The Journal of Prison Discipline and Philanthropy (New Series, No. 50) November 1911

This 1911 volume offers a snapshot of early‑twentieth‑century prison reform in Pennsylvania, presented through the official publication of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Founded in 1787, the Society used this annual journal to record legislative changes, procedural guidelines, and the broader philosophy that linked discipline with philanthropic outreach. Listeners will hear the formal tone of the era, revealing how civic leaders and lawmakers sought to balance order with humanity within the state’s penal system.

The pages detail the roster of “official visitors” required by law, from governors and judges to city mayors, and outline the 1903 act that formally recognized charitable committees as authorized prison visitors. It also includes practical items such as bequest forms, real‑estate devotions, and a roster of the Society’s officers and committees for the year. Together, these elements paint a vivid picture of the administrative machinery and reformist spirit that shaped American corrections at a pivotal moment in history.