1 A visitor exploring a dormitory room. The Preston Castle Foundation offers tours of the building. 2 A photo of the class of 1895 at Preston Castle. The castle was a reform school for delinquent youth and known as the Preston School of Industry from 1894 until 1960.3 Tour guide Page leading a tour.4 A black and white photo of Preston Castle. — Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Dad always told me if I didn’t behave – “clean up my act” were his exact words, actually – that I would end up in a place like this. Meaning, reform school. Meaning, I’d get pummelled by some kid whose crimes far exceeded my rap sheet of sassing back and chronic failure to clean my room. Meaning, I would regret how good I once had it at home.
Until recently, I had managed to avoid such a fate.
