Whittier in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Reform School for Juvenile Offenders

Fred C. Nelles School

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 19, 2005

1. Reform School for Juvenile Offenders Marker

Inscription. The March 11, 1889 Act of the California Legislature authorized the establishment of a school for juvenile offenders. Dedication and laying of cornerstone was done by Governor R.W. Waterman on February 12, 1890. Officially opened as "Whittier State School" for boys and girls on July 1, 1891. Girls were transferred in 1916 and only boys have been in residence since that time. Renamed "Fred C. Nelles School for Boys" in 1941 ("For Boys" was dropped around 1970). This school was been in continuous operation serving the needs of juvenile offenders since 1891.

Erected 1984 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Department of the Youth Authority. (Marker Number 947.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 2, 1891.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 33° 58.726′ N, 118° 2.981′ W. Marker was in Whittier, California, in Los Angeles County. It was on East Whittier Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 11850 East Whittier Boulevard, Whittier CA 90606, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It was also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it was in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named Reform School for Juvenile Offenders (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Learning A Trade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fred C. Nelles (approx. ¼ mile away); Architecture and Reform (approx. ¼ mile away); Whittier Citrus Association - Big and Busy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Paradox Hybrid Walnut Tree (approx. 0.4 miles away); Greek George (approx. 0.6 miles away); President Nixon Law Office (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whittier.

Regarding Reform School for Juvenile Offenders. The school closed in 2004. A new residential development ‘The Groves in Whittier’ opened on the site in 2020, preserving some of the original buildings. The developer reported the marker was stolen during construction, and they are considering possibly installing a replacement.

Also see . . .
1. Fred C Nelles (1906 - 1972) - Find A Grave Memorial. (Submitted on December 27, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)
2. Fred C. Nelles School history. Detailed history, including this: Country musicisan Merle Haggard was sent to Fred C. Nelles School, but escaped in 1952. (Submitted on October 11, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 19, 2005

2. Reform School for Juvenile Offenders Marker

Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 19, 2005

3. Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility

Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 19, 2005

4. Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility

Marker is Missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Najera, April 28, 2019

5. Marker is Missing

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2011. This page has been viewed 1,921 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on December 9, 2020. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on October 11, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.