Interests

BASQUE HALL OF FAME
Every year the Society recognizes individuals and organizations
that have contributed positively to the Basque image in the world.

Francois Bidaurreta, the youngest of four children, was born in Esnazu, Baxe Nafarroa, Euskal Herria. By the age of thirteen, he was involved with Pilota, Aldude Klika and he also participated in Antzetkias (Basque Plays). At nineteen, he was drafted into the French military and served the French army for eighteen months. By the age of twenty one, he immigrated to the United States, Marin County, California. He worked for several years in American industry, installing roads, utilities and landscaping before he decided to open his own landscaping business, which has been running for thirty years and is still operating today.

In 1981, he married Esther Antxustegi of Mountain Home Idaho. They had two children, a daughter, Olivia and a son, Nicholas. They now live in Petaluma, California. As soon as Francois arrived at the Bay Area, he joined the Basque Club and has been a steady member ever since. Shortly after, he joined the Klika, became the Makilari and appeared in numerous Basque functions. In the early 1970's, he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Basque Club of California and was elected President. The Board also nominated him to be the Esku Pilota director, a position he held for six years. At the same time, Francois, along with Andre Larre, started an Ikaspilota program for children. Unfortunately, the small fronton was closed, but Francois did not give up. Along with several others, he realized his dream - a club house with a fronton, today known as the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center.

Francois held the first Pilota Chair position for the North American Basque Organizations (NABO) and worked with others to form the US Federation of Pilota (USFP) which has become the official US Federation by the International Federation of Pilota. He served as the president and still today he is a director. He has been honored by the Pilotarien Biltzarra Organization for promoting Pilota. Throughout the years he has served diligently as Board Member, President, and Pilota Chairman for the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center. And even today, he volunteers to serve on the Buildings and Grounds committee. After holding the chair position for several years, Francois continues as director on the board of the Basque Educational Organization (BEO), a charitable organization that promotes Basque identity to the general public. Currently he is working with the committee on the San Francisco Bay Area Urazandi project.

Francois Bidaurreta is recognized today for his loyal support and promotion of Basque Culture and Identity.

Johnny Curutchet was born in San Francisco to parents who came from Ezterentzubi, a village in Lower Navarre. Six months after, the family traveled back to the Basque Country to pick up their two boys that they had left temporarily with a relative in Ezterentzubi. The plan, however, was delayed by World War II. Johnny was nineteen when he finally came to California and settled in South San Francisco, where he lives today. He joined the San Francisco Basque Club the day after he arrived. He began dancing with the Zazpiak Bat dance group, joined the Klika and still continues to this day. He enjoyed his involvement with Antzetkias (Basque plays) and taught Pilota and Klika to young Basques. In 1979 he, along with others, started the organization of the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center. He was one of the first founding members and also a member of the first Board of Directors. He continued serving on the Board of Directors for both the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center and the Basque Club of San Francisco and served as President for both organizations. Even today he participates in the local Basque Choir, Elgarrekin. He took a job in the produce industry and later purchased a small gardening route which eventually developed into the landscape gardening business that he runs with five employees today.

In 1977 he attended a Basque Club social event at Notre Dame des Victoires' church where he met Mary Kelly. They were married the following year. They have two sons, Thomas and Michael. Mary immediately embraced the Basque culture and strongly supported the events of the Basque Cultural Center's women's club and served as director of the San Francisco Basque Club.

As a youngster in Ezterentzubi, Johnny was attracted to the songs of his father and songs of bertsolaris. He would ride his bicycle to Eiheralarre (St. Michel) to listen to the Bertso performances. He started singing Bertsos in San Francisco among his family and friends. Fellow bertsolaris, Jesus Arriada and Gratien Alfaro, often performed with him. He became a regular at the San Francisco Basque Functions and at NABO's annual Kantari Eguna celebrations. In 2003, he had the honor, along with three other US Bertsolaris, to receive the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, which is the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. This spring, in New York City, he sang Bertsos with Gracian Alfaro, Jesus Goni and Martin Goicoechea at the People's Poetry Gathering poetry festival, which promotes poetry in mother tongues and English that come from the world's endangered and contested languages.

Johnny Curutchet is honored today for receiving our Nation's highest award in folk and traditional arts and promoting Basque Culture and Identity.

Frederic Fuldain, one of six children, was born in Lanttonea, Bidarrai to Victor Fuldain, (originally from Berriz, Bizkaia) and Marieanne Rose Anchordoquy, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina (parents from Bidarrai, Baxenabarre). At the age of twelve, Frederic passed the "Certificat d'Etudes Primaire" and went to work at the family farm and the mines of Bidarrai. At the age of twenty he joined the French Army and became a paratrooper at the base in Pau. As soon as his military duty ended, he immigrated to Bakersfield, California. He worked as a sheepherder for three years until he made a visit to San Francisco, where he stayed, and finally started his own landscaping business.

Frederic enjoyed hiking, fishing and hunting with his friends. Notorious for his passion for reading, writing, and archiving Basque items, he was dedicated to promoting Basque culture. He played a key role in the formation of the San Francisco Basque Club's Zazpiak Bat dance group and the Zazpiak Bat Klika. With Pierre Erreca, he organized the San Francisco Basque Club's first mus tournament and the first Basque Club Pilota tournament in Stockton, California. He, with many friends, was determined to build a functioning fronton. Frederic was very persistent. He managed to get proper documents from the City Government and the fronton was used until 1979. San Francisco was a hub of Basque activities in the 1970's. Many Basques were immigrating to California and the flame of Basque Culture was lit. Frederic started an exchange of cultures, dancing, Klika and Pilota, with other Basque Clubs including Los Banos, Chino, Bakersfield and Elko.

Frederic had another dimension to his character and personality; he had a creative talent which some described as "hands of gold." He was an excellent wood sculptor. He made a beautiful replica of a typical Basque kitchen and a fireplace mantel depicting the emblems of the seven Basque Provinces. He sculpted many Basque objects and mantels and made banners, flags and covered handballs which he shared with his friends. The furniture that he made is today at the entrance of the dining room of the Basque Cultural Center's restaurant.

He received many medals and awards during his 30 years as Honorary President of the Basque Club. Frederic passed away at the age of 76. He did have the pleasure of seeing most of his dreams become realities: folklore, choir, International Mus, International Handball, Udaleku, Euskara classes, creation of NABO and Euskal Etxea, and the development and spread of Basque culture at the Basque Cultural Center and Basque Educational Organization to be preserved and promoted.

Frederic Fuldain is honored at the 26th Basque Hall of Fame for his creative talents and for promoting Basque culture and identity

Anna Etchehandy Iriartborde was born in Eiheralarre, Baxenabarre and grew up with four brothers and one sister. At thirteen she left school to work on the family farm and, during summer months, at restaurants and hotels. She had no intention of moving to America until she met Ganix. He had been working in San Francisco and after eleven years decided to vacation back to the Basque Country. They met, instantly fell in love, and married within four months. They moved to San Francisco where their son Robert was born. Robert married Teresa and they have a nine year old son, Gene, and a six year old daughter, Rene.

Ganix and Anna took over the Hotel Des Alpes, a boarding house in San Francisco. It had belonged to Ganix's cousins who retired. The boarding house was filled with young Basque men. On Sundays they were busy with the day's menu and after they would play Pilota at the fronton. When the games ended most families returned to Des Alpes. Anna and Ganix were especially helpful to their young boarders in matters of immigration sponsorship, transportation, networking their boarders with prospective employers, trips to doctors, acting as witnesses for US citizenship, etc. At times, they offered their boarders room and board until they secured employment. After selling Hotel Des Alpes in 1975, the couple operated the Sea Captain Motel for another eight years. They made an important contribution to the welfare of many needy Basque immigrants.

As the years passed, Anna kept detailed records of Basque activities in San Francisco and the Basque Community such as letters, newspaper clippings, magazines, programs, photographs, books and videos. Her contribution as the historian of Basque activities has been especially important for future generations. She served as Board Director of the San Francisco Basque Club and San Francisco's Basque Educational Organization. Also, she is a member of the Elgarrekin Basque Choir and has participated in Basque Theater pieces. In 1982, when the Basque Cultural Center opened its doors, Anna and Ganix were persuaded to start the management of the new restaurant. For the first few months, they had their ups and downs, but with the help of a dedicated staff and many volunteers, they were able to transition the management of the restaurant to a new manager with all bills paid, funds left over, and a healthy inventory of goods. Ever since, the restaurant has had a great track record.

Today, Anna is involved in the Urazandi project, which seeks to document the immigration experience of Basques to the Bay Area, as well as the creation and evolution of the local Basque Communities and clubs. Along with other members, Anna is busy with the Basque Cultural Center's twenty fifth anniversary book.

Anna Iriartborde is honored at the 26th Basque Hall of Fame for her contribution to Basque welfare and identity.

Jacques Unhassobiscay, born in Etxeparia, Behorlegi, was one of four brothers. He served in the French military in Dax and Bayonne, and just before the Algerian conflict, he was released after an accident in which he suffered a broken leg. Complying with his father's wishes, he was to take over a farm in Behorlegi. Jacques felt that his life should be elsewhere, but he did not know where. When he was twenty four years old, the family farm house needed extensive repairs. He convinced his father that he should go to the United States so that he could pay off the heavy debt (equivalent of $2000. US dollars) and come back as soon as possible.

His first stop was Chino in Southern California where he worked milking cows and then he moved to San Francisco working as a gardener. In a short time he started his own landscaping business. He worked long hours until he was able to keep his promise and send back enough money for the repairs to the farm house. But, he decided to stay in San Francisco. His gardening business grew and eventually employed ten workers.

Jacques met Dorothy Furlanic, a young Italian woman from Santa Clara, at an Italian dance. They married and had three children, Jacqueline, Daniel and Marc. Jacques and Dorothy decided that they would educate their children in the Basque Country. They bought land in Lapurdi and Jacques found out how difficult it was to provide for a family of five only by

sheepherding and selling milk. He started a gardening business in the Basque Country which was successful for many years.

Jacques’ involvement with the Basque community of San Francisco has been remarkable:

President, Director and NABO delegate of the San Francisco Basque Club (1968-1979) one of the founders and also President, and Delegate of NABO; founding director, Director and President of San Francisco Basque Cultural Center (1979-1982); Founding Director of 599 Railroad Catering, Inc. operating at the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center; Director of the Antzerkia group (Basque Plays) and member of Zazpiak Bat dancers, Zazpiak Bat Klika and Elgarrekin Basque Choir; President, Director and a founder of the US Pilota Federation; Chairman and Executive Director of FIPV (Federacion Internacional de Pelota Vasca).

As the third president during the formative years of NABO, he was instrumental in getting Basque clubs to join and to understand the value of Basque culture. Membership grew. He connected with people of all levels and talents: dignitaries, artists, entertainers, politicians sportsmen, etc. His vision strongly impacted Basque culture in the United States. Jacques died in 2002 at the age of 64.

Jacques Unhassobiscay is honored today for his diligence in promoting Basque culture and identity.

Mission: To perpetuate, to preserve and to promote awareness of Basque history and culture through education, research, collections and social activities for present and future generations.

Established in 1985 under the direction of Adelia Garro Simplot, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center (BMCC) has been expanding for over 20 years. It originated in the historic Cyrus Jacobs/Uberuaga House, Boise's oldest surviving brick home, which was built in 1864 by early pioneers and later used as a Basque boardinghouse. Thousands of tourists and students make use of its services. An expansion took place in 1988 when the BMCC acquired property at 611 Grove Street, its current location. The primary functions of the organization were established there in 1993 and since then the museum's collection has grown to include valuable photographs, scrapbooks, collections of oral histories, interviews from immigrant Basques, a library that includes a special Basque collection from the University of Idaho, manuscripts, videos, and a myriad of artifacts from the West and abroad. The expanding museum store disseminates information about Basque history and culture and sells specialty items imported from the Basque Country. Yet another opportunity to preserve a historic building appeared, and the museum negotiated a land transfer to acquire additional property on the block. As the saying goes,” opportunities multiply as they are seized, they die when neglected." Dan Ansotegui introduced Basques' culinary fare by opening the Gernika Pub and Eatery in 1991. In 2000, the BMCC took the lead to redesign the street and a new historic and cultural destination was created.

The Basque Block is today a unique area in the heart of the capital city, open to the local community and to tourists around the world. The future is bright for the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. The Society of Basque Studies in America recognizes its valuable contribution to Basque culture and identity.

Patty Miller was born in Boise, Idaho in 1961 to parents Thomas A. Miller and Josephine Lecona Elorrieta. At age fourteen, her mother changed the path of Patty’s life by joining the Euzkaldunak Basque organization and informing Patty that she could now become a dancer by attending the Basque dance classes. Reluctantly, Patty attended the first practice and met what would be lifetime friends and learned about her ancestral culture. She attended Boise schools and graduated from the University of Idaho with degrees in Spanish and Political Science. Her first work included teaching a year in Bogotá, Colombia, five years with Medicare, and three years assisting junior high students in rural communities. Since that time, Patty has been working at the museum as a Board Member and in 1993 accepted the position of Executive Director upon the request of the Board. She has promoted and given presentations for the museum.

