In preparing the book, Mr. Cheli collected many rare photographs from the prison archives; the Ossining Historical Society, of which he is a member; and a private collection. They are arranged in chronological order beginning with the 1825 decision to build New York's third prison at Silver Mine Farm on the banks of the Hudson River, near the village of Sing Sing. One hundred convicts were brought by Warden Elam Lynds on barges from Auburn prison, and by 1826, 60 of the proposed 800 cells had been built out of the hand-hewn stone from an on-site quarry. The building was completed in October, 1828.

Throughout the book Mr. Cheli describes the gradual reforms in prison life. The use of the cat-o'-nine to flog the prisoners was eliminated in 1848, but it took a riot in 1869 to prohibit the use of the cold-water shower. Things moved more quickly at the turn of the 20th century when the practice of the lockstep was stopped and the striped prison suit eliminated four years later.

With the arrival of Warden Lewis Lawes in 1920, who was willing to treat prisoners fairly, many reforms were enacted. Sport was encouraged as a recreation, celebrities were invited to speak to the inmates, and gardens flourished as the prisoners took care of them. Major renovations and new construction were undertaken. Even the food improved.

The use of the electric chair and Sing Sing Prison will always be connected. It was first used in 1891, and the last execution was in 1963. Fifty years ago there was an international outcry when Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of conspiring to send atomic secrets to Russia and were executed in the electric chair. The proprietors of Dudley's Restaurant in Ossining may be surprised when they read that Mr. Cheli notes that "radio and newspaper reporters set up at the Old Jug Tavern on Revolutionary Road," to report the event.

Among other remarkable photographs and sketches, are those of the ornate warden's office and furniture that were carved by inmates. Earlier prisoners were able to express some creativity by hand-painting scenes on the horse-drawn wagons and sleds manufactured at the prison.

Mr. Cheli devotes one chapter of the book to Charles E. Chapin (the "Rose Man"), a convict who was responsible for the creation of the beautiful gardens and birdhouse of Sing Sing.

Other highlights include details about the women's prison, the coming of the railroad, the Sing Sing Band, a few memorable escape attempts, and the baseball game starring Babe Ruth.

"Images of America: Sing Sing Prison," is a thorough history of "The Big House -- up the river."

Published by Arcadia Publishing
128 pages/Softcover
Price: $19.99