A historic home in Reno tied to early efforts supporting women and children is now getting statewide recognition.
The Florence Crittenton Home of Nevada, also known as the Aitken House, has been added to the State of Nevada Register of Historic Places, according to the State Historic Preservation Office. The designation highlights the home’s role in women’s history and its connection to the Florence Crittenton Mission of Nevada, Inc., which operated there from 1919 to 1930.
The mission was part of a national nonprofit network that provided support to women and children in need across the country. In Nevada, the Reno location was the only facility of its kind, offering housing, childcare, medical care, and counseling to unmarried mothers and their children. Its work contributed to expanding independence and opportunity for women during the early 20th century.
The home itself was built between 1892 and 1904 in the Queen Anne style as a family home for John Fulton Aitken and Annie E. Aitken. After John Aitken died in 1905, Annie Aitken sold the property to the mission in 1919. As demand for services declined, the mission sold the home in 1930 to Dr. Theodore and Ida Koldewey. The property remains a private home today.
The nomination was prepared by Melissa Hafey with the City of Reno, marking her first nomination. “It’s such an honor to help bring recognition to this historic property and to shed more light on the amazing Nevada women who helped shape our state,” Hafey said.
State officials say the listing comes at a fitting time. “It is appropriate that this newest State Register listing comes as our state celebrates March as Women’s History Month,” said Jean Guy Tanner Dubé, Nevada’s State and National Register Coordinator. “The State Register highlights places that tell Nevada’s story, and the Crittenton Home is an important part of that history.”
State Historic Preservation Officer Arthur Krupicz said, “The Crittenton Home is a wonderful addition to the State Register. Like all listed properties, it stands as an important physical testament to Nevada’s dynamic history.”
The home now joins other recognized sites in Reno and Washoe County, including the Pioneer Theater Auditorium, Washoe County Courthouse, and the Lake Mansion. A nomination has also been submitted for consideration on the National Register of Historic Places.
The State Register of Historic Places was created in 1979 and recognizes properties with historical, architectural, and cultural significance. Eligible sites are typically at least 50 years old and maintain strong physical integrity.
