Coalinga in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

“Dr. Bill”

Born August 4, 1904 – Passed September 27, 1963

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

1. “Dr. Bill” Marker

Inscription. Dr William H. Gilliatt was born in Sommerville, Massachusetts He graduated from Aurora College, Illinois and Boston University Medical School. Dr. Gilliatt or “Dr. Bill” as he was generally called, came to Coalinga as a young doctor in 1933, the year he finished his internship at Fresno General Hospital. He served the citizens of Coalinga until his death in 1963. In his service to the Coalinga community, he supervised the births of an estimated 2,000 infants, and during a five-month period during World War II, he was the only doctor Coalinga had. It was reported that the only place he could find rest during the war was the local jail, where he could sleep undisturbed. Dr. Gilliatt was Chief of the Medical Staff of the Coalinga District Hospital since its inception in 1938 as the Pleasant Valley Hospital. He helped form the non-profit corporation between Coalinga and Avenal doctors to operate the community hospital prior to formation of the district. Dr. Bill was a charter member and Past President of the Coalinga Lions Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a Deacon in the First Baptist Church. This was Dr. Bill’s office location and the horse pulling a Doctor’s buggy was his logo.

Erected by Coalinga

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Lions Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 36° 8.489′ N, 120° 21.773′ W. Marker is in Coalinga, California, in Fresno County. It is on Coalinga Plaza (North 5th Street) north of East Cedar Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 446 Coalinga Plazq, Coalinga CA 93210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: B.M. Food Market (within shouting distance of this marker); The Phelps Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty “Airdome Theater”

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 22, 2013

2. “Dr. Bill” Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Bertrich Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Coalinga Woman’s Club (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Paul’s Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Grammar School (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church of Coalinga (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coalinga.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 935 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.