// It’s Christmas in prison
There’ll be music tonight
I’ll probably get homesick
I love you. Goodnight. //
This time of the year, that old John Prine song fits perfectly at the 1859 Jail Museum, located just off the square in Independence.
They are celebrating The Spirit of Christmas Past for the rest of the year.
According to Caitlin Eckard of the Jackson County Historical Society, this is a chance for visitors to have a bit of a 19th century holiday experience.
The jail, where legend has it, Frank James was once a “guest,” is in the back ... but the jailer’s house, up front, is decorated for Christmas. The house is up front on Main Street because city leaders didn’t want a jail to be the first thing you saw coming into town.
The simpler times of the late 1800s are on display at the jail for Christmas, including things like handmade ornaments and air fresheners made from oranges and clove.
There is also a “Jailbird Tree.” Stuck in the branches between handcuffs and badges are photos of inmates and marshals.
Regular admission prices apply for this trip back in time to celebrate Christmas in Prison.
For more info, click here.
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