John Sparling Tours McNeil Island Prison in April of 1998

Situated off of the shores of Steilacoom, Washington, John learns what life is like on the only island operating prison since the closing of Alcatraz in 1963. Segment originally aired in May of 1998 on Comcast Cable's program "Around Here," seen in Tacoma, Washington, and surrounding communities.

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• interview

[DanielScanlon]

I used to live ON McNeil Island as a kid. 1965-1980. My dad worked as Sawmill Foreman until a "trustee" burned it down out of spite. he then transferred to the It was a very unique upbringing. The community center was the "hotspot" viewing current movies, basketball in the gym, etc. Good times.

(The sawmill was just over the hill from what is now, the "work ethic camp".)

[JohnOnTV]

Hey, thanks for your comments about your upbringing on McNeil Island. I love hearing stories like this. It is truly a unique place.

[jimmyebasco38]

I was there locked up back in 97-01! Inmate # 756634! Is lower E still for the dingbats?

[JohnOnTV]

I am not sure. Sorry.

[houstonspark]

@jimmyebasco38 got a question for you if your still on youtube, did u know a man by the last name ambers

[barajas562]

My dad did time in the island in the early 90's , I use to love the boat ride :)

[GARGAMEL300]

What was his name? Last Name of course

[musicalfreek21]

My grandpa (who i've still never met) worked here i dont remember what years (probably 70s-80s) but he was i think like the curator or something like that. The whole family lived there all 11 i think. my dad says that the island was a fun place to grow up.

[stephenerhodes]

No. I was a Mental Health Counselor 2from 1998 - 2003. I now work as an Adjudicator for a different government organization. Funny about the time I was employed there, I ran into 2 inmates that I used to party hard with back in later high school that were wearing khacki, nowadays, so to speak. I guess that the best lesson is that if you party hard as a young person, you either grow up, or get locked up. I hope you have done the former at this current point in your life.

[ashleystreetmp1]

JimmyBasco, No E unit is the Minimum Security unit. Inmates housed there go out the wire everyday for. 'The special attention unit 'is now Lower A Unit.

[MichaelPleps1]

how many people live there now?

[jettlag]

Note the date in the title, jimmy.

Hi 'Bon John' - been forever, cool to see your videos again. Hope all is well. : )