California in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Joseph A.“Jock” Yablonski
(1910-1969)
Photographed By Phyllis Prats, May 9, 2006
1. Joseph A."Jock" Yablonski Marker
A longtime resident of California and elected official of the United Mine Workers of America. He led efforts to improve working conditions for coal miners. On December 31, 1969 — shortly after his defeat as a reform candidate for president of the UMW — he, his wife Margaret, and their daughter Charlotte were assassinated. In 1972, reformers were elected to leadership of the UMW.
Erected 1995 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.
Location. 40° 3.995′ N, 79° 53.392′ W. Marker is in California, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Wood Street (Pennsylvania Route 88) and Third Street (Pennsylvania Route 88), on the right when traveling north on Wood Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: California PA 15419, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. C.A.S.D. Vietnam Veterans Honor Roll (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); California Boatyards (about 600 feet away); East Pike Memorial - World War II
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Joseph A. "Jock" Yablonski - Behind the Marker. Explore PA History website entry (Submitted on July 13, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fifty Years Ago, the Murder of Jock Yablonski Shocked the Labor Movement. Smithsonian Magazine (2019) (Submitted on July 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. Joseph "Jock" Yablonski. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on May 11, 2006.)
Photographed By Phyllis Prats, May 9, 2006
2. Joseph A."Jock" Yablonski Marker
Photographed By Phyllis Prats, May 9, 2006
3. Joseph A."Jock" Yablonski Marker
Photographed By Unknown
4. Jock Yablonski visting coal miners
Courtesy of the United Mine Workers of America
Photographed By Unknown, 1973
5. Tony Boyle is carried into the courtroom
Washington, Pennsylvania, for arraignment for the murders of the Yablonski family, December 1973
Courtesy of KDKA-TV
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2006, by Phyllis Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 6,753 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2006, by Phyllis Prats of Springfield, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
