Saturday, August 2, 2014

Historical Landmark #6 Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility

 Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility
Address: 11850 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606

CA Historical Landmark Reference #947

So I was interested in visiting this site after coming across a video about it on YouTube. Then I remembered how my final college paper about solitary confinement and torture in juvenile delinquency centers actually mentioned this place, so I drove to the City of Whittier to look at this historic landmark.

My visitation attempt failed because you can not go into this property with out proper permits. Although it is not in operation it is still owned by the Department of Corrections and those who want to visit to film or take pictures need to purchase a film permit which runs about 1,000 dollars. Despite the location being on Whittier Blvd, it is hard to see anything from the main street other than the sign.  From the side streets you can see an abandoned area, but it is surrounded by barbed wired.

entrance sign of the Fred C. Nelles Youth Authority


According to the  CA Office of Historic Preservation:
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 has been in continuous operation serving the needs of juvenile offenders since 1891.

Perhaps a bit outdated this correctional facility has been closed since 2004 and no longer holds any juvenile delinquents.

To get an inside view of the Fred C. Nelles facility look at this music video by The Game which was entirely filmed at that location or go get yourself a trespassing ticket, your choice.



Here is a short documentary that goes into full detail about the history of the Fred C. Nelles facility.


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