Sonora in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Site of the First Office of The Union Democrat

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 13, 2010

1. Site of the First Office of The Union Democrat Marker

Inscription. Established in July, 1854, the pioneer newspaper was published at this location continuously until 1954. First publisher was Albert N. Francisco followed by a colorful group of editors that included Prentice Milford, John and Ferdinand Van Harlingen, Judge C.H. Randall and Wm. H. Roberts, Judge Robert Ferrel, William Arthur and Lotus Greenwood.

Printer Charles Blackburne spent most years on staff in terms of service.

A most eminent columnist was Arthur C. Hender, whose items appeared each week for more than 25 years. An outstanding civil leader and a gifted writer. To Clamper Hender, an esteemed Officer of the Order, this marker is placed as a memorial this 15th day of May, 1965.

Erected 1965 by Matuca Chapter, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1965.

Location. 37° 59.132′ N, 120° 23.048′ W. Marker is in Sonora, California, in Tuolumne County. Marker is at the intersection of Yaney Avenue and North Green Street, on the right when traveling west on Yaney Avenue. The marker is mounted on the front

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of the County of Tuolumne - Albert N. Francisco Building, near the entrance to the parking garage. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 48 Yaney Street, Sonora CA 95370, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tuolumne County Albert N. Francisco Building (a few steps from this marker); Tuolumne County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of the Sonora Daily (within shouting distance of this marker); Sonora IOOF Lodge No. 10 (within shouting distance of this marker); -Yo- Semite House (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rother's Corner (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Portal of the Past (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sonora.

Regarding Site of the First Office of The Union Democrat. The Union Democrat was established in 1854. The newspaper’s history began with the California gold rush in the Central Sierra Foothills. Currently published Monday through Friday in Sonora, The Union Democrat reaches over 26,000 readers each day.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 13, 2010

2. Site of the First Office of The Union Democrat Marker

The County of Tuolumne - Albert N. Francisco Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 13, 2010

3. The County of Tuolumne - Albert N. Francisco Building

Marker is located off photo to the right.

Current Site of the Union Democrat at 84 South Washington Street (State Hwy 49). image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 13, 2010

4. Current Site of the Union Democrat at 84 South Washington Street (State Hwy 49).

Photo on Display in the Window at the Current Site of the Union Democrat image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, June 13, 2010

5. Photo on Display in the Window at the Current Site of the Union Democrat

Constructed in 1913 for the Tuolumne County Bank of Sonora. By the time this picture was taken it was the First National Bank, which was later bought by the Bank of America. The door was later moved to face Washington Street. Wenzel's Men's Wear was next door for many years and after it closed the building was incorporated into the Union Democrat. The street trees were taken out soon after this picture was taken.
Photo courtesy of Leonard Ruoff

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,079 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 15, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.