Johnny cash sang about it, others tried to escape it, but most just had to sit and suffer through it. With its heavily guarded walls and monstrous size, Folsom Prison is the last place you might think of visiting - But not for John Fratis and Gordon Henry. They claim their stay at the big house was actually quite pleasant!

Jennifer Fischer interviews the duo, which have been friends for 70 years and volunteer their time at the Folsom Prison Museum. Gordon & John grew up right on the prison grounds. Their fathers were correctional officers and Gordon's grandfather was the warden. Folsom Prison houses medium-security inmates, but when it was built in 1878, it was one of the nation's first maximum-security prisons. The museum is just the place to learn about Folsom's lurid Legacy.

From handcuffs and license plates, to belly belts and newspaper clippings, all kinds of intriguing artifacts are on display -- including a pair of guns made by two prisoners in the 1930's.

In addition to its unique artifacts, the museum is charitable and run by volunteers and the Retired Chapter of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. The profit from selling souvenirs on the prisons history goes to the American Cancer Society and other local charitable organizations.

Folsom State Prison Museum
PO Box 71
Represa, CA 95671
(916) 985-2561