City of Rushford Jail

The City Jail, formerly located on 100 W. Park Street was moved to the current location (at the Depot Park site, 401 S Elm Street) in the Fall of 2009.  The contractors, Amos Slabaugh & Sons, were careful to number each limestone block when taking it apart; then rebuilt it on a new cement slab.   

The original jail was built in 1913 and was in service into 1975.  The later years of service were for Justice of the Peace and the Police chief’s office.  The cell accommodations were the “bare” essentials – a metal bunk bed frame, a toilet in the corner and efficient walking space to stretch your legs.  Meals were served through a rotating metal framed door to limit contact with “occupants.”  Half of the Jail House space was utilized as the office for the Chief of Police with a desk, files and clipboards that lined the wall.

Recently the Jail got a facelift with an Eagle Scout project.  Jonah Buchanan, Eagle Scout candidate, created a plan to enclose the windows with screens, put in a brick walkway and landscaped around the front of the Jail. The RAHS board is thankful for the update and is pleased with how it turned out. 

In the future, plans are to “recreate” the interior which would reflect the past and how it would have looked.