A look back at Alcatraz

A typical prison menu as posted over the cafeteria-style table where prisoners receive their food at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, shown March 13, 1956. They have their choice of quantity but are reported if they do not eat all that they choose to take on their trays. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)

A look back at Alcatraz

Warden P.J. Madigan, right background, is shown in his office in Alcatraz Island, during a press conference, March 13, 1956. G. Frederick Mullen, director of information, U. S. Dept. of Justice, center background, also participated in the conference, the first one of its kind in many years o…

A look back at Alcatraz

Senior officer Melvin Kidney, seen through the 2-inch laminated bullet proof glass that encloses his post at the control center of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay, is shown March 14, 1956. He supervises all communications and has custody of arms, ammunition, tear gas, etc.…

A look back at Alcatraz

Dock officer George Black operates controls of the metal detector through which every visitor to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary must pass, and which sounds a warning bell if any metal objects are in the clothing or on the person of the visitor, seen March 13, 1956 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/…

A look back at Alcatraz

This is a gun tower on the west side of Alcatraz Prison Island in San Francisco Bay, shown April 30, 1952. The San Francisco skyline can be seen in the background. (AP Photo/Ernest K. Bennett)