| 50th Anniversary of Oregon State Correctional Institution |
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May 22, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI). A celebration was held at OSCI’s visiting room to commemorate the day.
The ceremony had several speakers including the current superintendent along with past superintendents. To mark the event, the OSCI 50th Anniversary Committee created a historical book and DVD featuring pictures and general information about OSCI and the last 50 years. The proceeds from the sale of the book and DVD will go toward the purchase of a new sign (see picture) for the entrance of the facility.
The new OSCI sign was designed by an inmate housed at OSCI; DOC along with Oregon Correctional Enterprises will be partnering for creation. Outside contractors will bronze the cast for the shield on the sign, while the 1249th Engineering Battalion of the Oregon National Guard will be building the structure to hold the shield. Some of the materials for the sign will be donated by local companies.
Paul J Squire was not only the first Superintendent of OSCI, but also a consultant to the architect for the facility. Construction for the 892-bed prison began in October 1957.
The open house address was held on May 22, 1959 and given by Superintendent Squire. Then Governor, Mark O. Hatfield, also spoke at the opening ceremony. On May 25, 1959, OSCI received its first 10 inmates.
Oregon State Correctional Institution is a medium security facility located three miles east of Salem. The facility provides housing for males serving sentences for felony convictions from all counties of Oregon. Five hundred of these beds are designated as Transitional Release beds for inmates who are within six months of their release back into the community. The prison traditionally houses the department’s younger inmates, including those remanded to adult prison from juvenile facilities.
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