This LibGuide contains resources on the history of SCI-Graterford, incorporating photos, digital resources, books, timelines, archival materials, and more.
Aerial photographs (June 17, 1931) capture ongoing construction within Graterford Prison's walls, showing continued expansion and development.
A-Block, the first cellblock, is completed, and four additional blocks are finalized shortly afterwards. As each block is finished, incarcerated laborers move into them.
1933:
Construction funds are depleted, leading to the cancellation of plans for the final three blocks, chapels, and recreation facilities. Graterford is officially completed and functions as a rural annex of Eastern State Penitentiary, with space for up to 2,000 men, each housed in a single cell, following the Pennsylvania system.
1934:
On August 25, over 200 men riot, causing $40,000 in damage (approximately $1 million today), demanding better food, more liberties, and reduced penalties.
1933-1944:
Elmer Leithiser serves as the first warden of Graterford. Known for his fairness, he had supervised the site during its six years of construction.
1933-1940s:
"Pep the Prison Dog," sentenced to life for allegedly killing another animal, serves as a companion to staff and inmates.
Photo Credits: The Library Company of Philadelphia
