Amador County – Hundreds of people attended the closing ceremony and final open house of the Preston Correctional Youth Facility Thursday in Ione, including current and retired employees, friends, family, and even some past wards.

There was a social time, tours, the ceremony, then more tours, and a barbecue, all to commemorate the closing of the 116-year-old facility.

Chaplain David Skaggs gave the welcome in the morning, and in the afternoon led a silent prayer for the facility. Timothy Mahoney, superintendent, did a beautiful Historical Reflection of Preston, and primary taps was played on trumpet by Dexter Clement, retired band instructor of the Mother Lode Band, touring and parade band, of Preston. Jimmy Vinciguerra, also a retired Preston teacher, did the echo of the taps, which he played from a far off distance.

Cari Skaggs sang the solo, “Republic of Preston,” characterized as beautiful and moving to the crowd. Retiring of the colors was done by the Preston Color Guard, with the U.S. flag folded and presented to Preston Superintendent Tim Mahoney. The California flag was also folded and presented to Assistant Superintendent Anthony Lucero.

Tours of families and friends went all day long through the facilities, and Native Sons of the Golden West of Ione did all of the cooking for the barbecue. Inside one of the buildings was a beautiful display of the archives, photos, uniforms, costumes, and instruments, showing just a little bit of everything from the different classes. Employees and correctional officers, families, friends and retirees were all there to share in the bittersweet day.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.