Saw It on eBay: 1931 Photo of Joliet Prison Riot Damage

On March 14, 1931, a prison riot in the dining hall of Joliet Correctional Center ended with three inmates being shot and a fourth killed.

This press photo shows the trashed kitchen following the violent melee, and it's being sold on eBay for $25 by a company called Historic Images, which sells original pictures shot by press photographers.

As interesting as the photo is, the backside description written by an Associated Press employee is equally fascinating. Here's what it says:

"Four convicts were shot, one fatally, as 1,100 rebellious prisoners ran amuck at the old state penitentiary in Joliet, Ill., Mar. 14, wrecking the dining hall, kitchen and prison shops in an hour of mad mutiny. Warmed by fermenting discontent during the last few weeks, the prison administration was ready in a flash to cope with the situation. No one escaped. Guards from hidden sentry boxes fired warning machine gun shots and tossed tear bombs to force the prisoners into their own cells. 43 ringleaders were placed in solitary confinement."

If you're interested in obtaining more information or in purchasing the photo, click here.