ROCKHEAD PRISON

 

Opened in 1860, Rockhead served as the city prison for over a hundred years. It was located in Halifax's north end, near the corner of Leeds and Gottingen (Now Novalea). This page will continue to explore its history.
The Accommodations
Men's Cell Block - 1960's Photo from HRM Archives 102-16N-033.1 Used with Permission
Men's Cell Block - 1960's Photo from HRM Archives 102.30A.7 Used with Permission
Rockhead & The Halifax Explosion
Given its location in the city's north end, I thought it would be interesting to present how the city's worst disaster affected Rockhead.  This is the City Prison Warden's Report for the month of December, 1917 (from the HRM Archives):
To His Worship the Mayor Members of the Board of Control and City Council   Gentlemen,   I beg to submit the Report of the City Prison for Month Ending December 31st A.D. 1917 as follows.   There were 10 male and three female prisoners in custody December 1st, 1917.   Two male prisoners were admitted up to Thursday the 6th of December, the day in which the City Prison was wrecked by the recent Explosion. I would report some of the prisoners were sent to the County Jail, some remained to finish their terms and four males escaped.  I would also report progress in temporary repair work at the prison. And the prison now ready for the return of prisoners.   I would also report loss of Farm produce, as a result of the explosion.  Farm implements has (sic) suffered considerable wreckage.   I would also report Glass on Cupola roof of Main Building damaged, also roof and North Wall of East Wing, roof of Barns, sheds, Cook House roof and walls.   All the windows were practically blown out.  The wooden fence  surrounding prison is completely destroyed.  The roof of west wing has been temporary (sic) repaired, which is the only habitable place at present.   I am glad to report the plumbing and heating system is practically intact.
April 1952
I selected a month in the early 50's to get an idea what people were going to Rockhead for at that time.  As you can see, the vast majority of sentences were for violations of the Liquor Control Act.
OFFENCE	# OF PERSONS SENTENCED	SENTENCE
Violation of Liquor Control Act 75x2	28	25 @ 10 days 3 @ 30 days
Violation of Liquor Control Act 66x2a	1	1 month
Trespass at City Dump	2	15 days
Refusing to pay taxi fare	1	10 days
Theft, desertion, etc	1	90 days
Assault	1	10 days
Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated	2	2 @ 7 days 1 @ 30 days
Carrying a concealed weapon	1	days
False pretences	1	6 months
Theft	3	1 @ 3 months 2 @ 3 months
Stealing a motor vehicle	1	2 @ 1 year
Indecent act	1	10 days
Obtaining Unemployment Insurance Benefits unlawfully	1	month