Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Purse |
Catalog Number |
2006.20.3 |
Maker |
Inmates at Eddyville Prison |
Date |
ca. 1965 |
Material(s) |
Leather/Brass |
Dimensions |
H-7 W-10.5 inches |
Description |
This purse was handmade by the prisoners at the Eddyville Penitentiary in Kentucky. It is a black tooled leather purse with a decorative one inch diamond shaped design stamped onto the surface. The edges are bound with a woven leather braid. It is a saddlebag or crescent shape and has a rounded flap closure with a brass clasp. There is a 1/4" wide adjustable shoulder strap and there are two interior pouches, one with a zipper compartment. |
Notes |
This hand made purse belonged to the donor's paternal grandmother who lived in the Mount Zion community in Franklin County. Julia worked in the cafeteria at Cedarmore camp, north of Pleasureville. It was purchased for her by her husband. He worked in Frankfort as a mechanic in the state government garage and later in air conditioning maintenance at old state transportation building. While working at the transportation building he interacted with a trustee from the prison from whom he purchased the leather goods. After her death in 1984 the purse was given to the donor's mother. She used the purse in the 1980s and then gave it to the donor who used it in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The grandfather also bought several other leather goods from the prison which remain in the family including several monogrammed billfolds. Eddyville prison was built between 1884-1890. It is a massive stone structure towering over Lake Barkley and is sometimes called the "Castle on the Cumberland." it is the only maximum security prison in Kentucky. Its electric chair has had a long history of use. Electrocutions are still held at the prison, although there have only been two since 1976 and the primary method has been changed to lethal injection. |
Collection |
Julienne Foster Collection |
People |
Eddyville Prison |
Subjects |
Purses Leather goods Prison laborers Prisoners Penitentiaries Accessories |
Search Terms |
Eddyville (Ky.) Prison Industries Prisoner |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |