Red Bay in Franklin County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Calaboose
The Calaboose was a small brick building, approximately 10 feet by 20 feet, built over a small ditch. At that time, plumbing was almost non-existent. The ditch was a "built in" convenience for the occupants.
A partition divided the Calaboose into two spaces, one for the ladies and the other for the gentlemen. There was two small windows with bars. Family and friends would poke contraband (cigarettes, candy and etc.) through the bars.
Occasionally, neighborhood boys would hook up a water hose at a nearby residence and spray the prisoners through the bars just to hear the "cuss" Prior to that buckets were used for the dastardly deed.
According to most accounts, about the only occupants ever housed there were folks who had too much moonshine before they came to town or got too much after they got here; using abusive language or getting into a fist fight.
During the Calaboose years and even some after that, prisoners would be locked up with no means of escape in case of fire or natural disaster; or even a medical emergency. It was many years later that a law was passed regarding fulltime jailers.
Erected 2013 by Homer and Shirley Cody Family.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 34° 26.446′ N, 88° 8.591′ W. Marker is in Red Bay, Alabama, in Franklin County. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street Southeast and 4th Avenue South (Alabama Route 24), on the left when traveling north on 2nd Street Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Red Bay AL 35582, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bay Theater (here, next to this marker); Red Bay Ice and Gin Company (here, next to this marker); Yarber Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker); Pride in Our Past, Faith in Our Future (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Bay School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red Bay Depot & Hotel (about 600 feet away); Mac McAnally (approx. 6.2 miles away in Mississippi); History of Vina (approx. 6˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Bay.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 941 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.