The Old Jail Museum will be recognized as a "structure of historical importance" by the Mary Brown Tinkham Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century in a ceremony. The Colonial Dames recognizes and designates structures of historical importance throughout the country. The Old Jail ceremony will be held on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m. at the Old Jail on Milstead Avenue.
Excerpt from the Rockdale County Historical Society Founder's Day pamphlet, Oct. 22, 1978:
"This building was constructed in 1897. All exterior walls are three bricks thick. All interior walls are two bricks thick. The floor and ceiling of the second floor area are constructed of steel with 6 inches of concrete above it. The front rooms on the first floor have wood sill construction, where as the back two rooms are build over steel and concrete with wood flooring on the top of it.
The upstairs consists of three rooms. The large cell is what is referred to as the drunk tank. The other room was the maximum security area which consisted of a cell block of four cells. One room was originally a jailer’s room that doubled as a hanging room. The hole in the floor of the jailer’s room/hanging room indicates the location of the original trap door, which has been removed. There was one official hanging that took place in the jail…
Escapes and attempted escapes occurred from this jail. One attempt is evidenced by the sawed bars in the front window of the large cell. Other occurrences included removing bricks and window frames. In one instance, a prisoner broke his leg when he jumped from the second floor…
The Historical Society acquired the jail from the County in 1975. Renovation costs were in excess of $15,000. Funds were secured from federal grants as well as local clubs and organizations within the county. Individuals, too numerous to name, have given of their time and effort in the restoration of this historic landmark."
