Lawlessness was a concern to all communities, and perhaps even more so, in mill villages. I know the mill village in my hometown, whether deserved or not, was known as a rough and tumble place and seemed to have more crime than other neighborhoods. Of course, law and order was tantamount to productivity around the mills; disruptions could be quite costly and were not tolerated. A day or two in jail usually took care of the problem.

The small jail in Porterdale is typical of those built in the early 20th century and was restored and landscaped as the Eagle Scout project of Camden Wyman of Troop 93, in 2015.

Porterdale Historic District, National Register of Historic Places