A chance to be held in durance vile

HONESDALE, PA — Honesdale’s Old Stone Jailhouse, located between 10th Street and the Wayne County Courthouse, celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, and will be open to the public at open houses held on the first Saturday of every month between June and October, starting on June 6. Hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The open houses will allow visitors an opportunity to tour one of the county’s most interesting historic buildings. The squat stone edifice, built in 1859, housed Wayne County’s miscreants until 1935. It is built almost entirely out of rough stone, creating a damp, gloomy interior that has been compared to a dungeon.

“Sheriff” Dick Kreitner and his deputies will be on hand to usher visitors through the nine-by-12-foot cells as they tell the history of the jail and some of its more notorious occupants, including stories of the numerous jailbreaks, the hangings and even the birth of a baby girl within its walls. During the early history of the jail men, women and even children endured the dismal accommodations.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. Visitor access to the building is possible through the cooperation of the Wayne County Commissioners.

For more information visit waynehistorypa.org or call 570/253-3240.