Patty is proud of museum projects in which she, as well as others, were engaged: Basque Music of Boise, the Basque Block Street Redesign, LAIAK public art sculptures, granite sidewalk pieces, the Basque mural, Inner Strength Portraits of Basque Immigrant Women with oral history interviews, Lasting Legacy signs on the Basque Block and the restoration of the historic Cyrus Jacobs Uberuaga House. The favorite aspect of Patty’s work has been her interaction with people. We thank Patty Miller for her leadership role in creating the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. We honor her for her valuable contribution to Basque culture and identity.

Albert Erquiaga, also known as Al, was born in Boise, Idaho in 1935. His father, Tomas Erquiaga was born in Ispaster, Bizkaia and his mother, Anita Echevarria Erquiaga in Boise, Idaho. As a child, he and his sister Alice learned Basque folk songs and dances at home, in the kitchen, as their father sang and clapped rhythms for his two children. When in their teens, both children were enrolled in Juanita Hormaechea's Basque Jota dance classes. In 1960, Al traveled to Euzkadi with a small group of young Boise Basques and after joining a dance group in Donosti, he and his friends founded the Oinkari Basque Dancers in Boise. Al served as co-Director and then as Director of the group for nine years. The well-known Oinkari Basque Dancers are still dancing today!

Besides his artistic talents, his exceptional leadership and organizing qualities began to surface. He served as Treasurer for 'Boise Music Week' and Chair of 'Fiesta Night', and in 1973 he became the first President of North American Basque Organizations (NABO). In 1977, the "Idaho Statesman" named Al as one of 'Idaho's Famous People', recognizing his tremendous service to Basque related cultural organizations. The accolades did not end here for he was honored again by NABO in 1976 as "Basque of the Year" and again in 2002 he received the 'NABO Lifetime Contribution Award for the Promotion of Basque-American Heritage'.

Without mentioning all the organizations in which he was a director and an active, participating member, we learn that he joined the Biotzetik Basque Choir in 1988 and is now serving his 4th term as President. He has toured with the Choir to Euzkadi, Oregon, Washington and Vancouver, BC. We notice that even though he was a Board member of Euzkaldunak, Inc. as early as 1973, he received the 'Euzkaldunak Lifetime Legacy Award’ for outstanding contributions to Euzkaldunak, Inc.last year. Obviously, you cannot hold back a great leader. He is now fundraising for the 20th year anniversary Euzkadi tour in 2006. We honor him today for his steadfast contribution to Basque culture and identity.

Mari Carmen, born in Gernika, Bizkaia in 1932, was the eldest of six children. She survived the Spanish Civil War bombing of Gernika in April 1937 by escaping into the forest and hiding with her mother and younger brother. She worked for Taberna Vasca, hotel and restaurant in Gernika, and later married Teodoro Totoricagüena in 1952 before emigrating to the United States. The marriage produced eight children: Dolores, Tony, Carmen, Rosa Mari, Gloria, Ted, Miguel Angel, Teresa and ten grandchildren.

Mrs. Totorica and her husband were founding members of Anaiak Danok, organizing fundraisers and care packages for destitute Basque families exiled by dictator Franco in Iparraalde. She also raised money for charity cases of Basques in the Boise valley. Mari Carmen participated in the Anaiak Danok Basque Choir and was the first teacher, together with Jon Onatibia and Julie Bilbao, of Boise's first ikastola for children. In addition, she was elected to the Euzkaldunak, Inc., Board of Directors and in 1979 was elected President. She initiated educational lessons in dance, mus, briska, Euskera, singing, cooking and accordion and also served as liaison and translator for the Gernika City Council and its Mayor with the City of Boise and the Euzkaldunak, Inc.

For 30 years she has been a volunteer for the Boise School District and for 28 years she has volunteered service for the Euzkaldunak, Inc. as a teacher for Basque singing in the young children's group. She helped to organize the Bihotzetik Basque Choir with Dave and Chris Bieter and continues to perform in the Choir. Her initiative and contributions have helped several generations to appreciate Basque culture and identity.

Martin Goicoechea was born in Gorriti, Nafarroa, Basque Country in 1948. He was the fifth of ten children born to Santos and Mikaela Goikoetxea. When he was 18, he came to the United States to work on a sheep ranch for three years, but decided to stay. He arrived in Rock Springs and after his training at various ranches, he was given a contract of three years with a responsibility to tend 8,000 head of sheep, including lambs, year round and double the number in the summer. He worked at the ranch for ten years. In 1975, he married Georgia Gaviotis and they had two sons, Santos and Mikel.

Martin tried his hand at various fields: oil service, butcher shop, real estate and car sales. He made an impression on the Ford Motor Company by selling a green truck, Ford F-150 that nobody wanted. He went on to become the general manager of the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan dealership. Today he owns his own car dealership. In July 1997 he married Veronica Jaramillo in Saratoga, Wyoming. They have one daughter, Mikaela.

Martin has a parallel life in artistic and cultural ventures. From an early age of about 8, he became fascinated by the songs of bertsolaris. When he was 12, he sang at a dinner where he made such an impression that he was invited to different occasions and became popular in the Nafarroa region. After coming to the United States, he was a mute bertsolari for 20 years. He sang verses to himself. In 1991 he decided to sing at Kantari Eguna in Gardnerville. He was so successful, he has been singing ever since. In 2003, Martin was one of four bertsolaris from the United States who was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts, National Heritage Award. In the cultural arena he has taught Basque Language classes and initiated the Alkartasuna Basque Club in Southwest Wyoming in 1990. He has served in directorship positions including President for the last 15 years. As a NABO delegate, he has been the Euskara (Language) Preservation chairman for the last 5 years. He is honored today for his contribution to Basque culture and identity.

Antonio Campos, better known as Tony, came from Navarre at the age of 17 to tend sheep. Juliet Campos was born in Chino to John and Grace Robidart, owners of Centro Vasco Hotel and Restaurant. In her earlier years, Juliet learned Basque dancing which became her lifelong passion. When the Fresno Basque Club opened in 1978, she and Tony organized a dance group of 36 children. Today the offspring of those children are dancing with the Club's present dance group.

Tony has served as Officer and Director on the Club’s Board over the years, as has Juliet, and he is presently the Club representative at NABO. He was one of the original founders of the Fresno Basque Club as well as a successful fundraiser on the Club’s behalf. Property was purchased for a Basque Club, and later, funds were used to provide educational scholarships. For over 24 years, Juliet has written articles on Basque culture in the annual fundraising program booklet for the Club. The Campos Bros. Farms have provided summer jobs for local youth and visiting Basque student trainees.

In 2003, Bishop John Steinbock honored the couple at his Annual Gala Dinner. Father Michael Lastiri made the presentation focusing on their involvement with the Basque Club and praising them for inspiring young people to appreciate their heritage. Juliet and Antonio are an outstanding team and together they have passed on Basque traditions to future generations.

Victor Felix Esain was born in Fresno, California. His father Felix came from Navarre and his mother Lyda was born in Fresno. Victor has the distinction of being the only offspring whose mother is also an honoree of the Basque Hall of Fame (1991). Victor, an only child, spent his youth in two Basque Hotels. He played baseball during his years at Edison High School and Fresno Junior College. He also played Pelota (Pala Corta) on handball courts at the Basque Hotel. He served as Corporal in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Victor, for forty two years, was the bartender at his parents’ Villa Basque Restaurant.

Victor married Ida Sue Cleveland and had one son, Michael Victor Esain. Years later, he married Audrey Werner and lived with her until her death in 1991. He has two grandsons, Nicholas Delgado and Jonathon Bentley.

In December 1977, an auspicious meeting took place. Victor, Francois Pedeflous, Raymond Bachoc, Ernest Fordin and Tony Campos formed the Fresno Basque Club. Victor has served as President, Vice President and Director over a period of years. In 1979, Victor started the first Mus Tournament in Fresno and to this date is still Chair. He became a delegate of the Fresno Basque Club to NABO from 1979-2001. For twenty years he helped Pierre Etcharren and Jean Baptiste Aguerre organize tournaments. In 2000, he was appointed NABO Mus Chair. He has been involved in 25 national tournaments and 10 international tournaments. Victor is recognized for his steady, optimistic and determined dedication to Basque sports, games and traditions.

Benita Serrano Garcia was born on a sheep ranch in the Huron/Coalinga area. She was the youngest of seven children. She attended a year at the Junior College in Coalinga and during World War II, she worked as a welder and burner. She married John P. Idiart in 1947 and they had two children, Michael and Linda. The family moved to Fresno where Benita was involved in running the Yturri Basque Hotel.

Years later she married Segundo Garcia and they had a daughter, Rose Mary. The family purchased and resided in the Santa Fe Hotel. Benita became a second mother to the young Basque sheep herders. Benita found employment for young people either at her hotel or other businesses in the community.

In 1975 Benita and Segundo sold the Santa Fe Hotel, but continued as active members of the Fresno Basque Club. Benita and her friend Lyda Esain were primary fundraisers for the club. She served for years on the Fresno Planning Commission and on the Fresno Housing and Community Development Commission. Three different Mayors of Fresno recognized her knowledge and commitment. Benita is now 80 years young and a Club Honorary member. She cares for her ailing husband, does her house and yard work, entertains her children and grandchildren, cooks and tells stories of the old days. In addition, she walks two miles every morning, prepares breakfast and then goes to swim at a health club. Benita is recognized for her dedication to Basque culture, welfare and identity.

Anna Biscay Harguindeguy was born in Fresno County. She worked for a Title Company as an officer and Notary. She married Pierre Harguindeguy from Iholdy. Throughout her marriage to Pierre, she helped him with sheepherding and farming. Now at age 82, she still runs the business with her daughters, Marianne, Jeanne and Yvonne.

During a span of forty years, Anna prepared sponsorship papers for many immigrants. Anna has interpreted written Basque documents for relatives and employees, for the Fresno Public Library and for the area Hospitals. In addition, she is an official Basque interpreter for Fresno County. She also finds time to assist Father Marcel Tillous of San Francisco to circulate Basque cultural news. She has served as the Director of the Fresno Basque Club and has been responsible at the Club for the organization and planning of Basque masses. She is now an Honorary member of the Club.

Throughout her life, she has helped Basques in the United States to unravel their problems with immigration and integration. At the same time she has maintained her close contact with her relatives in the Basque Country and still continues her dedication to farming and sheepherding. She is a model of a successful and strong Basque woman who can handle diverse tasks at different levels.

Micaela, known as Mickey, was born in a small town west of San Joaquin Valley. As a child who only spoke Basque when she entered boarding school, she graduated from Fresno State College, received her teaching credentials and taught for several years before she married Seymour Mathiesen. The couple started a family: a son, Michael and twin daughters, Agnes and Juanita. She worked on the farm and also gave active service to an incredible number of community organizations throughout her life. She raised funds, served on boards and founded organizations that looked after the needs of the less fortunate.

Mickey was called to her highest public service as a member of the California State Board of Education. Two governors, recognizing her vision and dedication, appointed her to the State College Council for 19 years. It was a testimony to her expertise and her winning personality to be appointed by both a Republican and Democrat governor. Her service has led to awards which extended from Pope John XXIII, to Outstanding Alumna of Fresno State College, to Volunteer of the Year Award of the Easter Seal Society, among others.

Above all her community services, Mickey never forgot her Basque roots nor the care of her family. She was the matriarch of her extended family. She farmed with her husband and continued after his death. She loved to play Mus and was an active and Honorary member of the Basque Club of Fresno until she died. The Society of Basque Studies in America is proud to honor her at the 2004 Hall of Fame.

23nd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 2003 - New York City

ROSA, INAKI & GLORIA ABERASTURI
Steady, Loyal Working Members of Euzko-Etxea

Maria Carmen Iribar from Gernika and Pedro Aberasturi from Gauteguiz Arteaga met and married in New York City. Today we honor their three children, Mary Rose (Rosa), Inaki and Gloria. Rosa was born in Brooklyn, but when Carmen was pregnant again she returned to Euskadi to better bring up her children. Inaki was born in Arteaga shortly after. Soon after the Spanish Civil war began, she returned to New York and, thereafter, she and her children lived in New York returning to Euskadi almost annually. Pedro, who remained in America to earn a living, only made the trip back to Euskadi once, during the mid-1930s. About a decade after returning to New York, their third child, Gloria, was born. Although the parents were naturalized citizens, they instilled in their three children an appreciation of Basque language and culture. Basque was the only language spoken at home.

Was this history responsible for the years of dedication and work for Euzko-Etxea on the part of Rosa, Inaki and Gloria? We note that in the late 1950s Rosa and Inaki were active in the Youth Group and in 1957 Gloria became a member of Jon Onatibia’s Dance Group. Following the breakup of the Youth Group in 1960, due to differences with older voting members, the Aberasturis were not involved with the club for several years. In 1965, a Basque priest, Aita Jose Mari Larrinaga, on assignment in St. James parish in New York, convinced the older and younger generations to forget their differences and to contribute to the success of Euzko-Etxea. The rest is history. Inaki was elected Treasurer and has held that position ever since. In 1966, Andrak, the Ladies Auxiliary, was formed because women were not allowed to vote. Gloria became a member and thus began her years of contribution, first to Andrak, in several officer positions including President and later to Euzko-Etxea as a member and several terms as Secretary. Shortly, after, Rosa became an active member and officer of Andrak and when women were allowed to vote, she joined Euzko-Etxea.

