Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of daily diaries kept by warden W. L. Denno of Sing Sing Prison documenting his official activities. Entries include inspections of site personnel and security protocol; details of visitors to the prison, including police investigators; attempted escapes; misconduct of incarcerated individuals; and the warden's attendance at executions. Any official travel necessitating the absence of the warden from the prison is also reported.

Of particular note are several entries relating to protests against the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in 1953, and other entries noting visits to Joseph Fay by Senate Majority Leader Arthur Wicks, who was later forced to step down over these visits. No diaries exist for 1955 and 1957, and most days do not have entries.