Among the treasures in the Lansing Historical Society Museum’s collection of former Warden Robert H. Hudspeth are two remarkable letters dated March 18 and April 24, 1944. Both were written to Hudspeth by L. G. Marcus of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the younger brother and literary agent of Robert Stroud, better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. Stroud’s brother, originally known as Marcus Stroud, adopted the professional name L. G. Marcus, using his given name as his surname. He also reportedly performed as an escape artist under the name “The Great Marcus.”
Before becoming warden of the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Hudspeth served as warden of the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, where Robert Stroud was incarcerated. During those years, Stroud was permitted to keep canaries and conduct extensive research into avian diseases. His work eventually resulted in the publication of Stroud’s Digest on the Diseases of Birds in 1943, a 483-page reference book published in Minneapolis by L. G. Marcus and Robert Stroud.
What makes these letters particularly fascinating is the recognition given to Hudspeth for his cooperation. In his March 18, 1944, letter, Marcus wrote, “A great deal of the work could not have been done without your cooperation.” In his April 24 letter, Marcus relayed his brother’s appreciation, stating that Stroud believed “a great deal of his success was due to your kindness and understanding.” Stroud also reportedly expressed considerable respect for Hudspeth’s fairness during his administration at Leavenworth.
By the time these letters were written, Stroud had been transferred to Alcatraz, where he was no longer permitted to keep birds or continue his experiments. Hudspeth had moved on to become warden of the Kansas State Penitentiary. Yet the correspondence reveals that the relationship and mutual respect established at Leavenworth had not been forgotten.
History has a remarkable way of connecting people and places. These two original letters, preserved in the Hudspeth collection, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lesser-known story behind the Birdman of Alcatraz and recognize a Kansas prison warden whose cooperation helped make Stroud’s scientific achievements possible.
Lansing Historical Society & Museum — Preserving the stories behind the walls.