8/12/14

Waikune prison

This minimum security prison opened in 1921.  It sits 'in the middle of nowhere' and the inmates worked in various capacities, including doing the laundry for the nearby Grand Chateau Hotel, a ski resort in a World Heritage Park. 
According to the internet, it was closed in 1986 due to lack of funding to upgrade. According to word-of-mouth, it was closed because prison families complained because it was too far to travel to see the inmates.

*edit* From the little information I can find, this is one of the two main buildings that held about 100 prisoners.


17 comments:

Amy said...

wow! by today's standards it certainly doesn't look like a prison. Looks like part of a farm.

Tom said...

What a great shot. Tom The Backroads Traveller

LV said...

My how times have changed. Your photo would make a great Good Fence post as well.

Rose said...

Wonder how many inmates it held...it sure looks from another era.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What an interesting bit of history and how perfect for Roan's meme.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

The security certainly looks pretty minimal! I bet it was rather bleak in mid-winter.

Hootin Anni said...

How very interesting. I would love to have the walls speak up and tell some stories.

Roan said...

Great shot with the fog in the background. It looks like a great place to have prisoners to me. Far from everything. It probably doesn't have cable tv though. Oh darn! The perfect post for Rubbish Tuesday. Thanks for linking up!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Hmmm two sides of the same story there! Fabulous fog-funk shot! YAM xx

Anonymous said...

This is very intriguing!

A Colorful World said...

To be in prison, they sure had a beautiful view!!!

doodles n daydreams said...

I enjoyed this post, some of our history on show.

Diana

Amy Burzese said...

I thought it was a barn! :) It certainly is minimum security now.

Sarah said...

A great photo, I love the fog in the background, it give real atmosphere to the shot!

TexWisGirl said...

wow. it does look rather remote and forgotten. thanks for linking, betty!

Linda said...

What a forlorn looking place!

eileeninmd said...

I also thought it was a barn, it does not look too secure now.. Great shot.. Happy weekend!