California in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Joseph A.Jock Yablonski
(1910-1969)
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 (PHMC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1969.
Location. 40° 3.995′ N, 79° 53.392′ W. Marker is in California, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of Wood Street (Pennsylvania Route 88) and Third Street ( 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
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 (about 600 feet away); Soldiers Memorial Monument (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in California.
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.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2006, by Phyllis Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 7,213 times since then and 42 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.




