The Writing of “Jerry’s Riot”, Montana

The genesis of a book is often a winding path, a journey of discovery fueled by curiosity and a desire to unearth the truth. For Kevin S. Giles, that path led him back to the imposing stone walls of the Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana, and into the heart of a violent uprising known as "Jerry’s Riot." This article delves into the process of researching and writing about this dramatic event.

The seeds of "Jerry’s Riot" were sown long before Giles began his research. Growing up in Deer Lodge, the prison loomed large in the community’s collective consciousness, its history intertwined with the lives of its residents. Giles’ own father worked at the prison, making the institution a constant presence in his childhood. The stories, the atmosphere, and the aura of the prison seeped into his understanding of the town and its history.

Years later, that ingrained connection sparked a desire to explore the truth behind the 1959 riot. Newspaper accounts at the time painted a simple picture: a "failed escape attempt by a desperate madman." But Giles suspected there was more to the story. He sought to understand the underlying causes, the motivations of the key players, and the true nature of the event that had scarred the prison and the community.

A pivotal moment in his research was the opportunity to interview Ed "Bus" Ellsworth, the warden of the Old Montana Prison during the riot. Ellsworth, a man of imposing presence and a reputation for iron discipline, had not set foot inside the prison walls in the 30 years since his tenure. Convincing him to revisit the scene of those turbulent events was a challenge, but Giles’ persistence paid off.

One cold March afternoon, Giles coaxed Ellsworth back to the prison. As they walked through the echoing corridors and somber cell blocks, Ellsworth’s memories began to stir. He recounted the events of that fateful night on April 18, 1959, when National Guard troops stormed the cell houses to rescue 23 hostages held captive by the rioters. Ellsworth’s perspective, as the man who had been in charge during the crisis, was invaluable. He could provide insights and details that were absent from official reports.

The Old Montana Prison itself became a character in the story. Its formidable brick and stone facade, a constant presence on the Deer Lodge skyline, served as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. As Giles and Ellsworth walked through the prison, the weight of history pressed down on them. The cold, damp air, the rustling of pigeons in the abandoned cell blocks, and the echoes of past suffering all contributed to a palpable sense of the past.

During his research, Giles uncovered a wealth of information about Jerry Myles, the instigator of the riot. He discovered that Myles was far from being a mere "desperate madman." He was a career criminal, a psychopath with a history of violence and a deep understanding of prison dynamics. Myles had been incarcerated in some of America’s most notorious prisons, including Alcatraz, where he witnessed a bloody outbreak. He had even led a mutiny at a federal penitentiary in Atlanta.

Giles’ research revealed that the riot in Deer Lodge was not a spontaneous act of desperation but a calculated and deliberate act of rebellion. Myles, driven by a thirst for attention and a desire to make a name for himself, had meticulously planned and executed the uprising. His goal was not to escape but to create chaos and disruption within the prison walls.

As Ellsworth and Giles explored the northwest cell house tower, the scene of the final confrontation between the rioters and the authorities, the full horror of the event came into sharp focus. They climbed the narrow concrete stairs, passing through dark and cold rooms filled with the dust of decades. They reached the landing where Myles had shot and wounded Captain Francis "Russ" Pulliam, a National Guardsman.

Finally, they arrived at the tomblike room at the top of the tower, where Myles had taken his own life after killing his teenage accomplice, Lee Smart. Ellsworth recounted the grim scene, describing how he had found the bodies of the two men. He emphasized that Myles’ primary motivation seemed to be a desire for notoriety.

The realization that the riot was driven by the twisted ambitions of Jerry Myles was a turning point in Giles’ research. He understood that the story was not just about the riot itself but about the man who had orchestrated it. It was a story about the guards and prisoners caught in the crossfire, the struggles of the warden to reform a troubled institution, and the impact of the prison on the small town of Deer Lodge. But at its core, it was the story of Jerry Myles and his self-destructive quest for fame.

It was the tragic and self-indulging Jerry Myles, the man whose name would forever be associated with the chaos and violence, who became the central figure in Giles’ narrative. The title, "Jerry’s Riot," reflected this focus, capturing the essence of the story and highlighting the role of the man who had brought the prison to its knees.

The writing of "Jerry’s Riot" was a labor of love for Giles, a journey of discovery that took him back to his childhood and into the heart of a dark chapter in Montana’s history. He dedicated countless hours to researching the events, interviewing those who had lived through them, and piecing together the puzzle of what happened inside the walls of the Old Montana Prison.

Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Giles brought the story of "Jerry’s Riot" to life, shedding light on the complex motivations of the key players and revealing the true nature of the event that had scarred the prison and the community. He honored the memories of those who had been affected by the riot, ensuring that their stories would not be forgotten.

The Old Montana Prison, now a museum, stands as a testament to the events of 1959 and the enduring legacy of "Jerry’s Riot." It is a place where visitors can step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a bygone era, a reminder of the dark side of human nature and the importance of remembering the past.

In the end, "Jerry’s Riot" is more than just a book about a prison riot. It is a story about human ambition, the consequences of violence, and the enduring power of memory. It is a story that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

The book is a testament to the power of historical inquiry and the importance of telling stories that shed light on the darker aspects of the human experience. It is a valuable contribution to the history of Montana and a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge.

The process of writing "Jerry’s Riot" was a personal journey for Kevin Giles, one that allowed him to connect with his past, explore the history of his hometown, and uncover the truth behind a dramatic event that had shaped the lives of many. His dedication to the project and his commitment to telling the story in a compelling and informative way have resulted in a book that is both historically significant and deeply moving.

The legacy of "Jerry’s Riot" continues to resonate in Deer Lodge and beyond. The Old Montana Prison remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to learn about its history and experience its unique atmosphere. The book has helped to preserve the memory of the riot and to ensure that the stories of those who were affected by it will continue to be told for generations to come.