Things are finally starting to warm up in Philly, but inside the prison you can still find some relief from the heat. Here are some insider tour guide tips on how to keep cool during the warm season:
Before you start your tour, make friends with the guide on "Gravel Beach" (they have the only oscillating fan on site).
Make your way into "Center" and stand in the middle. ESP's radial plan design was not just great for surveillance, it was also great for ventilation and airflow. You'll have eight cross-breezes from this spot.
Take a walk though Cellblock 4. For some reason, this is the coldest wing year round. No one really knows why....
When you get outside, look for the large square grates in the ground at the ends of the cellblocks. These grates lead down into the prison's maintenance tunnels, and cool air often comes up from below.
And of course, be sure check out the beautiful restored synagogue for both its fascinating history and its temperature-controlled climate.
Sarah Ware
Mentoring Tour Guide