Although the Aberasturi parents are deceased, their influence on Rosa, Inaki and Gloria is permanent. Whatever challenges are presented – be they the composition of the annual Aberri Eguna Journal, searching for building documents at the NYC Department of Buildings, welcoming visitors from Euskadi, etc. Rosa, Inaki and Gloria see it as an opportunity to further an understanding and appreciation of their Basque heritage. We honor the Aberasturi family for their contribution to Basque culture.

JUAN ANGEL LANDABURU
March 24, 1951 – Former President, Devoted to Enhancement of Membership and Facility Maintenance

Juan Angel Landaburu was born in Durango, Bizkaia. In his early years he studied with the Marist Brothers and learned Mechanical Engineering. In 1972, at the age of 21, he entered the Spanish army and was sent to serve in Ceuta, Africa for two years.

On his return to Euskadi, he met MariLuz Etxebarri from Zorontza and in 1974 married her in that same town. Soon after, they came to New York. In New York, he focused on studying English. He became the manager of a Greek owned business that specialized in heavy equipment. Ander, the first son, was born in 1977 and eight years later the beautiful daughter, Nikole, was born.

As a devoted member of Euzko-Etxea, he applied his engineering skills to improving and maintaining the facilities of the building. He was elected President and served 12 years from 1987 to 1998. During those years, he carried many responsibilities, continued his efforts not only by enhancing the building, but also by enhancing the activities and membership. The 1999 Journal of Euzko-Etxea of New York tells us why he was esteemed by the Club: “He was a leader who showed us by example, the way to achieve through hard work, often not recognized or appreciated, but always for the good of the organization. He was a friend in good times and bad – always there to listen, cajole, help and advise. He was a link with our homeland – Euskadi – being the consummate emissary with visitors and diplomats who came to the club.” Juan Angel Landaburu, always modest, is honored today for his contribution to Basque welfare.

MARIO SALEGI
Survivor of Spanish Civil War, Author, Passionately Dedicated to Survival of Basque Culture and Identity

Mario was born in San Sebastian in 1918 to Escolastica Ostolaza and Eduardo Salegi. His schooling included a specialized training in banking, mathematics and linear drawing. At 18 his ambition to attend a university to study humanities was aborted by the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. He joined the Batalión Eusko Indarra, the Basque battalion, and fought for the freedom of the Basque Country until he was wounded. When Bilbao fell to the Franco forces, he left with his father to Santander hoping to evacuate by British ships. The plan fell through and he tried to escape, but he was taken prisoner by the Italian army following the Pact of Santoña. He was interned in the prison for Deusto and then consigned to forced labor in the 12^th Labor Battalion.

He was freed in 1940 to join the Franco army, but instead he joined the Basque Resistance which was wiped out by the Franco police. He escaped and for a year remained hidden. Finally with the help of some friends, he obtained papers permitting him to travel to foreign countries as a seaman.

He arrived in New York in 1941 and worked at the Basque Delegation at several jobs without papers. After Pearl Harbor, he went to London and joined a battalion of Basque fighters. The British Government did not recognize the battalion and he was forced to return to the United States where he joined the American Navy and became an American citizen in 1944. Upon his discharge, still determined to defeat Franco, he left for France to join a Basque resistance group, but it became evident that the goal to overthrow Franco was not achievable. In 1949 he studied in Mexico under the GI Bill of Rights.

His life changed when he returned to Los Angeles in 1950 to help a writer who was preparing two scripts about the Spanish Civil War. The scripts were never written because the director was one of the famous “Hollywood Ten” accused by McCarthy of being a communist. He was called before several un-American Activities Committees and denied clearance, not because they thought he was a communist, but because he was “obsessively anti-Franco.” In 1952, he met and married Miriam Nurnberg, a native New Yorker, and has since dedicated his life to writing. In the 1960’s Mario and Miriam organized CAMBIAS, Committee of Americans for Basque Survival. They published and distributed newsletters to inform the American public of Franco’s denial of Basque ethnic identity. Among his writings on the historical-political situation in the Basque Country are “Morir en Irun” and “Operación Carlomagno.” He is frequently interviewed by writers who appreciate his knowledge and passion for human rights. Today we honor Mario Salegi for his contribution to Basque identity.

22nd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
December 2002 - Chino, CA

JOSEPHINE MAINVIL ARRIET
Steady, Working Member of Basque Organizations

Josephine Mainvil Arriet was born in San Bernardino, California. Her father, Jean Mainvil, came from Hasparren, Labourd and her mother, Frances Oses, from Errazu, Navarre. They had two children: Josephine and John. Josephine attended Chaffey College in Ontario, California and, even though times were bad during the depression years, her abilities were recognized, and the Chaffey schools employed her in the Attendance and Business Offices for 14 ½ years until she married John Arriet, a farmer, who raised cotton and alfalfa. The couple moved to Fresno, California where their daughter, Kathy, was born. Kathy had three sons and Josephine is proud of the grandsons: Brett, Phillip and Jonathan.

Josephine’s interest in Basque culture started very early when her parents took her to visit Basque friends and to attend Basque festivals. Her daughter learned Basque dances at Los Banos Basque Club and, when Fresno Basque Club opened, Josephine became a dedicated working member. Victor Esain, who was president of the club, appointed her as a delegate to her first NABO meeting in 1982 where, ever since, her steadfast presence has been noted. She has been an active member of the California and Local Woolgrowers Auxiliaries since 1960 and has been in charge of raising money for the promotion of lamb and wool for 15 years.

The Society of Basque Studies in America honors Josephine Mainvil Arriet for her years of steady devotion to supporting the culture and identity of Basques in America.

BERT APHESSETCHE
Chino Basque Club Builder & Ongoing Worker

Bert was born in 1936 in the town of Uharte-Cize in the Basque Country. Twenty years later he made the long journey here to America and he has been in the Chino area ever since. In 1965 he met his wife Danielle, and together they raised three children: Sophie, Mike and Chris. Then ten years later he became an active member of the Chino Basque Club.

There are over thirty Basque clubs/organizations in the US, and only seven of the clubs have their own facility. With a membership under 100, fifteen years ago, the Chino Basque Club took on the daunting task of building a clubhouse. Bert was one of the key instigators of this project and thanks in large part to his persistence, the Chino area Basques have a house to call their own. He oversaw fundraising as well as construction, and when necessary, he also helped to purchase the land and held it while the club worked to get all the other details together.

While paying off the building, for many years, after the monthly fundraisers, Bert cleaned pots and pans outside with a garden hose before the club added a kitchen. He has served as president and is currently the vice-president of the club. Speaking to his ongoing service, he is there at every club event working at the BBQ. He keeps at it because he wants to see the Basque heritage preserved. He is bright, generous and gregarious, a credit to our larger Basque community.

ISIDORE CAMOU
Chino Basque Club Builder & Ongoing Worker

Isidore was born in 1939 in the town of Isturiz in the Basque Country. In 1961 he came to America following his brother to southern California. Six years later he wed his sweetheart from across the river in the Basque Country, Marie Claire. Together they raised five children: Francois, Alain, Patrick, Dominique and Louise. Living in Riverside, in 1976, they went to work in the motel business. That same year he became an active member of the Chino Basque Club and went to work at the annual club picnic barbecue—he has been cooking for the club ever since!

He works every month at club fundraisers preparing meals, which is praiseworthy, but his contribution extends beyond. When the Chino club planned renovating its building a decade ago, the obstacle was the necessary funding to start the project. Isidore’s family helped to secure the financing and then he worked to pay back the loan. Some people work for the club and others contribute financially. He did both, clearly demonstrating his genuine conviction to see the Basque club prosper.

He remains committed to the club and Basque community. Repeatedly nominated as president, Isidore politely refuses because he doesn't want the limelight. A man of few words, who puts his work and money where his heart is: the promotion of our Basque heritage. Isidore is a man worthy of emulation and recognition.

AITA MARTXEL TILLOUS
Chaplain of the Basque-American Community, Dedicated Contributor and Promoter of Basque Heritage

Aita Martxel Tillous was born in 1934 in the Basque town of Eskuila in Zuberoa. Following his calling, he entered the priesthood and began work as a missionary for 26 years in Africa. Returning to Europe he served four years as the Basque chaplain for the Basque community of Paris. He came to the United States to serve as chaplain of Basque-Americans in1994.

Aita Martxel is continuing in the footsteps of earlier Basque chaplains, and he continues to fulfill an important role in our Basque-American community. His ministry as chaplain to the Basques of the United States has him criss-crossing the country averaging 60,000 miles a year! He spends 200 nights a year sleeping in his van—with the license plate “Pottoka”—as he travels from his base in San Francisco, California to the scattered Basque communities of eleven states of the American West. His purpose is to serve the spiritual needs of Basque-Americans: celebrating mass in the Basque language, baptizing, marrying Basque couples and consoling the bereaved at funerals.

Our chaplain from Zuberoa is being recognized for both his spiritual and cultural contributions. An avid txistulari, Aita Martxel is often seen and heard playing this ancient Basque flute, or its variation the xirula. For the last several years he has served as the txistu instructor at NABOs annual Udaleku (Basque Cultural Summer Camp) for youth. After a Basque picnic meal, he is always ready to join in a Basque sing-along. He also produces a newsletter, “Lokarria”, that goes out to thousands of Basque-American families thereby bringing our community closer together.

CHINO BASQUE CLUB
Provider of a Home for the Promotion of Basque Culture

The Chino Basque Club was founded in 1968 and today counts over 130 men and women members. Now in its fourth decade, the Chino Basque Club continues its efforts to preserve and promote Basque heritage. Events include periodic mus tournaments, monthly club meals at the clubhouse which are punctuated with Basque entertainment that includes handball games, music, song & dance. The clubhouse is also the home of the Gauden Bat & Dantzari Onestak Basque Dancers, the Euskal Giroa Women's Folk Ensemble, the Chino Basque Klika and the new Xori Ttipiak, little children’s group.

The club's largest event remains the annual picnic on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the Chino Fairgrounds. Some years ago the club celebrated its 30th anniversary and presented the "Besta Berri" celebration. The club intends to celebrate Besta Berri again this year.

21st ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
December 2001 - New York, NY

MARK KURLANSKY
December 7, 1948 - Internationally Known Author

Mark Kurlansky was born in Hartford, Connecticut on December 7, 1948, the grandson of Jewish immigrants from Central Europe. He received a BA in theater in 1970 and began a career in New York as a playwright. Although he had a number of productions his interests turned away from theater and toward journalism. During the 1970’s he worked as a correspondent in Western Europe for the Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and eventually the International Herald Tribune. He covered a number of pivotal events in Spanish history including the end of the Franco years and the transition years. It was during those years that he got to know and admire the Basques.

In 1982 he left Europe and moved to Mexico City where he reported on Mexico, the wars in Central America, and South America. In 1984 he began covering the Caribbean for the Chicago Tribune–reporting regularly on Haiti, Cuba, and Jamaica but also on the smaller islands. In 1992 his first book A Continent of Islands: In Search of the Caribbean Destiny was published by Addison Wesley.

He then returned to Paris to work on his next book A Chosen Few: The Resurrection of European Jewry which was published in 1995 by Addison Wesley. Although during these years he spent most of his time researching Jewish communities in Western and Central Europe, he also took time to regularly reacquaint himself with the Basque Country.

In 1997 Walker and Company published his third book Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World, an international best seller translated into more than 15 languages. In that book he wrote a great deal about Basque maritime history and found that often these were among the passages readers and reviewers found most interesting. In 1999 Walker published The Basque History of the World, which was an American and Canadian Best Seller and was translated into several European languages.

In 2000 his first book of fiction, a collection of short stories about the Caribbean, The White Man in the Tree was published by Washington Square Press. The New York Times wrote "As rich, complex, and delicious as the islands themselves, boiling with humanity." In 2001, The Cod's Tale, a children's version of his cod book was published by Putnam. Currently Walker is publishing another history book in which the Basques play an important part, Salt: A World History. He is currently working on a novel set in New York City and a history of the year 1968 around the world both to be published by Ballantine.

"I regard the work I have done on the Basques to be among my best accomplishments. To make people aware of something little known and completely misunderstood, to be able to set the record straight on a maligned people , is as good a reason for writing as I can think of," says Mark Kurlansky. He is honored for his extraordinary contribution to Basque identity and culture.

20th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
2000 - Necoechea, Argentina

GENERAL MARIANO NECOCHEA
Hero of the Independence of Argentina who gave his name to the City of Necochea September 7, 1792 ‑ April 5, 1849

Mariano Necochea was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina into a family of comfortable means. His father, Casimiro Francisco Necochea, a shipbuilder, originally came from Urzainqui, Navarre. He died when Mariano was still a child and his mother, Maria Mercedes Saraza, sent him to be schooled in Seville, Spain. In 1810, at the age of 18, the youth returned to Argentina and found himself in the midst of the revolutionary movement for independence from Spain. In 1812 he enlisted and, under the command of San Martin, he was one of 125 grenadiers who fought in the Battle of San Lorenzo. Later, he joined the army of Alta Peru where he became famous for his extraordinary feats. He fought in the battle of Venta y Media, but he was wounded in the battle of Sipe, Sipe.

