Description
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) carried out improvements on the grounds of the Whittier State School for Boys (renamed the Fred C. Nelles School for Boys in 1941).
“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 were in residence from then until the school’s closure in 2004. Renamed ‘Fred C. Nelles School for Boys’ in 1941 (‘For Boys’ was dropped around 1970). This school was in continuous operation serving the needs of juvenile offenders from 1891 until closing in 2004.”
In 1983, the site was designated California State Historical Landmark Number 947. Three of the most important school buildings from the Nelles-era campus improvements are preserved from the historic period: the Administration Building, the Superintendent’s Residence, and the Assistant Superintendent’s Residence.
In 1937, Frederick Potter completed a mural at the school with funding from the Federal Art Project (FAP).
Costs below are for the ground improvements only.
Project Details
| Federal Cost | Local Cost | Total Cost | Project #'s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9278 | 2560 | 11838 |
Source notes
Connolly, Donald H. and G. I. Farman. Report of Accomplishment of the Operations Division. Works Progress Administration, Southern California. January 1, 1939.
"Mural Decorations - Completed and in Progress - by Federal Art Project in Northern Southern California (April 1, 1937)," Marjery Hoffman Smith AAA Reel, www.wpamurals.org/CA37art.pdf
We welcome contributions of additional information on any New Deal project site.
SUBMIT MORE INFORMATION OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THIS SITE
There is a photo, in the Los Angeles, Public Library collection, of a painting of some cowboys herding some wild horses. March 1939 labeled Whittier State School if you are interested.
Thanks for the tip. We’ll follow up on that, if you can tell us where you found/saw the photo? Is it something on display or in a collection you were studying?
Thanks,
R. Walker
I worked there from 1965 to 1968. our title was that of group supervisor and in effect like today’s correctional officer.
My Dad, Ted Alan Wallace went to school there in the 1950’s, pretty cool place for film making now and it is safe to say my dad was a rebel and got into lots of trouble back in the day!!! Lol I still love him though! 🙂
Between 1964 and June 18, 1966, I was a ward of the state of California. I remember the names of counselors, teachers, and other students. I want to connect with former students, teachers, coaches, and counselors.