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07/18/2003 Archived Entry: "ELLSWORTH JAIL"

ELLSWORTH JAIL

It wouldn't take an escape artist to worm out of the Ellsworth jail....the one built in 1873. It didn't take much, an eating utensil was the tool of choice, to get out of the jail we had before the new one. That would be the big three story, red brick building just east of Holm Motor Company. We've even had our share of inmates crawl out of the one we now call our Ellsworth County Law Enforcement Center. If there is a will, there is a way.

But now, at least the ruin we call the 1873 Ellsworth jail has been stabilized, according to the Ellsworth County Historical Society folk. We can hope that there is no further damage to the structure as efforts are being made to stop the deterioration of the building. There wasn't money to duplicate the original building so they did what they could. The Mid-Continent Restoration Company of Ft. Scott workers have pulled out of town, their deed is done.

Volunteers will continue to work the next few weeks to clean up the site and complete the preservation of the windows and the steel framing. If you can lend a hand for a few hours, few days, call the Hodgden House for further instructions. The number is 785.472.5039 and they could use your help.