He recovered and was selected by San Martin to command the outpost of the Argentine Cavalry at the crossroads of the Andes on Chilean soil where he defeated the royalist troops. San Martin later wrote, "With a saber in his hand, he routed the enemy before him, thereby opening the entire province for the army." Again San Martin selected him to command the Corps of Chasseurs on horseback, created in June 23, 1817.

When San Martin retired, Necochea fought under Bolivar who named him Governor of Lima in 1824. In the Battle of Junin, he commanded the Cavalry and fell with 14 serious wounds. When he recovered he was named by Bolivar as director of the Government of Peru. In 1826, he was detained and accused of conspiracy against Bolivar, but was released because of lack of valid charges. He then returned to Buenos Aires, bringing his wounds with him, but not his liberating campaign. Years later he was named Chief Marshal of Military Reserve of Peru and with the passage of time, and after many battles, his health began to fail. At the age of 56, he died in Miraflores of Lima, Peru. The Society of Basque Studies in America commends General Mariano Necochea for his bravery and for his contribution to the welfare and identity of Basques in Latin America.

EUSKAL ETXEA ASOCIACION DE BENEFICENCIA Y CULTURAL (1900)
Provided schooling for Basques during 100 years

One hundred years ago, in April 1900, we first hear of the founding of Euskal Etxea, a Basque confraternity in the Republic of Argentina. It was an auspicious event that wiped out the distinction between Basques to the north and Basques to the south of the Pyrenees and united the three Basque institutions that existed at that time in Argentina: Centro Vasco Frances, Centro Navarro and Sociedad Vasco‑Espanola Laurak Bat of Buenos Aires.

The Statute that was completed on April 14, 1904 covered Cultural and Welfare concerns. The purpose of the Cultural section was to create schools and to educate Basque youth, and the purpose of the Welfare section was to give care and shelter to indigent, aged Basques and to orphans and the needy.

In June of 1904, the Women's Committee undertook the administration of schools and shelters for girls. In the following years, elementary schools were opened and classes in French, Basque and Sewing were offered. At the Hills of Zamora in the Province of Buenos Aires, a cornerstone was laid for the future school of Ninas de los Institutos de Llavallol, under the tutelage of the R. Hermanas Siervas de Maria de Anglet. In 1907 the Orden de los R. Padres Capuchinos de Navarra y Cantabria was contracted to undertake the teaching of boys.

Gradually, during the next few decades, schools were merged and many changes took place. In 1986, under the patronage of Dona Catalina Urruspuru de Dufau, President of the Women's Committee and Vice President of the Fundacion Vasco Argentina Juan de Garay, the new building of Jardin de Infantes was inaugurated. Five years after, the Seccion Primaria de Varones del Colegio de la Capital appeared followed by the Residencia San Benito which addressed the needs of the Community. In 1999, the instruction of two foreign languages was strengthened: English (Departamento de Ingles) and French (Departamento de Frances).

In summary, Euskal Etxea Asociacion de Berieficencia y Cultural has succeeded in its mission. A special note of recognition goes to the Committees of Women who have worked so diligently to respond to the needs of the Basques. The Society of Basque Studies honors Euskal Etxea Asociacion de Beneficencia y Cultural for contributing to the culture and welfare of the Basques in America.

COMITE PRO‑INMIGRACION VASCA (1940)
Benevolent organization since 1940 giving legal entry to exiled Basques

At the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1940 and the beginning of World War 11, Basque patriots were living in precarious conditions. The Basque Delegation of Buenos Aires received a plea for help from the Basque Government in exile, asking for refuge for the Basques living in such a bleak situation. It was a moment of anguish.

With the aid of engineer Jose Urbano de Aguirre, President of the Basque Delegation and the parish priest of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, the first interview was held with the President of the Argentine Government, Dr. Roberto Ortiz. They were received with a warm embrace and it was decided that it was necessary to find a rapid solution to the crisis. It was most helpful that generations of compatriots had come to Argentina and had contributed to the enhancement and prosperity of the new Country.

With the help if members of the Delegation, a memorandum was written and on the following day presented to Dr. Ortiz. The legal formula was developed In the text of the document and ended with these words: "Entrance to the Country is authorized for Basques from both sides of the Pyrenees with or without documentation, preliminary authorization of the Comite for that purpose will be created." That was a solemn recognition, from the highest authorized figure of the Country, regarding the conduct of the Basque Community that had been forged under the shade of the Pyrenees and had sent its people as pioneers of liberty and grandeur.

The Society of Basque Studies in America recognizes the Comite Pro‑Inmigracion for having facilitated legal entry to the exiled undocumented Basques who had no possibility of finding refuge in any other place in the world and for having contributed to the identity and welfare of the Basques in America.

19th BASQUE HALL OF FAME
October 1999 - Brooklyn, NY

IRENE RENTERIA AGUIRRE
Dedicated Contributor to the Basque Delegation, Euzko-Etxea and the Society of Basque Studies in America (1923-1999)

Irene Aguirre was the executive secretary for the Society of Basque Studies in America for over 19 years. Her talent for keeping the membership and mailing lists up to date, her attention to detail, her ability to attend to the daily tasks and respond to all the correspondence have assured the success of our non-profit organization. She volunteered her time, effort and services and, in all her years of service, never asked for, nor accepted any compensation. Her work was an important contribution to the welfare of the Society and to the Basque community as well.

Irene was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Melchor Renteria from Bakio, Bizkaia, and Maria Vidasolo from Canala, Bizkaia. Her early education was in Brooklyn and later in Manhattan. After graduating high school, she worked for an insurance company for a brief period of time and for the next eight years she worked in the Basque delegation as Lehendakari Jose Antonio Aguirre's personal secretary. While working full time at the Delegation, she attended college at night and earned a B.B.A. in Foreign Commerce from Baruch College. She was one of the first women admitted to the former all male college. Also during those years, she was an active member of the Juventud of Centro Vasco.

She met her husband Andoni at the Delegation in 1945 when he came to New York to visit his mother. When he visited the Lehendakari, he was offered a job with the Delegation as commercial attaché, which he accepted. Irene and Andoni worked together at the Delegation and later, when they married, they continued to work together for Centro Vasco (later named to Euzko-Etxea), the Society of Basque Studies in America and as delegates for NABO. Both were deeply involved in promoting Basque identity, welfare and culture.

After raising her two children, Anna and Marty, Irene returned to the workforce. First at Kingsborough Community College and then at Social Security, where she was in a position of helping people who needed support and advice. Irene was proud of her heritage and enjoyed informing others of Basque culture and traditions. Her lifelong dream was to compile a census of all the Basques in the United States. She felt we needed closer communication with each other. Perhaps someday her dream will come to fruition.

ANDONI AGUIRRE
Dedicated Contributor to the Basque Delegation, Euzko-Etxea and the Society of Basque Studies in America(1921-1997)

Andoni Aguirre was the keeper of the books on financial matters for the Society of Basque Studies in America for over 17 years. His talent for scrutinizing every item has assured the success of the Society as a not‑for‑profit organization. He collected monies, paid bills, and kept the books balanced and never in the red. He volunteered his services and never accepted any remuneration for his services.

Andoni was born in Manila, Philippines to Martin Aguirre and Julia Achabal. He was educated both in the Philippines and Euskadi. During World War II he served in the United States Army and was stationed in the Pacific. His service included training with the Rangers (the forerunners of the Green Berets) and working in counter‑intelligence. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Asiatic‑Pacific Service medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with 1 star, the good conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked for the Delegation of the Basque Government in Exile to the United Nations as a commercial attache. He became a member of the Centro Vasco Americano (Euzko‑Etxea of New York) and for many years he served as Vice President and Secretary. In later years, he served as delegate from Euzko‑Etxea to N.A.B.O. In 1949 he married Irene Renteria. He is survived by two children, Anna and Marty and two grandchildren, Ryan and Elyse.

Andoni held several positions throughout his life: staff officer in the Merchant Marine during the early 1950's, paymaster for Prudential Steamship Lines, accountant for Lutheran Medical Center, and auditor for Amalgamated Insurance Fund.

Andoni took pride in wearing his txapela (beret) and lapel pin of Basque‑American flags. The Society of Basque Studies is grateful to Andoni for years of dedicated service.

ALYS VINA
Promoter of Basque Culture in the New York Community (1914-1993)

Alys Mason Vina, Angel’s wife, was born in 1914 in Campo Basso, Italy and came to the U.S.A. in 1915. (Did her ship cross with Angel’s in the night in the mid-Atlantic?) Alys first met Angel, at her wedding to her first husband, Cirilio Alonso; a friend of Angel’s with whom he had worked in the 1930’s. They met a second time in 1963, when Angel attended Cirilio’s funeral in Cranford, New Jersey.

Alys and Angel were married in 1965 and together they joined Euzko-Etxea. The rest is history. Alys took to Basque culture like a duck takes to water. She loved everything – the language, the music, the dancing and the singing. She encouraged Angel to practice the txistu and tanbor in the garage and in 1969 Angel became our official txistulari. Alys was always at his side accompanying him, serving as “Mistress of Ceremonies” introducing dances and making certain that the dancers were properly attired. We still remember Alys in her red and green outfits, helping to dress the dancers with their costumes. Alys became an active member and officer of “Andrak”, the Ladies Auxiliary of Euzko-Etxea, served as Secretary of the “Gasteak” Club, and was our reporter to the “Voice of the Basques” published in Boise, Idaho.

Alys was extra special to all of us who had the privilege of knowing and interacting with her. Although she was not born a Basque, she was very Basque! She helped us to realize our unique qualities. She will always be remembered and respected as a very, very special person who touched so many lives within our community.

ANGEL VINA
Promoter of Basque Culture in the New York Community (1914-)

Angel Vina was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1914. His mother, Tomasa Elustondo, returned to Ea, Vizcaya, when Angel was one year old. In Ea he attended school until the age of nine, at which time, his mother sent him to Bilbao to live with his cousins, the Elustondos, to continue his education. In 1926, his mother sent him to the Jesuit Pontifical Seminary in Comillas in the province of Santander as a helper to the wealthy students and to continue his education. Angel fondly remembers his three and a half years with the Jesuits.

At the age of sixteen, he returned to New York where he lived for two years with his Uncle Gabriel Elustondo and Aunt Segunda Gainza. They ran a boardinghouse and for Angel, his uncle’s house was a “Horn of Plenty.” Uncle Gabriel, one of the founding members of Centro Vasco in 1913, introduced Angel to Centro Vasco in 1930. Angel became one of the group of “Spatadanzaris” with professor Emiliana de Zubeldia, a renowned pianist who gave many recitals in New York City. Although very active in the club, Angel could not become a member since his father was not a Basque. (Subsequent by-law changes in the 1960’s afforded him the benefits and responsibilities of full membership.)

Angel remembers Elias Aguirre, Valentin’s brother with kindness. One day, Angel was looking for a txistu and tanbor to play at a picnic at Ulmer Park. He saw a pair of the musical instruments in the window of the Jai-Alai restaurant. Elias Aguirre, Valentin Aguirre’s brother, was serving at the bar and offered them to Angel. When Angel returned them and raved about their quality, Elias responded with, “You really appreciate them, take them, they are yours.”

In 1942, Angel joined the U.S. Navy and served in the North Atlantic on a destroyer until his discharge in 1945. He then secured a position in the N.Y.C. Court System and worked with the Honorable Emilio Nunez, the first Spanish speaking judge in NYC. Judge Nunez was born in Deusto, Vizcaya and came to the U.S.A. at the age of twelve. In 1976, Angel retired as a Senior Court Officer.

Alys and Angel are recognized as exceptionally talented promoters of Basque culture in the New York Metropolitan Area.

THIRTEEN FOUNDERS OF THE FIRST INCORPORATED BASQUE CENTER OF THE UNITED STATES (1913) LOCATED IN NEW YORK CITY

We owe a debt of gratitude to our ancestors for their ability to persevere under the most trying circumstances. If they had not planned ahead, cared for their families, helped each other, adjusted to a life in the new world in spite of language, culture, limited resources and little formal education, we probably would not be here today. Today we honor these 13 brave individuals.

JUAN CRUZ AGUIRRE was born in 1879 in Arrieta, Bizkaia and died in New York in 1959 at the age of 80. He was 23 when he came to New York. Five years later he married Josefa Lezamiz. They had four children: Joe, Elias, John and Lillian (now Fradua). He had learned the trade of machinist in Liverpool, England, and in New York he was hired by the Interboro Rapid Transit system where he worked until he retired. Juan Cruz was one to the most generous and caring of the early Basques in New York, Tony Barben, who is now 94 years old, tells us that when his parents died of tuberculosis, he was scheduled to go to an orphanage. Upon hearing the news, Juan Cruz responded, “I have four children, I can take another.” He adopted Tony and raised him as a member of his own family. This story tells us much about the character of Juan Cruz Aguirre.

