The Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy 1919 (New Series, No. 58)

This 1919 volume captures a pivotal moment in American penal history, presenting the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s annual report on prison discipline, military punishments, and the expanding role of official visitors. It lays out the legal framework that opened prisons to oversight by elected officials, judges, and charitable committees, quoting the 1829 and 1903 Acts that formalized their authority. The opening pages also include practical forms for bequests and land devises, showing how philanthropy was woven directly into the system’s funding.

Beyond statutes and paperwork, the journal lists the society’s officers, active committee members, and regional representatives, offering a vivid snapshot of the reform network that spanned Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh. Listeners will hear the precise language of early‑20th‑century legislation alongside the names of the men and women who championed humane treatment behind bars. The work provides a clear window onto the bureaucratic and charitable forces shaping American prisons at a time of profound change.