Frankly, My Dear…

That’s the nickname of Alabama’s electric chair. It was built by a British convict in 1927 and got its name from the highway-line paint that made it a bright yellow! It was an eye-catcher, for sure!

When I was 15-16, I was planning to go to Youth Legislature in Montgomery and needed a bill to propose. I decided to have one that said the death penalty should be discontinued. I made an appointment to see the warden of Kilby Prison to discuss the death penality with him. I spent the night with my sister and she dropped me off at the prison the next day. The warden was busy when I got there, so I was put in a waiting room that contained prisoners and their visitors! Can we say uncomfortable?! I was sitting by the open door–actually, I think it was a doorless opening–and not planning to move an inch! There were a couple of long windows that went to the floor and I noticed prisoners outside doing things like picking up trash. One of them came up to the window and looked in. I averted my eyes but felt him staring and became even more uncomfortable! When the person came to take me to the warden’s office, I almost hopped up to get out of there asap!

I can’t remember what all we talked about, but the warden was very nice–especially since I’m sure he had more important things to do! After our short conversation, he surprised me by asking if I’d like to see the electric chair! Without giving it any thought, I quickly said yes!

It was in another building and to get there I had to go with two guards across the prison yeard where there were prisoners! The first step was going through a door that was in a 2-3 story wall of iron bars. One guard went through, then me and then the other guard. When that door clanked shut, chills went up my neck! Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to do this!

We stepped out into the prison yard and I was immediately aware of the prisoners, but the guards were walking closely, so I felt pretty safe. Had he asked, though, I probably would’ve let him carry me like a 3 yr old across the yard! heh We talked on the way to another smaller building and had to walk up steps to the second floor. The hallway to the execution chamber was on the outside wall of the building and I think there were about three cells on the way. As soon as we came in, the prisoners were begging for cigarettes. I am sure they were very courious about what was going on and why I was there. And there, as we passed the last cell, was Yellow Mama. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a big shiny yellow chair! There were straps all over it and the guards were telling me what went where. And then they wanted to know if I wanted to sit in it! Sit in the electric chair?! I feel sure I declined! I remember I had on an orange and white sweater and a white skirt, but for the life of me, I can’t remember if I sat in the electric chair!!! Why, oh why, didn’t I take my camera with me?!

The guards explained how once the prisoner was “situated” in the chair, someone took the small sign that looked like a wooden lollipop with “ready” on one side and put it in a hole in the brick wall, which was only a partial wall, where the “juice” was to let them know it was time to turn the swich on. This was directly behind Yellow Mama. (Notice in the picture in the rgt side, looks like the sign was still being used when it was put in another prison, except this time using a one-way mirror.)

All of this was interesting, but I was glad to leave and I can’t even remember the outcome of my bill. I think there were more than we could get to for the long week-end that we were allowed to sit in the desks, fullibuster and vote on bills! And besides, there was this really cute guy from Talladega!

Yellow Mama was retired and in 2002 lethal injection became the execution choice. I also changed my mind about the death penalty long ago.