Folder: S.F. Police-Hall of Justice (old)-Interiors-1950s.
Newscopy: "CORONER'S QUARTERS CROWDED-San Francisco women attorneys will conduct tours through the Hall of Justice, starting tomorrow, pointing to the need for a new structure. Attorneys Anna Garlund, Lee Penland and Ruth Cessna discuss the condition of the crowded laboratory with Dr. Henry Turkel, coroner. The grim, gray Hall of Justice will hold 'open house' for four days starting tomorrow to give San Francisco voters a chance to look into its overcrowded corners. A group of nearly two dozen women attorneys headed by Ruth Cessna and Mildred W. Levin will be on hand to conduct tours through the building considered 'a civic disgrace'. 'We women attorneys of San Francisco feel that the citizens should see for themselves just how dilapidated, overcrowded and outdated the old Hall of Justice facilities really are', Miss Cessna said. 'Guides' Listed-Among the women attorneys who will be on hand to escort housewives and others will be deputy district attorney Doris Schnacke and Janet Aitken, Molly Minudri, deputy public defender; Agnes O'Brien, deputy city attorney, and Edith Wilson, juvenile court referee. Their daily tasks give them first-hand insight into the crowded courtrooms and the lack of interview facilities. Mrs. Lee Penland, past president of the Queen's Bench and a member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Bar Assn., expressed concern over sanitation facilities for both police and prusibers. Space Limited- She pointed out that the coroner's office has limited space and should have better arrangements, including space for attorneys. 'Despite efforts and funds now being spent to improve the laboratory, the counters are crowded with chemical equipment and eroded by acid', she observed. Citizens wanting to decide for themselves on the need for backing Proposition A for the construction of the new building will be able to tour the Hall of Justice from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow though Saturday and Monday. Tours will be started on the hour from the main lobby of the Hall of Justice where a drawing of the proposed new structure will contrast the old with the proposed building."
