Fred C. Nelles School
State Historical Landmark 947, was originally named "Reform School for Juvenile Offenders" then "Whittier State School" then "Whittier School of Trades and Agriculture" and is now "Fred C. Nelles School" after the former superintendent who served at the school between 1912-1927. The facility was originally built on a total of 160 acres of land following the establishment of an 1889 Act of the California Legislature authorizing the establishment of a school for juvenile offenders. The school was laid out and planted with fruit and shade trees, barns with corrals, poultry and cow sheds. It was intended to be a "trade" school where boys were trained and expected to hold jobs when they were released. Girls at the school were taught household management including cooking and sewing. Girls were transferred from the school in 1916 and shortly afterwards the mentally retarded were relocated as well. Only boys have been in residence since that time. Dedicated by Governor R. W. Waterman on February 12, 1890, the School began operations on July 1, 1891. The school was closed down by the State of California in 2004. The school is located at 11850 E. Whittier Boulevard.