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The former women's prison in Tehachapi had its beginning

in 1852 explained Del Troy, Tehachapi's well known historian, when she spoke to the Kiwanis Club. In those early days there was a ship at San Quentin Point that held 50 convicts, some of whom were women. A prison was built for them, and the women were housed in the same facility as the men until 1928 when the legislature approved separate prisons for women.

The State of California purchased 1700 acres in Cummings Valley from Lucas Brite and construction began. The building was completed in 1933 and the 30 women prisoners were moved from San Quentin to the new facility in Tehachapi. It was the first women's prison in California and only the third prison to be built in the state.

The prison was built to be home-like in order to strengthen rehabilitation. Three two-story cottages were built that had kitchens and living rooms. The women were required to work at various tasks and to attend school classes. The inmate population eventually increased to 282.

In 1952 a 7.5 earthquake caused enough damage to the buildings, that for a month the women lived in tents and slept on cots. Soon they were moved to a new facility in Frontera (Chino) which had already been planned because the facility in Tehachapi was not large enough.

Repair and consturuction of new buildings at the Cummings Valley site was completed in 1955 and named California Correctional Institution. It is now only for men and houses 3,378 inmates at this time, down from a high of 5,000. It is part of the City since it was annexed in 1997.

Del Troy knows much more about the prison in Tehachapi. She volunteers at the Tehachapi Museum and is an expert on many aspects of Tehachapi history. She has lived here since 1958.

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at Pacino's. Guests and prospective members are always welcome.

Call (66) 822-5379 for further information.