VALENTIN AGUIRRE was born in Monte Sollube near Busturia, Bizkaia, in 1871. He died in 1953. At the age of 10 when his father died, he started to work as a cabin boy on ships sailing to the Caribbean and the United States. Valentin married Benita Orbe and settled in New York in 1895. They had eight children: Lucy, Thomas, Antonia, Valentina, John, Peter, Anita and Mary. They ran a boarding house on Cherry Street and then Valentin opened this famous restaurant JaiAlai on 82 Bank Street. He was famous for helping Basques find employment and for making travel arrangements for Basques to get to the West Coast. He was the second president of the Centro Vasco Americano and held that post for many years. Valentin was an enterprising and dynamic person who became the leader of the Basques for many years. His name and his reputation are known across the United States, in Latin America and in the Basque Country.

ELIAS AGUIRRE is a Basque name as common as John Smith in the United States. Whether he was Valentin Aguirre’s brother or another Elias Aguirre has not yet been established. We know Valentin’s brother arrived in the United States in 1881 and that he worked in the mines of the West Coast. He married Cerefina Orube in 1917, but we do not know if he was in New York in 1913, the year of the signing of the Incorporation papers which were prepared by a young lawyer who later became a famous Mayor of New York, Fiorello LaGuardia. We have contacted several Aguirre families in New York, New Jersey and the Basque Country and even asked the Basque Government for help in finding the Elias Aguirre who was in New York in 1913. The true identity of the Founder remains a mystery. If anyone has any information regarding the Founder, Elias Aguirre, we would appreciate hearing about it.

JOSE ALTUNA (1892-1974) affectionately known as “Guiputz” was one of the best known members of the Basque Community. He was the collector of dues for the Centro Vasco Americano of New York for decades. He was born in Mondragon, Guipuzkoa, one of 10 children and came to the United States at the age of 18. He had promised Teresa Urquidi of Marquina that he would work hard in the new country, save his money, bring her over and marry her. Jose kept his word. They had 10 children just as his parents. Jose worked for the New York Transportation system for over 50 years and during those years he devoted his time to the Basque Center. Because his transportation was free, Jose could travel all over New York to visit every member, which he did every day. The Center enjoyed his services and he did not ask for compensation. He also communicated Basque news to the members. Jose Altuna was indeed an unsung hero. His was a labor of love, which he performed daily and consistently. Financially, the Basque Center was healthy and thriving during all those years.

TORIBIO ALTUNA was born in 1890 in Mondragon, Guipuzkoa Gamiz, near Mungia, and died in New York in 1981 at the age of 91. When his was 19, he came to New York accompanied by Sylvestre Goicoechea, the brother of the girl he had promised to marry back home. Apparently Sylvestre thought he would make a good husband for his sister, because soon after Angela Goicoechea from Gamiz, near Mungia, Bizkaia came to New York, Toribio and Angela were married. They had 4 children: Justa, Juan, Angel and Baby Altuna (who died at birth) and 5 grandchildren: Angela, Robert, Larry, Paul, Carol and 10 great grandchildren. After several jobs, Toribio decided to go to night school. He passed a Civil Service test and he became a stationary fireman. He worked at Bellvue Hospital until the day of retirement. He was proud of his job and took pride in his work. His wife died when he was 54 and for the next 37 years he lived with his daughter Justa, his son-in-law, Angel Bilbao, and their children. He played the piano-accordion and obviously inspired his daughter Justa to play the violin. Justa tells us he was a loving father, husband, grandfather and a hard working Basque.

ESTANISLAO BEOBIDE (1869-1936) was born in Elanchove, Bizkaia. His father was a sea captain and, following his father’s footsteps, he also went to sea. At age 11 he became a cabin boy. He learned quickly and worked his way up to chief engineer on ships of the Moore McCormack and Ward Lines. He married Vicenta Bermeosolo when he was 36 years old. They had 5 children: Lino, Josephine, Elias (died very early) Elisa and Elias. When Estanislao left seafaring, he continued working at Hotel Belleclaire. He studied assiduously and got his license as a stationary engineer. In 1927, he was hired by Mrs. Andrew Carnegie to manage the heating system of the enormous mansion at 2 East 91 Street, New York. He loved working at the beautiful mansion, which had elegant gardens and modern heating equipment. Estanislao Beobide was a man of integrity and loyalty. He personified a highly regarded Basque characteristic: You give your word, you keep your word!

GABRIEL ELUSTONDO (1886-1952) was born in Ea, Bizkaia and first came to Philadelphia looking for better opportunities and a better life. Later, in New York, he became a maintenance engineer at the Temple Bar Building at Court and Joralemon Streets in Brooklyn. He married Segunda Gainsa from Gernika and they had three children: Felix, Carmen and Emil. Gabriel was one to the most active and most popular members of Centro Vasco Americano in New York. He was known for his dedication to visit the sick and needy Basques whether at home, at a hospital, in any part of New York City, Ellis Island or Long Island. He was a favorite and everyone knew Gabriel. He was, without question, one of the great contributors to the welfare of Basques in New York.

GUILLERMO GARAY was born in 1885 in Arrieta, Bizkaia and died in New York in 1952 at the age of 67. He came to New York when he was 31 years old and lived at the Marury boarding house at 56 Cherry Street. The running joke was that he was “the visitor who stayed forever.” Guillermo was a reserved and quiet person who usually spoke in Basque and Spanish. His son Peter remembers that when he was 14 or 15, his father arranged to have him play the violin at a gathering at Centro Vasco. Whatever arrangement was made, he recalls that Valentin Aguirre gave him a 5 dollar bill, an impressive amount of money at that time for a young boy. At the age of 48, he must have learned English, for he decided to become a citizen of the United States. The Marury family remembers that he was very good to them.

FLORENCIO ITURRASPE has been one of the most difficult Founders to research. It is generally believed that he married but had no children. Several Iturraspes have been located in Florida and in Bizkaia, but not one is related to the Florencio who signed the Incorporation papers in 1913. The Society welcomes any information that would help to find his relatives.

ADDENDUM: After nearly two years of research with the help of one of the best genealogists of the Basque Country, Alberto Diez de Tubillexa of Gernika, we finally resolved the mystery of the enigmatic Florencio. Elvira Yturbe Preston of Brooklyn, New York, informed us that she had attended school with the granddaughter of Florencio, Marie Eturaspe, not Iturraspe. Further research revealed that Florencio had "Americanized" his name, believing that it would be easier to pronounce. Florencio Iturraspe Etxeandia was born in Elantxobe. Bizkaia on February 23, 1873.
He came to the United States, and in New York married Genoveva of Mundaka, Bizkaia. They had five children: Dionisio, Laurence, Joseph, Martina and Alexander. Florencio was forty years old when he signed the papers of the first Incorporated Basque Center in the United States. He died in Brooklyn at the age of 81 surrounded by his large family of children and grandchildren.

NICOLAS LUZURIAGA (1887-1967) was born in Los Arcos, Navarre to Zenona and Felipe Luzuriaga. He was a young man in his twenties when he came to New York looking for a better life. He worked on a ship as a fireman and later over a period of 20 years he managed and maintained four buildings. He married Maria Altuna and had five children: Philip, Lauriano, Joaquin, Nicolas and Mary (now McGrath). His nostalgia for his homeland was so intense, he would visit the Basque Club every day, even for a few minutes to chat with other Basques. At one time, when Pedro Toja was visiting the Basque Country, he asked him to bring back a bag of soil from his beloved Los Arcos. The Mayor of Los Arcos verified, in writing, that the soil was genuine. The bag was buried with Nicolas when he died.

JUAN ORBE was born in Busturia in 1885 and died in New York in 1931. He came to the United States with the intention of working as a sheepherder, but instead he stayed in New York and became a maintenance worker in the boiler room of the Chase Manhattan Bank in Manhattan. He married Juana Aizpuru, also from Busturia. They had five children: Andrew, Louis, Joseph, Mari Carmen (now Mazza) and Frank. Unfortunately, at age 42, at the time of the tuberculosis epidemic, Juan became a victim of the disease and was sent to an upstate sanatorium. He died within 3 years at the age of 46. His daughter Carmen remembers him as a handsome, gentle and loving father and husband and a dedicated member of the Basque Club. Her mother often said that in the 15 years that they were married, he provided her with enough love for the rest of her life.

ESCOLASTICO URIONA has been another one of our elusive Founders. For a long time, the only information we could gather from the Basques in New York was that he was the oldest of the 13 Founders, was very well educated, that he was the first president of Centro Vasco and that soon after 1913 he returned to his home town. It was only by chance that someone remembered Maria Luisa Belaustegui mentioning someone by the name of Escolastico in her hometown of Busturia. We communicated with Maria Luisa and later visited her and Escolastico’s home near Busturia. We found out that indeed, Escolastico had returned to San Bartolome near Busturia, quite wealthy after having worked and saved his money in America. He built a magnificent home in Canene, a section of Busturia near the "Ermita.” He did not marry and neither did his sister, but his nieces and nephews and their offspring now live in the mansion with the beautiful gardens. Escolastico lived to a ripe old age. He was the guide, mentor and intellectual leader of the men who would meet in the basement of a house on Water Street in the downtown area of Manhattan, sometime around 1905, to discuss the creation of a Basque Center. Those 5 men besides Escolastico were: Valentin Aguirre, Elias Aguirre, Juan Cruz Aguirre and Toribio Altuna.

TIBURCIO URUBURU was born in 1885 in Forua, Bizkaia to Martin Uruburu and Paula Vidaechea. He was a robust young man when he came to New York and worked as a fireman on a tugboat. Later he worked in a factory that manufactured heavy rope and during a span of 17 years, he moved up to an engineering position in the boiler room. In 1941 he died at the age of 56, leaving two daughters, Soledad, known as Sally Newton, and Julia, now Arcara.

18th ANNUAL BASQUE HALL OF FAME
November 1998 - Bakersfield, CA

JEAN & ROSE ERASSARRET
Founders & Teachers of Basque Dancing at Kern County Basque Club (1909‑1982, 1915‑1986)

Jean Erassarret was born in Baigorry, France, on August 30, 1909. At age 18, he came to America as a sheepherder. Rose, born in 1915, in El Paso, Texas, was of Italian background. They met, fell in love and married when Jean was 26 and Rose 20. Theirs was a very enterprising and productive union. First they were involved in the sheep business and then turned to fanning. In 1952 they bought Files & Files Rug Company in Bakersfield, California, where they ran the business until they retired. In addition they produced six children. Jean was skilled at playing pelota and dancing. Rose was an excellent dancer and musician. They made certain that their six children would learn music and Basque dances. Two of their daughters became accomplished accordion players. In the early 1950's, they gathered their six children and all the people interested in Basque dancing and formed the first Basque dance group of Bakersfield. Thus, Basque dancing was introduced to Kern County.

A word must be said about Rose, who was not of Basque origin. She had the extraordinary ability to master Basque music and dance and to pass on her knowledge to others. She was, indeed, an esteemed ambassadress of Basque culture. Although Jean and Rose are no longer with us, Jean died at age 73 and Rose at age 71, they have left us a tradition of Basque dancing in Kern County that continues to flourish today. Currently, the Kern County Basque club has four dance groups with dancers ranging from ages six to thirty. What a great legacy Jean and Rose have given us!

MAYIE MAITIA
“Mother” of Basque Immigrants of Bakersfield (1929)

Mayie Etchebarne Maitia was born May 8, 1929 in St. Etienne de Baigorry, France. She is the seventh of nine children of a close knit family. When Mayie was very young, her mother passed away and, as was the usual Basque custom, her grandmother took over the responsibility of raising the family. It was in this environment that Mayie's character developed. Her religion taught her the importance of caring for others, how to give and how to share. In 1947, when she was 18 years old, Mayie, with some of her brothers and sisters, emigrated to the United States. She worked for Frank and Mary Amestoy, Noriega Hotel and Pyrenees Cafe. Her experience prepared her well for the future.

Mayie met J.B. Maitia, a bartender, and married him in 1947. They had two children, Jenny and Daniel. In 1954, when Mayie was only 25 years old, she and J.B. opened their own restaurant, the Wool Growers Cafe on Summer Street. After more than four decades, Mayie, along with her children, Jenny and Daniel, is still running the restaurant.

Although Mayie worked long hours at the restaurant and cared for two children, she always found time to help Basque immigrants. She had learned the new language and the new ways of dealing with bureaucracy. She helped the new arrivals to face intimidating situations by actually taking them to such places as: the consulate for legal papers, the Department of Motor Vehicles for licensing, travel arrangements, doctors and dentists and all the challenging experiences that newly arrived Basques had to meet. In addition, she employed many Basques at her restaurant. Thus, Mayie became known at the mother or big sister to so many. Mayie has been an inspiration and role model. She has contributed generously to the well‑being of the Basque community.

GRACE LAPORTE ELIZALDE
Restaurateur Benefactor of the Basque Community (1894‑1974)

Grace Laporte Elizalde was born in Anhaux, France on September 11, 1894. At the age of 20 she emigrated to the United State under the sponsorship of Jacques Iriart. For four years she worked, as a maid, for Jack and Grace Iriart in their hotel in Tehachapi. It was in the kitchen of the hotel that she learned the art of great cooking and later when she had her own business, she taught many young people her art. At the age of 24, Grace married John Elizalde, a sheepman. They lived in a sheep camp where their two daughters and two sons were born. In 1927 after disastrous years in the sheep business, John and Grace decided to open hotel Noriega in East Bakersfield. They helped many recent Basque arrivals by employing them in their business. Unfortunately, John died in 1933 leaving Grace to raise alone her four children.

