosened its grip on public intrigue. During its 29 years of operation, 1,576 inmate register numbers were issued. Fifteen-hundred-forty-six men had served time on the Rock, 28 of those had returned twice, and the singular prisoner Theodore Audett served three completely separate terms at Alcatraz.

  In addition to the fourteen escapes, there had been scores of plots and schemes to escape that never materialized, and several men (and at least one woman) lost their lives on the Rock, even before its tenure as a federal prison. As Erwin Thompson noted in his epic history The Rock: A History of Alcatraz Island: 1847-1972:

  Births and deaths were a part of the fabric of Alcatraz’s history. Between 1875 and 1891 and from 1893 to 1910, 35 garrison soldiers and general prisoners died on the island. Of these deaths, 20 were caused by disease, 9 were accidental, 5 were suicides, and 1 was a murder. In addition, two wives lost their lives: one who was killed (below), and a sergeant’s wife who committed suicide.

  One of the most tragic incidents of death involved the capable and conscientious post surgeon, Capt. William D. Dietz. On the morning of January 28, 1891, the 29-year-old captain and his young wife were found dead in their quarters. The terse medical report read: “Mrs. Dietz came to her death at the hands of the Captain. Weapon used—shot-gun, Caliber 10, subsequently the Captain killed himself with the same weapon. Insanity is supposed to be the cause of the tragedy.”

  The island experienced another act of violence in 1909 when Sgt. Roy Ford threw Pvt. Thomas Mullaly out of a third-story window in the barracks. The private fell 37 feet onto the iron grating and was killed instantly. Sergeant Ford then killed himself with a .38 caliber Colt.

  Over the course of its history, the Rock has seen its share of tragedy and desperation. During its federal term from 1934 to 1963, eight people were murdered by inmates, five men committed suicide, and fifteen died from natural causes. The highest number of inmates ever recorded at any single period was 319, and the lowest number of 222 was recorded in January 1950. The average number of inmates during the 29 years of operation was 263.

  While several men tested their fate and plotted to escape the Rock, most convicts passed their sentences uneventfully. They lived their days on Alcatraz, enduring the prison’s iron rule, all set against the painfully enticing landscape of the San Francisco shoreline.

  Countered against the numerous tragedies were equal or greater numbers of victories for some men, as illustrated in this letter to Warden Johnston following the prisoner’s transfer to USP Leavenworth:

  Alcatraz Warden James A. Johnston

  January 2, 1948

  Mr. James A. Johnston

  Alcatraz, California

  Dear Sir:

  I received a letter tonight from my brother, he wrote that you informed him that I was receiving 1095 days extra credits. I was notified of the extra credits here, some few days before Christmas.

  I wish to sincerely thank you for this and the confidence you have shown and belief in my honesty. I shall always feel thankful and I can surely repay it in honest endeavor to do that which is right. I am working in the hospital here. I am satisfied with my work. I am going to church regularly. I like that too. I have found that to be truthful and honest is easier, and leaves one feeling good, undisturbed and sure of oneself.

  I have heard the remark that “Alcatraz has served its purpose”, for me it did serve a purpose—for it was there that I eventually found myself. I learned there that the criminal thought is the most repugnant thing in the world.

  For you, in your thankless job, I feel most humbly thankful. I feel that I cannot be thankful enough. I shall ever be.

  Most respectfully yours,

  ---------------

  The closure of Alcatraz marked the end of an era. Today, Alcatraz is only a skeleton of its former self, but it remains an iconic symbol of America’s ultimate escape-proof punishment. The passage of time has softened the voices that once resonated from the cement cellblocks. As the inmates’ voices pass from memory and onto pages of history, their letters remind us of their intimate thoughts, the struggles they endured while in prison, and of their dreams of recovery, redemption, and ultimately, freedom.

  Photography and Illustration Credits

  The primary source for prisoner catalog photographs, letters, documents and illustrations are courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration and/or United States Library of Congress Historic Records Collection. Additional sources were used for a variety of the images included in this publication. Specific catalog collection numbers or facility locations for unique photographs are included in the print version. To associate photographs with their specific archive locations, please refer to the print version of this publication.

