The Preston School of Industry in Ione regularly observed patriotic holidays with decorations and activities. Opened in 1894, the facility closed in 2011.
Ione facility opened doors July 1, 1894
Independence Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays were observed at Preston with decorations, marching bands and military drills.
“The State Prison Directors held an informal meeting to complete arrangements (to) purchase lands and water rights for building the Preston Industrial School,” reported the Sacramento Daily Union, June 16, 1890.
Getting started in the northern part of the state
The proposed $66,900 funding included:
- cost of land, $6,900
- water rights, $45,000
- reservoir, $15,000
The facility was to be named after a former elected official.
“Ex-Senator Preston of Nevada, after whom the Preston School is named, spoke of the origin of the institution and the good work for which it was intended,” reported the San Francisco Call, Jan. 30, 1893.
Assembly members and state senators promised they would find the money to pay to complete the necessary work. It took three years for the facility to finally open and accept youth.
Preston School observes patriotic holidays
Of interest is this note from 1898: “Sunday, May 29 – Each cadet was given an American flag and badge containing a picture of a battleship (in preparation of) the celebration tomorrow.”
The U.S. battleship Maine exploded Feb. 15, 1898, in Havana Harbor, Cuba. To honor the lives lost, Preston youth took part in a memorial ceremony in town.
“Monday, May 30 – This morning at 9:30 a.m. the three companies of cadets formed in front of the administration building. A large float representing the battleship Maine, drawn by four horses, headed the procession. The school band, followed by the cadets under command of Major Blair, marched to Ione. (There they took) part in Decoration Day exercises.”
Today, Decoration Day is better known as Memorial Day.
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Learn more about Whittier and Preston schools.
Learn more about California prison history.
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