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The Warden's Son: Growing up at the Idaho State Penitentiary
“A powerful story … I will read it many more times through the years.” — Ron Schilling, Idaho District Judge (retired)
“From friendships formed with prison guards and Idaho’s most notorious inmates, to escapes, riots and prison executions; the curtain is pulled back to expose what day-to-day life was like from a young man’s intimate point of view.” — Mikel H. Williams, U.S. Magistrate Judge (Ret.)
“Captivating … a master storyteller.” — John Keahey, author, Sicilian Splendors
The Old Idaho Penitentiary comes roaring back to life with chilling tales from Jerry Clapp's childhood, growing up as the warden's son.When Jerry Clapp’s father became warden of the Idaho State Penitentiary in 1945, the young boy quickly learned the rules and boundaries of roaming one of the most dangerous grounds in the West. Through his school years, Jerry would become the confidante to many a wild tale from friendly inmates—an old man serving life for multiple assassinations, a beautiful teenager in the women’s prison, and an incarcerated war hero who became a lifelong role model. These are the stories Jerry would tell his grandchildren—from chilling recollections of riots, escapes, and hangings to the profound remembrances of inmates, guards, and the warden.This fascinating “family portrait” truly brings the Old Idaho Penitentiary roaring back to life.
“From friendships formed with prison guards and Idaho’s most notorious inmates, to escapes, riots and prison executions; the curtain is pulled back to expose what day-to-day life was like from a young man’s intimate point of view.” — Mikel H. Williams, U.S. Magistrate Judge (Ret.)
“Captivating … a master storyteller.” — John Keahey, author, Sicilian Splendors
The Old Idaho Penitentiary comes roaring back to life with chilling tales from Jerry Clapp's childhood, growing up as the warden's son.When Jerry Clapp’s father became warden of the Idaho State Penitentiary in 1945, the young boy quickly learned the rules and boundaries of roaming one of the most dangerous grounds in the West. Through his school years, Jerry would become the confidante to many a wild tale from friendly inmates—an old man serving life for multiple assassinations, a beautiful teenager in the women’s prison, and an incarcerated war hero who became a lifelong role model. These are the stories Jerry would tell his grandchildren—from chilling recollections of riots, escapes, and hangings to the profound remembrances of inmates, guards, and the warden.This fascinating “family portrait” truly brings the Old Idaho Penitentiary roaring back to life.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 18, 2025
This book was good. It is about a young boy growing up with pretty much free run of the prison and prison grounds. He became close friends with several of the inmates. Very interesting!
Displaying 1 of 1 review