1924 Riot

     During the early 1920s, Eastern State experienced significant changes on a variety of levels. The first of these changes was in key administrative positions not only in Eastern State, but Pennsylvania itself. Gifford Pinchot (see image below to the left) replaced Sproul as governor of Pennsylvania. Also, Warden McKenty was replaced by Colonel John C. Groome (see image in center). During 1923 and 1924, both of these people would be central in the changes at Eastern State.

     Starting in 1923, various problems with Groome's administration signaled a time of change in the policies of penitentiary. With the jailbreak of 1923, six 'Pen' keepers were fired by Groome and all guards were to be armed to hinder further jailbreaks. In addition to the problems in 1923, in 1924 Governor Pinchot, on a visit to Eastern State Penitentiary, ordered for better conditions (see clipping below). After a subsequent investigation by a grand jury panel, the penitentiary showed signs of improvement. In the report from the grand jury, Colonel Groome was commended for the improvement in the quality of food. Despite these improvements, there were still problems of food costs, cold food, and a short supply. In addition to the food problems, the institution remained overcrowded and there were continual pleas for rural relocation. 

     As with the events of 1919, Eastern State in 1924 was struggling with problems in the environmental conditions such as substandard facilities and overcrowding. The primary difference between the events of 1919 and 1924 was that the primary reason for an investigation came from an external force. As a result of the investigation, there were still pressures from factors in the buildings themselves and external influences on the effectiveness of the prison. These sources of tension would continue between 1924 and 1933, the year in which the next riots will be discussed.
     Between 1924 and 1933, there was increasing talk about Eastern State becoming an obsolete prison. There was little improvement in the conditions and architecture at Eastern State Penitentiary and multiple scathing reviews from criminologists, such as Harry Elmer Barnes, Negley Teeters, and Albert G. Fraser. Some of the comments made included: Eastern State Penitentiary was "hopelessly antiquated", "discipline was difficult to maintain," and "Eastern Penitentiary is one of the worst prisons in any civilized state... To pour any more money into this plant, in the effort to renovate or extend it, would be quasi-criminal folly." Even long before its closing in 1971, the wheels at Eastern State were slowly coming off. Because of the few improvements in the facilities and the increasing criticism from inside and outside sources, Eastern State was ripe for significant amounts of trouble. The increase in trouble came in 1933.