Grace was deeply concerned with the plight of Basque immigrants. She helped them to get employment, get passports, pay taxes, make funeral arrangements and notify the families back home of the death of a person. She knew of cases where the families in the Basque Country lost a loved one who had been left in an unmarked grave. She became the benefactor of the destitute who died with no means for a burial ground. Consequently, she bought ten plots at the Union Cemetery for the needy. She was proud to be Basque and so proud to be an American citizen that she voted in every election. She passed away on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1974. The Basque Community is grateful to her for setting an example of giving generously and understanding the needs of those who were separated from their families.

CARMELO URZA, Ph.D. (1948)
Scholar and Promoter of Basque Studies Programs in the Americas and Abroad

Carmelo Urza was born on July 17, 1948 in Bilbao, Bizkaia. After spending his first five years in Bilboa, Carmelo and his mother joined his father in Boise, Idaho, where he grew up and attended Boise State University. After graduation, Carmelo moved to Reno and entered the Master's degree program in Spanish at the University of Nevada. From Reno, he moved to Iowa where he completed his doctorate in Spanish literature at the University of Iowa. During his undergraduate years, Carmelo enrolled in two overseas studies programs which no doubt influenced him greatly in later years. In 1969‑70 he studied at the University of Madrid and, in summer of 1972, Carmelo enrolled in a Basque Summer Studies Abroad Program organized by the University of Nevada, Reno.

Little did Carmelo know that in 1982, after completing his graduate work, he would be hired to develop, design, administer, and lead an overseas studies program for college students throughout the United States. In 1982, Carmelo became the first (and to this date the only) Director of the University Studies Abroad Consortium, housed at the University Nevada, Reno. In its first years, USAC opened a campus in San Sebastian, Spain, and in St. Jean de Luz, France ‑ right in the heart of Euzkadi. Early enrollments in the program came especially from those who wanted to return to Euzkadi and study their Basque ancestry. In the seventeen years of USAC's existence, campuses have been added in Bilbao and in non‑Basque locations. To the point where this year, for example, nearly 900 students are preparing to study in campuses in Euzkadi, Costa Rica, Chile, Germany, Italy, China, Thailand, Australia, Great Britain, and other locations across the globe.

As if creating one of the most successful study abroad consortiums in the United States is not enough, Carmelo has made numerous contributions to Basques in the New and Old World. Several of you, for example, have read his book, Solitude: Symbolism in the National Basque Monument. You also know that Carmelo's work on the Monument Committee helped make the project a reality. His list of publications in scholarly journals and books is also impressive, including nearly forty articles on Basque‑related topics. In addition, Carmelo has organized several special events including hosting Basque dignitaries in the American West, sponsoring academic conferences at the University, and participating in the academic activities of the Basque Studies Program in Reno. This long list of achievements is not the only reason Carmelo Urza is being honored, however.

Thousands of second, third, and fourth generation Basques who have returned to Euzkadi to study‑cannot underestimate the significance of Carmelo's contribution to their lives. And those of us who have worked with Carmelo know the contribution he is to his friends, family, and co‑workers. He is truly deserving of this honor.

17th ANNUAL BASQUE HALL OF FAME
March 1997 - Buffalo, WY

JEANETTE ESPONDA MAXWELL
Buffalo's Basque Radio Entrepreneur (March 15, 1923)

Jeanette Esponda Maxwell was born in Buffalo, March 15, 1923. Her father, John Esponda, known as "King of the Basques" around Buffalo, was from St. Etienne de Baigorri and her mother, Dominica Etchemendy, was from Arnegi, Basse Navarre. In 1956, Jeanette made a smart move. She purchased Radio KBBS and, shortly after, started broadcasting in Basque, by Basques and for Basques. The program has been broadcast every Sunday since its inception with the only exception being an accommodation to the World Series. The famous announcement heard every Sunday for the last 40 years on Station KBBS has been: "One hour of music, news, messages and views sponsored by and for the Basque people of this area." Basques and non‑Basques from all parts of the world are impressed with this unique North American endeavor and hope it will continue. We commend Jeanette for her determination, vision and support of Basques and their traditions. By the way, she also raised 12 children!

RADIO KBBS' BASQUE COMMENTATORS

PIERRE AMESTOY was born in Armendaritz, Basse Navarre on February 16, 1926. Coming from Euzkal Herria, he first settled in Miles City, Montana. Almost three decades later, he and his wife Grayce moved to Buffalo where he raised sheep until his retirement last year. He is well remembered for commentating from 1984 to 1989.

MARTIN CAMINO was born in Arnegi, Basse Navarre on October 29, 1913. At the age of 25 he came to Buffalo to work for his uncle John Camino. He served in the United States Army during World War II and, after he was released, he married Florence Urizaga. They raised seven children and ran a sheep ranch. For 30 years, beginning in 1957 to the year of his death in 1987, he was an assiduous broadcaster for KBBS.

JUAN CINQUAMBRE was born in Arrazu, Navarre, on October 19, 1921, but did not come to Buffalo until 1960 at the age of 39. He is semi‑retired but still works on a ranch today. He has a long history of commentating for almost three decades, starting from 1968. A combination of ranching and broadcasting seems to be a formula for longevity.

BERNARD ETCHEMENDY was born in St. Michel, Basse Navarre on February 11, 1906. He came to Buffalo twenty years later, to work for Anton Silva. When he was 24 years old, he ventured into the sheep business with his brothers, Jean and Mike. He was a hard working sheepman for almost three decades. Although he sold his business in 1968, he continued to live in Buffalo with his wife Dominica. He died six years ago, but he is fondly remembered for his Sunday messages.

JEANNE MARIE ETCHEMENDY was born on November 15, 1908 in St. Etienne de Baigorri, Basse Navarre. In her late twenties, she came to visit her brother Albert Anxo. The visit lasted a lifetime because she met and married Pete Etchemendy within a year of her arrival. They bough a ranch and worked at it for 34 years. When the ranch was sold in 1972, the couple moved into town and Jeanne Marie began her career as a commentator on KBBS. Again, one marvels at the longevity of rancher commentators. Jean Marie has been a regular commentator for the last 25 years. A great record!

ROSALIA MAYA DE IBARA was born in Sumbilla, Navarre on August 22, 1931 and married Juan lbarra, also from Sumbilla. She came to Buffalo when she was 27 years old. Seven seems to be her lucky number because seven years later, the couple moved to California and again, seven years later, they moved to Montana and again, almost seven years later, they made a complete circle and returned to Wyoming. They dedicated a few years to raising sheep and, in 1995, Rosalia retired. She makes her home in Buffalo where she has been a steady commentator since 1995. Rosalia has an interesting history of peregrinations throughout the American West and is urge to continue broadcasting in Basque.

DOMINGO MARTIRENA was born in St. Etienne de Baigorri, Basse Navarre on April 8, 1924. At the age of 23 he came to Buffalo to work for his aunt, Mrs. C. Marton. He worked diligently for the next 10 years and saved enough to buy a ranch in Kaycee. Soon after, he married Cecile, they began raising three children, and are still living on the sheep ranch. Although Domingo has now retired after working as a brand inspector for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, he has not retired from broadcasting. He has the unique distinction of commentating steadily for 40 years since the beginning of the Basque program. Domingo, we salute you!

GRAYCE ESPONDA MILLER, sister of Jeanette Esponda Maxwell, was born on January 20, 1920 in Buffalo. She was raised in Johnson County where she attended elementary school and high school. She attended Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa and St. Mary's College in Omaha, Nebraska. As a loyal daughter of her hometown, she married Russ Miller of Buffalo when she was twenty. They raised three children and ran a sheep ranch. Later she began commentating on the Basque radio program and did so until the time of her death last year. We regret that she is not present to receive her award, but know that you are remembered, Grayce.

16th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 1996 - Mexico City, MEXICO

FRAY JUAN DE ZUMARRAGA (1467-1548)
Humanist and First Bishop of Mexico

Fray Juan de Zumarraga was born in Durango, Vizcaya, and raised in a strongly traditional Basque environment. He maintained his Basque roots throughout his life, speaking more comfortably in Basque than in Spanish, even while living in Mexico. He joined the Franciscan order as a young man and was noted for his honesty, humanity and nobility. King Carlos V recognized and esteemed his character and abilities. In 1528, when Fray Zumarraga was already in his sixties, he arrived in the New World as the first Bishop of Mexico. For the next twenty years of his life he died in 1548‑ he dedicated his life to being a true missionary.

Historians and chroniclers of Zumarraga's life have marveled at his memory and grasp of the cultural and historic events of the times. He studied native languages and cultures and, realizing that they were in danger of disappearing, he fought to preserve them. He was involved in trying to settle conflicts between cultures. As Mexico was developing through the intermingling of different peoples, Zumarraga witnessed violent confrontations between Hispanic and Nahuatl civilizations, for example. He recognized a need to reform the Church and was instrumental in rebuilding and refining it to meet the needs of all its peoples.

Fray Zumarraga was a shepherd of men, a humanitarian, and a reformed Franciscan monk. He founded a University and schools; constructed hospitals; introduced new crops, draft animals, tools, trades, and the printing press to Mexico. He is honored for his Basque identity and for his humanitarian work in the New World colony of Mexico.

COLEGIO DE LAS VIZCAINAS (1732)
Unique Education Institution Founded by Basques

Founded in 1732, the Colegio de las Vizcainas is the oldest school in Mexico which has been operating without interruption for over 250 years. Founded originally as a Cofradia (Confraternity) of our Lady of Aranzazu, in 1696, it united young men from the provinces of Guipuzcoa, Alava, the Senorio of Vizcaya and the Kingdom of Navarre with the purpose of offering them spiritual as well as material support. In 1732, when three Basque members‑ Don Francisco Echeveste, Don Manuel de Aldaco and Don Ambrosio de Meave‑ founded the Colegio, they opened it with the altruistic goal of protecting and educating women, widows and destitute young girls.

Built with donations from the Basque‑Mexican community, the Colegio had abundant resources and could have purchased one‑fifth of Mexico City at that time. The building, one of the largest of Mexico, was planned by Pedro Bueno Bezauri and constructed by Maestro Miguel Jose de Rivera. Always a secular establishment, the Colegio enjoyed complete freedom from the Crown as well as the Church. This freedom was reaffirmed and maintained after political struggles in 1767. Some of the strongest supporters of the Colegio have been women, such as Dona Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez (18 10) and Sara Garcia in more contemporary times. Famous names in Mexican history such as Iturbide, Juarez, Porfirio Diaz and Carranza. have been intimately involved in the history of the Colegio.

Today, the Colegio educates more than 1200 beginning and preparatory level students. It is honored for preserving its integrity, its high level of academic excellence and its historic and cultural patrimony. It serves as a model of Basque identity, welfare, and culture over three centuries.

MARTIN GARCIA URTIAGA
Basque Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Former President of Centro Vasco, A.C. and Colegio de las Vizcainas

Martin Garcia Urtiaga, who celebrated his ninetieth birthday last year, was born in Guecho, Vizcaya in 1905. In his youth, he studied and worked in Bilbao, France and Wales. Besides his native language, he developed fluency in French and English. When he was 18, he began working for Shell Oil Company. Six years later, he became Director of the factory known as Campsa Petroleum. All went well until the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, when the factory was bombed and burned by sea attack. In December of 1936, Don Martin was commissioned by the Basque Government to go to France and England to negotiate for shipments in international deliveries. When the war ended, Campsa's operations were closed and Garcia Urtiaga moved to London where he was offered the directorship of a petroleum exporting company in Mexico. The day after he arrived with his family in Mexico, he met with Lazaro Cardenas, then President of Mexico, to propose an export petroleum company. Unfortunately, the war in Europe had begun and his project was rejected.

Never one to be easily defeated, he engaged the help of two other entrepreneurs and founded the Cia Mexicana de Comercio Exterior, S.A. ‑ known as Comex ‑ and served as president until the company was dissolved in 1991. During his years at Comex, the company expanded into a macroseries of thriving activities and societies.

During those busy years Martin Garcia Urtiaga found time to serve as president of Centro Basco, A. C. and Colegio de las Vizcainas. Yet most impressive in his forty‑year patronage of the Colegio. His is a long history of courage, resourcefulness and optimism. He is recognized for his involvement in entrepreneurial, cultural and philanthropic programs and his identity as a Basque.

CENTRO VASCO, A. C. (1907)
Important Basque Center of Mexico, D.F.

Centro Vasco Cultural Association (A. C.) was founded on June 17, 1907 as a cooperative with limited responsibilities and was located on Madero Street in the center of Mexico City. This cooperative was a successor to the Basque Association of San Ignacio de Loyola. On September 13, 1935 this Center was reorganized with statutes formulated to ensure stronger governance and a clearer understanding of the scope of the organization.

