They drove along Reformatory Drive, their attention captured by the stone monster flickering through the fence.
One car was smothered amid a hundred bikers, all donning their leather cuts and club patch. The mass of vehicles slowly constricted to turn and enter a time capsule behind the main gate. Ahead was an avenue of buckeye trees emphasizing – “arrival.” It led smack into the prison, looming as an imposing castle.
“How would you like to live across the street from a prison?” A man asked a boy as they walked, gesturing at the houses across the way.
“Living across from a castle would be awesome!” The boy exclaimed, ignoring the leading question.
Everyone stood in awe of The Ohio State Reformatory. No wonder epic films like Shawshank Redemption were shot at this architectural gem in Mansfield, Ohio. With well over 100 years of hellish stories in its vault, it is ironic that this place was originally meant to inspire. Yet, just as easily, its mixture of architectural styles featuring Chateauesque and Richardsonian with Gothic overtones could also intimidate. … Click here for the rest of the story …
