From Birdman to Bootleggers: Notable Inmates of McNeil Island
I recently completed a Washington State history lesson about the Washington State Department of Corrections. This lesson was designed to teach students about the structure and function of our prison system and how to navigate the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). They will learn about about Washington State Cabinet Positions, such as Secretary of Corrections and other positions appointed by the Governor. During my research, I discovered something intriguing: a small island in the South Puget Sound that once housed inmates.
McNeil Island, located near Steilacoom in unincorporated Pierce County, was home to the McNeil Island Corrections Center. Operated by the Washington State Department of Corrections, this prison had a unique history. The island was largely self-sufficient, raising vegetables, fruit, pork, beef, and milk to support its operations.
Some well-known inmates served part of their sentences on McNeil Island. Robert "Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud was incarcerated there from 1909 to 1912 for manslaughter, and Charles Manson spent time on McNeil island from 1961 to 1966 for federal check forgery. Another notable Seattle character that was incarcerated on McNeil island was former Seattle police officer, turned Prohibition bootlegger, Roy Olmstead.
When I dream up new lessons for Washington State history, I have two things in mind. First, whatever the lesson may be, it must comply with OSPI Washington State History and Social Studies learning standards. The second thing, is that lessons must be unique and interesting for the students. Nothing is worse than being a middle school kid bored to death in a history class.
The lesson starts with a simple task - we pose a question to students. Think of something you love doing, something that maybe makes you feel good but isn’t so good for you. It could be a video game, a YouTube channel, or a fizzy Drink. Next, students will make a prohibition type poster opposing that special thing students love to do. So they will make posters, “Ban TikTok” and “Just Say No to YouTube!” Their posters will have a space for them to write in BOLD LETTERS all the dangerous and bad things that happen - or could happen - if middle schoolers continue to indulge in that thing.
now, let that sink in. How does it feel when someone comes in and takes something that you really like to do. What if TikTok is bad for you if you use it too much, but a little is okay? Can that argument be true for alcohol? What about drugs? It is an interesting question, most importantly it is exactly the type of question I want you asking your students.
life is full of nuance, life is full of good and evil, as well as many shades of grey or mitigating circumstances that we do not see. At this time, student are starting to learn that they are not the center of the the world. (imagine that) And this is an important perspective taking activity when we are gearing up for learning about prohibition in Seattle.