In 1972, Centro Vasco moved from Madero Street to 239 Aristoteles Street in the Polanco section of Mexico City, where it operates today. In May 1974, new by‑laws were approved which outlined the main goals and objectives of the new Centro Vasco, A. C. They are as follows:

· To maintain a decent place for members to meet

· To unify Basques and to encourage the love of the Basque Country, its Language and History

· To organize Conferences and Library Programs

· To hold diverse Musical, Sports and Artistic Functions

· To entertain the members with games within the law

· To celebrate the Feasts of San Ignacio de Loyola and other Basque traditions

· To follow the customs established by this organization since its foundation

Centro Vasco, A. C. is a beautiful second home for Basques of Mexico. It enjoys national as well as international visibility. It is honored today for contributing to Basque identity, welfare and culture.

15th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1995 - Boise, ID

JOHN J. ASCUAGA
Entrepreneur, Rancher, Owner of John Ascuaga' Nugget (January 7, 1925)

John Ascuaga's two elephants, Bertha and Angel, are famous entertainers at Basque festivals. And every year, 19 high school graduates of northern Nevada, who may or may not know about his elephants, receive scholarships from John to Universities of their choice. The story of this Basque is remarkable. John was born in Caldwell, Idaho and attended school in Notus, a small town nearby. His immigrant parents, Jose and Marina, having come from Euzkadi in the early 1900's, had four children: Frank, Carmen, John and his twin sister Rosie. John attributes the success of all the children to the strong work ethic and belief in education that his parents instilled in them. He attended the University of Idaho in Moscow where he obtained his Bachelors degree in Accounting and, immediately after, attended Washington State University at Pullman, where he studied Hotel and Restaurant Management. During summer vacations he learned, by experience, working as a bellman at a resort on Payette Lake. In 1958 he married Rose Ardans whose family had come from the French Basque Country. They had four children: John L., Camille, Michonne and Stephen.

In Idaho, John knew Dick Graves and his Basque wife, Flora Aguirre, whose family was close to the Ascuaga family. Together they opened the Nugget, a coffee shop near the present site in Sparks, Nevada. Five years later, John bought the Nugget from Graves. Over the past 35 years, John has applied the values he learned from his parents. The Nugget has grown to its present 1,000 room enterprise, with 8 restaurants, enormous convention and gaming areas, and an outstanding staff of 2,600 employees who cover the needs of the Nugget's 24‑hour operations. A tower of 802 rooms will be added this fall. Besides running this impressive operation, John enjoys spending time at his 3 cattle operations. As a reminder of his roots, he maintains a flock of over 100 sheep. John Ascuaga is a recognized leader in gaming and tourism. He has won many prestigious awards ‑ too many to list here ‑ but he is especially honored today because he symbolizes the enterprising traits that Basques value.

ADELIA GARRO SIMPLOT
Founder and Chair of Basque Museum and Cultural Center (November 30, 1935)

Adelia's father, Eustaquio "Ed" Garro, left the town of Munitibar, Bizkaia, at the age of 16 to try sheepherding in the Boise area of Idaho. Soon he learned to be a barber and became known as the "Barbero." After 14 years as a bachelor in Boise, he married Grace Ragsdale. They had five children: Adelia, Frances, Laurie, Ramona and Susan. Adelia grew up in Boise's Basque community, attending local Schools, learning Basque dances from Jay Hormaechea and playing at Frank Aguirre's boarding house where her father had boarded before his marriage. It was a prophetic beginning for someone who later would contribute so much to the Basque community. In 1953, Adelia married Richard Simplot and soon after gave birth to 4 children: Ted, Laurie, Will and Anne. Unfortunately, after 40 years of marriage, Richard died in 1993.

In 1987, Adelia purchased the deteriorating Uberuaga boarding house in the heart of Boise's Basque District and later donated it to the Basque Museum and Cultural Center which she and others had started. Today, with the added buildings, the site houses a Basque bookstore, a library, an exhibit hall, a speakers' forum and the only covered Basque handball court of Idaho which preserves the Basque gave of "pala." In addition, Adelia helped to establish Gernika, Bizkaia as the sister city of Boise, Idaho. She hosted a delegation from Gernika, and later, the Basque President, Jose Antonio Ardanza Garro, planted a seedling of the famous tree of Gernika at the Museum.

Besides her contributions to the Basque community, Adelia has an impressive history of serving on a host of philanthropic projects: Boise State University Foundation, City Chamber of Commerce, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Cancer Society, Diabetes Association, United Way, Philharmonic Guild, etc. Her extraordinary record of public service, as well as her efforts to preserve Boise as a thriving center of Basque activities, place her in a special category. We celebrate Adelia Garro Simplot for her accomplishments and her beautiful gifts to all people.

ANTHONY YTURRI
Lawyer and Oregon State Senator (October 19, 1914)

Anthony Yturri's father, Domingo, an immigrant from Rigoitia, Bizkaia, came to the United States and found work in the mills and mines of Silver City. When the mines of Delarnar, Idaho closed, he moved to Jordan Valley, Oregon. It was here that his wife Maria gave birth to 4 children: Louis J., Juanita, Dolores and Anthony. While running a large general store, Maria and Domingo probably never envisioned that their son Anthony, one day would become an honorable Senator of the State of Oregon. The Yturri's spoke Basque at home. Anthony, or Tony as he is known, either because he was bilingual, or in spite of it, developed a keen sense of language. After Maria died, Domingo remarried and Anthony's stepsister, Irene, was born.

The young Tony Yturri attended grammar and high school in Jordan Valley. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Oregon in 1935 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the same University in 1937. He was an honor student and a member of Phi Delta Phi. Immediately after he received his degree, he started his law practice. He has always been grateful to Judge Allen Biggs for his strong support during the early years of his career. In 1942, he married Reme Jayo, whose parents had come from Bizkaia. Reme also speaks Basque.

Yturri's career as a lawyer was interrupted by World War II. He served as Captain in the Military Counter Intelligence, in Judge Advocate General's Department and overseas in Africa, South America and the Philippines. After the war, he returned to his law practice and in 1956 he was being urged by the local people to run for the State Senate. He was elected and served for consecutive terms until 1973. He continued practicing law and serving on important commissions for the State of Oregon. To this very day, his advice is sought by Senators who bug his wisdom and admire his for his integrity and good judgment. Always, he has acknowledged and made public his Basque heritage. Today we honor Anthony Yturri for his high level of achievement and, at the same time, for enhancing Basque identity.

14th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1994 - Boise, ID

FRANK CHURCH
United States Senator from Idaho, 1956‑1980 and Sponsor of Basque Human Rights Resolution (July 25, 1924‑April 7, 1984)

Frank Church was born in Boise, Idaho and attended local Boise schools until college. He received his B.A. and law degree from Stanford University, graduating with membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He interrupted his education at age 18 to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War 11. He received the Bronze Star and commendations for his service. In 1958 he was inducted into the Infantry Hall of Fame. In 1947 he married Bethine Clark, daughter of former Governor Chase Clark. They had two sons, Forrest and Chase. At the age of 32, Frank was elected to the United States Senate and served brilliantly during 24 years. He is recognized for his support of the elderly, preservation of landmark areas, civil rights and a host of accomplishments that reflects a courageous nature willing to take political risks in order to improve human condition. Biographer LeRoy Ashby says, "It would be difficult to find a more intelligent, principled, or moral person than Idaho's four‑term senator.'

He is honored today for his support of the Basque Human Rights Resolution. At a time when Basques were oppressed under the dictatorship of Franco in Spain, Frank Church's voice rang loud and clear. he and his wife Bethine went to the Basque Country, met the people and learned about Basque culture. Basques remember him for raising the conscience of the American people to the plight of the Basques in Euzkadi. Frank Church distinguished himself nationally and internationally for decency and moral courage.

JOSEPH V. EIGUREN
Author, Educator and Scholar (1915‑1996)

Joseph Eiguren was born in Jordan Valley, Oregon to Domingo and Maria Eiguren. When he was a year old, his parents returned to Euzkadi with Joe and his older siblings, Pilar, Luis and Domingo. After the death of his father during the 1918 Spanish Influenza epidemic, and the death of his brother, Luis and his sister, Pilar, Joe grew up with his brother, Domingo, and his mother and grandmother in Lekeitio, Bizkaia. When he was 13, he quit school and labored in the shipyards of Lekeitio. At age 19, Joe returned to the U.S. to reclaim his U.S. citizenship.

For six years Joe tended sheep. In 1942 he was drafted into the Army. His experience during the invasion of Normandy are described in his autobiography, KASHPAR. In 1942 Joe married Aurora Acordagoitia. They had two sons, A] and Roy. Unfortunately, Aurora died in 1971 and soon after, his son Al died in an automobile accident. In 1977 Joe married Jean Marts. Joe wrote one of the first Basque language teaching texts in America. In addition, he published the History of the Basques and many other books and articles on Basque culture. At present, he is active at several important cultural centers and serves on the Board of Directors of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center of Boise. Scott Logan, in a portrait he wrote of Joe, says that his is "more than a tale of a shepherd turned scholar or a story of a shipbuilder and soldier." Ms is a tale of an extraordinary human being who reaches high and overcomes the hardships of life.

JAMES JAUSORO
Outstanding Contributor to Basque Music and Culture (December 30, 1920)

Jim was born in Nampa, Idaho and grew up in a Basque world: his parents owned a Basque boarding house known as the Spanish Hotel where Jim heard Basque music. At age 9 he began playing the piano accordion and played for the public. At age 15, he won an accordion contest! World War 11 took him and his accordion into the Navy where, playing popular tunes, he entertained his fellow sailors. After the war, Jim returned to Basque music, which led to his love: as the only male member of the Basque Girls' Club and because he was their musician, Jim met Isabel Larrondo. They were wed in 1953. They have two daughters, Maiie and Anita.

In 1957, Jim Jausoro and his orchestra gave their first performance, and now, nearly 40 years later, they are still playing. With Jim on the accordion and Domingo Ansotegui on the tambourine, several generations of Idaho Basques grew up with Basque music. They provided the music for the "Oinkari Basque Dancers" since 1960. Jim continues playing music for the group, as well as for the younger dancers in Boise and Caldwell, Idaho. Jim has won many prestigious awards, including the National Endowment of the Arts award. Indeed, Jim Jausoro is one of the extraordinary contributors to Basque culture in our country.

EUZKALDUNAK, INC.
Boise Basque Club, 1949

Before the Basque Center was built in Boise, people met at various bars in the downtown area. Jay Hormaechea taught jota lessons to all who wanted to learn dancing and Jim Jausoro played the accordion for these lessons. Classes were held at various locations in downtown Boise. Starting in 1949, the need for a Basque Center was apparent, and public interest pushed to incorporate all activities in one location.

Pete Leguineche was the first legal counsel for Euzkaldunak. He and John Bastida researched by‑laws of fraternal organizations, etc. Their efforts resulted in a program to provide insurance for the elderly Basques, a building plan and a fund raising campaign which resulted in a sale of $200,000 in bonds. The bar and card room were built, Luis Madarieta was elected the first President and today the center includes a kitchen, dance hall, and basement. The current president is Kevin Arrien. Euzkaldunak is one of the prominent Basque centers in the U.S. and is more active than ever. The success of the center is due to the efforts of many people who never expected recognition. Today we recognize all the past and present members.

13th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 1993 - Reno, NV

JOHN A. ELORRIAGA
Outstanding Figure in Banking and Philanthropy (October 20, 1993)

John Elorriaga, born in southeastern Oregon town of Jordan Valley, is the son of Ambrosio Elorriaga, who came from Sondika, Vizcaya, in 1912 and worked in the mines of Idaho. After Ambrosio settled in Jordan Valley, he built a replica of the house where his wife had been born in Chorierria, Viscaya. He brought his wife, Maria Goicoechea, and two daughters over in 1919. When his health failed, he turned the home into a Basque hotel where seventeen guests could be accommodated. It was there that John was born and learned to speak Basque fluently. He also learned the Basque ethic of hard work.

John attended grammar and high school in Jordan Valley. At the age of twelve he was milking eleven cows daily and while in high school he worked on a ranch for $20 per month. he studied sheet metaling and worked at Boeing before joining the U.S. Air Force. He served in the Air Force during the early 1940s, spending seventeen months in France and Germany and receiving two battle starts. Upon his return, he continued his studies at Boise State University, at the University of Oregon, the University of Pittsburg, and the Pacific Coast School of Banking. He married Lois Newman on June 14, 1952. They became the proud parents of three girls (Sharon, and twins Linda and Lisa) and three boys (Dana, Mike, and Steven). John's belief in family values carried over from his home life to his work, where he emphasized "helping one another and working together was better than competing with one another."

John a hard work and dedication helped him become President of U.S. Bancorp and Board Chairman and Chief Executive of U.S. National Bank. His benevolent activities and humanitarian endeavors have been recognized with many awards. He insists, modestly, that any success that the may have had comes from following the rules he learned from his Basque family and friends.

