IONE, CALIF.--California Historical Landmark #867, better known as
Preston Castles, is a 46,000 square-foot red brick structure that
includes four floors as well as an annex with a basement. It began its
life in 1894 as a juvenile offender institution (boys school) to
rehabilitate youth into the mainstream. Not all boys housed at Preston
School of Industry were there to serve out a sentence as punishment for
criminal acts--some were wards of the state. Among its famous residents
was Rochester on the Jack Benny Show.
Preston Castle closed its doors in 1960 when new facilities for Preston
School of Industry were completed. The building remained vacant and
fading into disrepair until September 10, 2001 when The Preston Castle
Foundation received a 50-year lease for the property. It is open for
daylight tours and overnight ghost tours. Paranormal groups love hosting
events at the Castle because they feel spirits and ghosts exist there.
On the overnight events, you can't sleep in the facility, but are
invited to investigate and experience it with a docent on hand.