Oral Histories

Interview of Kenyon J. Scudder

Penologist and first superintendent of the California Institution for Men.
Subtitle:
Kenyon J. Scudder: Criminologist and Social Engineer
Series:
Z: Orphan Interviews pre 1999
Topic:
Politics and Government
Biographical Note:
Penologist and first superintendent of the California Institution for Men.
Interviewer:
Schippers, Donald J.
Interviewee:
Scudder, Kenyon J.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Abstract:
Family background; medical missionaries in India; education, Oberlin College, 1909-11, and University of California, Berkeley; early interest in prison reform; experiences at Preston School of Industry, Ione, California; work in U.S. Veterans Bureau; appointed superintendent Whittier State School for Boys, 1927-31; early years of probation work; establishment of community coordination councils; studies and surveys of delinquency areas in Los Angeles; formation of youth forestry camps; planning and administering California Institution for Men at Chino, 1940-54; development of California Youth Authority; retirement from Chino; work with Osborne Association; commentary on prisoners, prison riots, and new approaches to punishment.