Graphic from the Whittier State School publication, Whittier Boys and Girls Magazine showing a girl with surrounded by flowers and the words "Christmas Greeting, December Rosebuds". The background is an illustration of pepper tree branches with red berries hanging from them.

1904 Christmas at the Whittier State School

adminFred C. Nelles School

This article was transcribed from The Whittier Boys & Girls Magazine, Jan 1905, Vol. 12, No. 9. Christmas Day, 1904, is numbered with the past, and Whittier pupils have once more taken up life’s stern duties and struggles with the beginning of another year.  But there are many boys and girls at Whittier who will ever remember the Christmas just past as one of the happiest and best days in all their lives.  Not that they may not have many other bright and happy days in the years to come – for their opportunities are great to make life a …

A sketch by George Woods showing a young black boy holding an opossum by the tail

George Woods: A Whittier State School Cadet Part 2

adminFred C. Nelles School, Whittier History 1887-1918

In an earlier post, we were introduced to a Whittier State School cadet by the name of George Woods who attended the school from 1899 to 1906.  George was popular among the boys and staff because of his humor and artistic talent.  The story ended with a lament that there was no information about George after he left the Whittier State School.  I am now happy to report that there is some additional information to share.  Credit for finding this information goes to local artist, historian, and friend of the Museum, Vicki Schramm.  The main source of this article is …

Photo from the 1906 Biennial Report of the Whittier State School showing the boys working setting type in the Print Shop.

George Woods: A Whittier State School Cadet Part 1

adminFred C. Nelles School, Whittier History 1887-1918

George Woods, a cadet at the Whittier State School, was a good kid. How do we know anything about George? The boys and girls attending the Whittier State School (WSS) published a monthly magazine called, appropriately, The Whittier Boys and Girls Magazine. It was both written and printed at the school by the boys in the printing shop. The girls submitted articles, stories, essays and poems to the Magazine, but they were not involved in editing, lay-up, or printing as the boys were. The California State Archives in Sacramento have a good collection of the WSS publications. Staff and volunteers …