  Images in this collection were all used by permission from the following archival sources:

  Acme Photo Service

  Al Capone Museum, Mario Gomes Collection

  Alcatraz Alumni Association, Courtesy Chuck Stucker

  Anne Miller Family Collection

  Associated Press Archives

  Author’s Historical Artifact and Photograph Collection

  Boston Herald Archives

  Bureau of Prisons Archives

  California State Archives

  Don Denevi Collection, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives, Associated Press Photograph, GOGA Catalog Index number provided in the print version

  Forrest Esslinger

  Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives

  John Martini Collection

  K. Udall

  Library of Congress Historical Photograp
h Collection

  Lori Brosnan Collection

  Michael Esslinger Collection

  National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland

  National Park Service / Golden Gate National Recreation Area Museum Collection

  Patty Terry & William Radkay Family Collection

  Phil Dollison Collection, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Parks Archives, GOGA Catalog Index number provided in the print version.

  Ronnie Comeau, iStock Photography

  San Francisco Chronicle / San Francisco Call Bulletin / Examiner Photo Archives

  San Francisco Public Library, History Center Archives

  United Press Photos

  United States Coast Guard Archives

  Washington State Historical Society

  Acknowledgements

  The legacy of Alcatraz has been defined in the strictest sense, by those individuals who lived the experience, and those who conserve and sustain the history. Whether they spent time on the Rock as an inmate, correctional officer, or even a child growing up on the island, the history of Alcatraz encompasses a variety of people and perspectives, all equally important to framing the history in its proper context. The primary research for this book was in many respects a crossover from my first book chronicling the history of Alcatraz. While the scope of research was more singular in focus, credit falls to those same people who were willing to share their time, knowledge, and memories of life on the island. Their contributions were every bit as significant to this work as to the former works. The acknowledgements section could have easily been copied over into this book and have remained as accurate, since many of the same people inspired and provided advice on the best avenues to explore this material. There are still those who again deserve special mention as well as some new voices. Without their help and expertise, this book would not have enveloped the same level of genuineness to understanding the complex inner workings of Alcatraz.

  Joseph Sanchez, Archivist with the National Archives, continues to remain an enthusiastic supporter even after years of endless file requests. Along with Joseph, I remain thankful to all of the staff members at the National Archives who have always extended their support and assistance. Sam Daniel at the Library of Congress was key in helping locate specific elements for this collection. All of these people remained instrumental in offering advice and direction for materials in all stages of my research. I know that America’s history is in very good hands with these people.

  John Reinhardt, the extraordinary designer, has become a very good friend over the past decade. His vision and passion for this history always make these pages come to life. Jim Zach, the brilliant designer of the cover is also an amazing and great colleague. And a special thank you to Ana Brazil for her craft and care in editing this revised version.

  The National Park Rangers, Volunteers, and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy staff are a group of dedicated individuals who continue to earn my sincere and deep admiration. Their passionate efforts to share this history with visitors from all over the world with such integrity and neutrality, is not only something to be commended, but is a model for all interpretive museums and historic sites alike. They continue to approach the history in a balanced and dignified fashion, and make this history come alive for visitors on a daily basis. Nothing has been more rewarding than the friendships that have evolved from spending time on the Rock. Everyone at Alcatraz has been very supportive and encouraging. Namely but not limited to National Park Rangers: Ricardo Perez, John Cantwell, Lori Brosnan, Benny Batom, Jayeson Vance, Dan Unger, Al Blank, George Durgerian, Andrew Prys, and Craig Glassner.

  From the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: Linda Chalmers, Robert Lieber, Chris Warren, Lala Macapagal, Louise Audell, Wendy Swee, John Moran, Jim Nelson, Katherina Machwitz, Sharlene Baker, Drew Morita, Art Owen, Dan Cook, Angelita Cecilio, Eric Knackmuhs, Jude Savoy, John Donelan, Glenn Mullin, Phillip Griffiths, Tory Light, Heather Paris, Kristen Elford, Arman Safa, Jim Breeden, Dallas Fargo, and all of the dedicated employees from this organization and also the staff at Alcatraz Cruises continue to do stellar service for this national treasure. Historians John Martini, Jolene Babyak, Phil Dollison, Anne Miller, Mario Gomes, Tim Brazil, and San Francisco City Archivist Susan Goldstein also helped in providing additional material and perspectives. Also Stan Cordes, Tom Ryan, Lorie Johns, Petty Terry, and Pete Dracopoulos have all been very supportive. Fern Price and Joan Santoro carefully transcribed the letters for this collection.

