History: The East Cell Block

Pictured here is the East Cell Block of the Ohio State Reformatory. This cell block was completed between 1908 and 1910 and was in operation until the building closed in December of 1990. This was the second of the two main cell blocks to be completed and consists of 6 tiers. The cells in the East Cell Block measure 7 ft by 9 ft, and hold two men to a cell. The cells were originally intended to house one inmate each, but due to overcrowding conditions, these cells were fitted with bunks that could instead hold two men to a cell. If you visit the Reformatory today, you can still see many of the original bunks and cell contents.