b'The Allure of Prison - MadeBy Jim and Bobbi Jeen Olson,WesternTradingPost.comM any are drawn to collect items made by prisoners. Why is there such an allure to collecting these items? What makes them collectible? What is the story behind those who made them?Prison-made items have been on collectors lists for a very long time. For example, starting way back in the 1890s, Frank Conley, the warden at Deer Lodge,Montana created various programs in order to keep inmates busy. He believed it would keep them out of trouble. Deer Lodge, Montanas horsehair braiding program was one of the best-known and most popular inmate programs of its kind, and people collect bridles made at Deer Lodge (and many other prisons) to this day. Canon City, Colorado was another prison that had a bridle-making program, except they were also one of the few prisons that had a metal shop. Consequently, they became known for making bits and spurs (along with horsehair bridles) and their bits and spurs are now some of the most prized possessions by many collectors. Over the years, various prisons became known for producing different items. But why collect them? One common reason heard is that folks are amazed at someone taking the time to build such an item by hand, using crude tools, and have it come out as good as it does. Since prisoners obviously have plenty of time on their hands, they tend to be very patient and take their time when making these crafts. Similar perhaps to what attracted us to the Native American made crafts in the beginning. An appreciation for the time it takes and the fact that their tools and conditions may not have been the best, yet they were able to turn out a quality product, usually of much better quality than a mass-produced piece of similar use.Other reasons that are given range from being charitable (supporting someone who may not be in the best of circumstances) to the allure of it being made by an individual who does not conform to normal societal standards, yet has an artistic side about them. I once heard a guy say while holding a pair of prison-made spurs, Just imagine, the S.O.B. who made these spurs also killed someone. One thing is for certain though; buying the crafts helps to fund a portion of their rehabilitation.So what makes them collectible? The same thing that makes anything collectible, I suppose. Desirability, rarity, and condition. Somebody wants them; they are in limited supply and remain in good condition after all these years. That is what makes anythingREMODELINGcollectible when you get right down to it, but prison made items seem to reach a wholeTHIS WINTER?other category of collectors. I know several people who collect nothing but prison-made bits or spurs, etc. Who knows why this is? The reasons are likely as varied asWe Can the collectors themselves. Perhaps it is the intrigue about the men who made them? At some time or another, we have all probably known someone who spent time inHelp!prison. A lot of them may have even seemed like pretty good folks. Others who are incarcerated are just downright scary and were glad they are there. Maybe its the fact that this person who obviously had enough troubles to be locked up, also has anValleyWide Serviceartistic side to them and can create works of art without the aid of using the best toolsSame Day & Next Day Serviceor having the best situation.We Specialize In: Storefronts Call Us For AEven a great Native warrior like Geronimo turned to making trinkets once he was Custom Showerslocked up by the Government. People flocked to buy something he had made. I guess Custom Mirrors FREE ESTIMATEthe contrast between being a fierce warrior and an artist was intriguing. Besides the Shade Screensquality and intrigue, could it be the brand? I know guys who will not drive anything Residential Windowsbut a Ford, for no other reason than that is what their daddy drove and their daddys Window Film 10% OFFMention this ad and receivedaddy drove, etc. There are folks out there who will just buy certain items because it Glass Railingsis a brand they are familiar with. Maybe they were told when they were young that a Window Repair & Replacementprison-made horsehair bridle is the best money can buy and they wont buy anything Board Up Serviceelse to this day, as a result of that thought taking hold in their mind. Other reasons24 Hour every time you need us!might be monetary. Prison-made collectibles cover a wide range of prices that canEmergency Servicefit most collectors budgets. But as mentioned, the reasons vary greatly as to why weOffice:collect prison made items. Perhaps you have your own reason? We would love to hear from you. Happy collecting!We Service Your Every Glass Need. 928-232-354025 N Adams St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390ArizonaRealCountry.com January 2023 47'