  There are numerous Alcatraz Alumni who continue to keep the history alive. Notably, Ernest Lageson, Father Bernie Bush, and Chuck Stucker, a man who I continue to maintain a deep respect for sharing his experiences and research with Alcatraz visitors. Former Alcatraz Officers George DeVincenzi, Frank Heaney, Patrick T. Mahoney, John Hernan, Ben Blount, Sam Hill, Ron Battles, Bill Long, Robert Sutter, Ned Ubben and especially Larry Quilligan, who have all helped me immensely by always taking time to answer my plethora of questions, many during the reunion events held on Alcatraz. The late Darwin Coon, former Alcatraz inmate, is also someone who I came to admire and considered a friend. Morton Sobell also deserves special mention for having shared perspectives of life on Alcatraz during initial interviews for my first book, and for richly shaping my understanding of some of the more complex issues of long-term confinement.

  For this revised edition, I owe special thanks to James Bulger who offered extensive background and personal memories to many of the events during his tenure at Alcatraz. He was generous and proved to be an essential source in helping preserve this history. He has taught me more about life at Alcatraz than anyone I’ve interviewed on the subject. Former Robert Luke and his wife Ida have also been an immense help and have become great friends. Bob kept his Alcatraz past a secret for over 50 years, and has given back to those still incarcerated with his inspirational “Choices” literature, which he provides free to penitentiaries across the country. I’m confident that his openness will inspire many to find a path back to free society and finally live their dreams.

  Tragically, in the time since the publication of my last work of the same theme, we’ve lost many of the prominent voices that were the architects of this history. It is their voices that have inspired the Alcatraz heritage. Philip R. Bergen, former Captain at Alcatraz, remains to me a lost friend. He long considered his 16 years on Alcatraz as some of the best years of his life. One very cold and early morning before visitors arrived, I experienced the audio tour in a completely empty cellhouse. As Phil’s voice provided some of the narration for the tour, it was a profound experience to hear him recounting life on the Rock for visitors, even after his passing. There was no tougher critic than Phil when it came to documenting this history. He always inspired accuracy and encouraged me to leave no stone uncovered. Phil provided numerous letters, audio recordings, and diagrams to illustrate various events. The spirit of his devotion to this history continues as an inspiration to me. I remain proud to pay forward his heritage. Clifford Fish, Irving Levinson, and Alver Bloomquist were also kind spirits who helped me immensely during my path of discovery.

  The late former Alcatraz inmates: Jim Quillen, John Banner, John Dekker, Leon “Whitey” Thompson, Dale Stamphill, Glenn Nathan Williams, Tom Kent, Elliott “Mickey” Michener and Willie Radkay are just a few people to whom I maintain a deep appreciation for sharing their experiences with me. Jim once pointed out to me that while alone in a dark isolation cell on Alcatraz, he had an epiphany. He realized that he had reached the lowest point a human could reach. He was considered so unfit for society that he had to be confined in a pitch black, steel reinforced cell. It was here that he turned his rudder and plotted a course back to society. All of these men worked to become good men within their communities. I appreciate their willingness to share their stories and help others learn from their mistakes and the consequences of some of their choices. I don’t believe it was an easy life for any one of them—even once released from prison—but I appr
eciate their openness and honesty. Their voices continue to educate and help others understand life at Alcatraz. The real gift of my time studying this history has been these resulting and longstanding friendships. Getting to know these people and enjoying our talks over morning coffee on the boat to the island are the memories I will look back on and treasure most.

  Finally, I wish to thank all the people I love most: My mother and father, Temple and Jack, Linda and Stephen, my wife Julie, and three sons Forrest, Brandon, and Ross. Finally, my late terrier Luck, my lost writing partner who I miss deeply... And finally to my late friend and very much missed Michael Lundeen. A mentor, an inspiration, and a man who always chased dreams and saw things that arched far beyond the horizon.

  My life has forever been enriched by all of you...

  Thank you all,

  Michael Esslinger

  About The Author

  Michael Esslinger is an acclaimed historical researcher and bestselling author. His work has appeared in film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, National Geographic, Travel, Military and History Channels. His interests include film, science, and historical subjects.

  From the elusive crew of Apollo 11 to the inmates who served time on Alcatraz, Michael has interviewed icons and others who have shaped history. He continues to write on subjects that explore the spectrum of the human experience. His books Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years and Letters from Alcatraz continue as best-selling references chronicling the island’s rich historical past. He is the coauthor of the memoir: I Want It Now! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a magical memoir written with Julie Dawn Cole, the original “Veruca Salt” in the classic motion picture starring Gene Wilder.