THE UNANUE FAMILY
Philanthropists and Founders of Goya Foods

The history of the Unanue Family and the success of Goya Foods Company can be traced to an enterprising Basque named Prudencio Unanue, who was born in Villanueva de Menas, Viscaya, in 1886. As a young man of eighteen, Prudencio sailed to Puerto Rico to work at his uncle's dry goods store. He began as a menial worker but, by the age of twenty‑two, he had formed a partnership with a gentlemen from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, and the two had opened their own dry good store. After four years, Prudencio returned to Spain in ill health. When he returned to Puerto Rico he found that his business ‑which had been left to another's care ‑‑ no longer existed! Next he decided to come to the United States to learn English and to study at the Albany School of Business, where he would later graduate with a degree in Accounting. The United States became his home, but he returned to Puerto Rico to marry Catalina, whom he had met when he was eighteen. Catalina's mother was born in Puerto Rico and her father in Spain. The couple had four sons: Urciano, Joseph, Anthony, and Frank.

Living in New York, Prudencio soon opened his own Customs brokerage. His business prospered until 1936 when the Spanish Civil War broke out, completely wiping out all of his trade with Spain overnight. It was at this time, at the age of fifty, that Prudencio renamed the company GOYA. Ironically, the name GOYA, a Basque name, first appeared on sardine cans imported from Morocco! By 1938, Prudencio expanded his import business to the caribbean and bought a small packing house in New York near the center of ship chandlers such as Ituarte, Astarbi, and Abat of General Foods.

After Joseph, the second son, was released from the Army and had graduated from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., he accepted his father's invitation to join Goya foods. The move to 12th Street and Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, a mile from Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, was significant. An enormous sign reading GOYA could be seen for miles on the highway, helping make Goya a household name in New York. Once Prudencio's sons and grandchildren began working in the Company, it was time to expand again. The next move was to Secaucus, New Jersey, where the Company is still operating today.

Prudencio died in 1976 at the age of ninety; Catalina survived him for eight years and died at ninety‑four. Today the Company is still a close family operation. Most if its markets are on the Eastern coast and the Caribbean with smaller operations in Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois (headed by Joseph's daughter Mary Ann). Frank, Joseph's younger brother, still runs the business in Puerto Rico. Goya Foods is still expanding today. The Unanue family is honored, not only for its entrepreneurial success, but also for its philanthropic activities which cover scholarships and grants to needy students.

NABO ‑‑ NORTH AMERICAN BASQUE ORGANIZATION
Federation of Basque Entities (1974)

Incorporated in 1974, NABO was created mainly to promote and preserve the cultural, civic, and social interests and activities of the Basque people, to cultivate understanding and friendship, to educate and enlighten the public in matters relating to Basque people, and to promote and advance open communications among Basques. After its brief twenty years in existence, NABO activities open to all members on annual basis include:

Summer basque Music Camps where youngsters are given an opportunity to learn traditional Basque music and dances from qualified instructors; Instruction and competition for children in Inter‑Club Handball Tournaments as well as International Handball Championships; Inter‑Club Mus (Basque card game) Tournaments and participation in the International Championship Mus levels; publication of club activities of all NABO members in a periodic newsletter; and Convention festivals are held at different basque clubs on a rotating basis, including Bakersfield, Chino, LaPuente, Los Banos, Los Angeles, Menlo Park, and San Francisco in California; Elko, Ely, Reno, and Winnemucca in Nevada; Boise, and Caldwell in Idaho; Ontario in Oregon; Grand Junction in Colorado; Salt Lake City and Sandy in Utah; and Buffalo in Wyoming. The members clubs send delegates to the NABO meetings and elections are held with all member clubs participating. To date, the elected Presidents have been:

‑AI Erquiaga, Boise, Idaho

‑Jim Ithurralde, Eureka, Nevada

‑Jacques Unhassobiscay, San Francisco, California

‑Frank Maitia, Sr., Bakersfield, California

‑Janet Inda, Reno, Nevada

‑Frank Pedeflous, Fresno, California

‑Dave Eiguren, Boise, Idaho

‑Jean Leon Iribarren, San Francisco, California

‑Steve Mendive, Boise, Idaho

‑Robert Echeverria, Elko, Nevada

-Pierre Etcharren, San Francisco, CA (Current President)

With the recent admission of the Euzko Extea of New York into its membership, NABO continues to expand its horizons throughout the North American continent.

LINDA WHITE
Teacher, Translator, and Lexicographer of the Basque Language (August 31, 1949)

In 1981, Linda White began working as a library assistant in the Basque Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. At that time, she had just completed her master's degree in Spanish and, before that, her bachelor's in Spanish and French. Little did she know that she was about to embark upon a journey that most Basques consider impossible. Under the tutelage of Gorka Aulestia, and with a good measure of her own perseverance, Linda became one of those rare nonBasques to master the Basque language.

In addition to learning to speak, write, and translate in Basque, Linda had become the preeminent teacher of Basque to non‑Basque learners in the United States. Since 1989, Linda has taught first and second year Basque for the Basque Studies Program in Reno. Her creativity as a language teacher and her innovative approach to learning the language explains the popularity and success of the Basque language program at UNR. In 1989 and 1990, Linda co‑authored the English‑Basque and Basque‑English Dictionaries with Gorka Aulestia. The culmination of ten years of fulltime labor, the Dictionary project is an enormous contribution to Basque scholarship. Last year, a smaller, one‑volume paperback Dictionary was published. In addition, over the past eight years, Linda has translated five important Basque books for the University of Nevada Basque Book Series and dozens of scholarly articles from Basque to English. In that same time frame, she authored eleven articles of her own on various Basque topics.

In 1989, Linda became the Assistant Coordinator of the Basque Studies Program. And this year, she entered the tutorial Ph.D. program at the University of Nevada, Reno with plans to write a dissertation on twentieth‑century Basque women writers. With appreciation for all that she has contributed to Basque Studies recent years, we can only look forward to reading her next work.

ROBERT ERBURU
Civic Leader and Chair of Times‑Mirror (September 27, 1930)

Robert Erburu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Times‑Mirror company, is descended from a southern California sheep ranching family. Robert's grandfather, Mariano Erburu, came to the U.S. from Navarre in 1874. He first herded sheep in Ventura County where he eventually acquired his own sheep range. He and Robert's father, Michael Erburu, where in the livestock business together until the 1930s when they sold the family ranch.

Robert Erburu also has an extraordinary record of public service. He has served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and American Newspaper Publishers Association, as well as director of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Mr. Erburu is a member of the boards of seven charitable foundations. He has been particularly active in the art world, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. And he has just been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Robert Erburu is clearly one of the nation's most distinguished business and civic leaders.

12th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1992 - Chino, CA

JOHN GARAMENDI
Basque Public Figure in California Politics (January 24, 1945)

John Garamendi, the second of 7 children, was raised in Mokelumme Hill, CA, on a cattle ranch which his family started in 1864. He was graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1965 with a degree in business. An outstanding athlete, he was a Pacific Coast wrestling champion and All Pacific Coast Conference football player. He began his career in public service shortly after college, serving with his wife Patti as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia. John and Patti were married in 1966 and have six children.

Upon his return to the United States, he attended Harvard University and graduated with a master's degree in business administration. He worked in international finance and then started his own business. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1974, and then to the Senate in 1976. During his legislative career, Garamendi chaired the Joint Committee on Science and Technology, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and served as Majority Leader. He played a key role in legislation to protect Lake Tahoe, to reform health care financing, to establish a humane, work‑oriented welfare program, to revise the state's tax code, and to provide for transportation improvements, including roads and mass transit.

Assuming office as California's first elected insurance commissioner, John vowed to improve the Department of Insurance. Last April he took over the bankrupt Executive Life Insurance Company and crafted a rehabilitation plan to protect the investments of the policy holders. He has established new programs to eliminate auto, health and workers' compensation insurance fraud. And in February, he proposed an innovative and far‑reaching plan to provide every Californian with access to health care which the New York Times called "a model for every state" and the Sacramento Bee sad was "the smartest and most practical vision of how to get affordable, universal care." As the Insurance Commissioner of California and as a Basque, Mr. Garamendi has risen to national visibility and the Society applauds him for his contribution to the welfare not only of Basques, but also to the welfare of the entire country.

HENRY BACHOC
A Founder of Chino Basque Club (July 15, 1919)

Henry was born in Irissary, France. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Gracieuse and Martin Bachoc. On September 17, 1947, he married Noelie Harron, also from Irissarry. They decided to come to America with the intention of going back in 5 years. It never happened! After settling in Chino, California, Henry worked as a milker, and Noelie as a housewife and mother. This was in April of 1948. Five years had passed, and Noelie was looking forward to going back home to France, but Henry had other ideas. He had started a dairy business with his cousin, Jean Bachoc, and they were doing well! He convinced Noelie that they should stay in Chino for a few more years. Three years later, Jean sold his part of this business to Henry. Noelie then knew that California was their permanent home. She was pleased, because she too had grown to love Chino and the Basque community there. They became American citizens in 1953. After raising a family of 4 children (Isabelle, Pierre, Ramon and Gracie), and creating a successful dairy business, Henry and Noelie retired in 1974.

Henry has devoted his time to the Chino Basque Club as a delegate and as a member of the Board of Directors. He is recognized because, in 1967, he and his friend Remy Labruche, with 50 other Basques, pushed for the creation of the Chino Basque Club. They elected Martin Arrachea as their first president. The Society honors Henry for working quietly in the background. He offers his services wherever they are needed: fund‑raising, making tripotas (blood sausages) or lukainas, cleaning up after club house or fundraising events ‑‑ whatever. As Unamuno, the Basque philosopher, has said in his writings; "...great civilizations are shouldered by those who, in their quiet daily lives, carry out the work of humanity. Those souls are the true heroes of mankind."

MARIANNA ETCHEVERRIA
Teacher of Chino Basque Dance Groups (August 2, 1945)

Marianna was born in Long Beach, California, to Anne Marie Uhalde (of Artesia) and Michael Bordato of Lasse, France. After graduating from high school, she worked for Security Bank in Artesia and joined the Chino Basque Dance Group where she met Arnold Etcheverria. and married him four years later. Arnold, a truck driver, was injured two weeks after their wedding and passed away eight years later, leaving Marianna with their four year old daughter, Anna Marie. Marianna continued working for Security Bank part‑time, and in 1975 attended California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. She is now working on her MBA at the University of La Verne.

From 1913 to 1978 Marianna was active in the Chino Basque Dance Groups teaching several groups of children: "Dantzari Onestak" (Honest Dancers); "Pimpirinak" (Butterflies); and later "Euskualdun lzarrak" (Basque Stars). Two new groups performed "Etche Sartzia," a skit depicting the joys of a bride and groom. In 1979 the adult group, "Gauden Bat," asked Marianna and her assistant, Kathie Bachoc, to direct their group. That year the first North American Basque Organization convention was held in San Francisco and "Gauden Bat" was invited to perform. In 1983 she presented a play called "Bizi Bat" (One Life) with a repertoire of dances and a choral group.

In addition, Marianna attended the Basque Studies program in France and Spain through the University of Nevada, Reno ‑‑ Basque Studies Program in 1978. Then in 1979 she started research on Basques living in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego countries prior to 1900. It was a request of Dr. William Douglass of the Basque Studies Library in Reno for a follow‑up on his book Amerikanuak. This project took two years and the result of her endeavors is now part of the permanent collection on Basque history in Reno. In her spare time she helped Pedro Juan Etchamendy with the translation of his book Basque songs and stories into English. At the present time she is a financial specialist for General Dynamics in Pamona, California. She is honored for her extraordinary ability to inspire, create and pass on Basque culture in spite of the obstacles in her personal life.

11th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1991 – South San Francisco, CA

LOUIS ELU
Restaurateur Internationally Known for Basque Cuisine (1914)

Louis Elu was born in Baker, Oregon to Eladia Bastida of Lekeitio, Vizcaya and Eulogio Elu of Ondarroa, Vizcaya. Louis' mother died during the flu epidemic of 1918 and Louis and his sister were sent to Ondarroa to live with relatives. He returned to the U.S. in 1934 at the age of nineteen. He herded sheep in the Cascade region of Idaho for Andrew Little Sheep Co. He came to California in 1940. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps where he served for four years in Greenland. After his tour overseas, he was sent to Hamilton Air Force Base near San Francisco. He met his future bride, Marie Esenarro, at the Sunday dances at the Hotel de España. They were married in October 1945 and had four children: Felix, Lucia, Luis, and David.

Louis worked as chef at the Palace Hotel before buying the Hotel de España which had been built in 1907 by the Lujea Brothers to house and help the Basque people who would come to San Francisco and also for those people who wanted to get away from the heat of the valley. In 1978 he was awarded "LA ORDEN DEL MERITO CIVIL EN EL GRADO DE CABALLERO" for having helped many shepherds who came to San Francisco for legal or medical help. During the 25 years they operated Elu's Restaurant, Louis and Marie were well‑known for their traditional authentic and family style Basque cuisine. Since their retirement, Louis and Marie continue to be involved in various Basque projects such as his support of the Basque Cultural Center of South San Francisco.

LYDA ESAIN
Pioneer Hotelera in the San Joaquin Valley (1911)

In a way, that Lyda became a hotelera is not accidental, for her aunts and uncles were also hotel keepers. Her mother, Marie Amestoy travelled to southern California and met her future husband at Jean Martinto's hotel in Tehachapi. Jean's brother Dominic fell in love with Marie, they married and moved to San Pedro where Lyda's brother Victor and sister Grace were born. The family moved to a ranch south of Fresno where Lyda and her younger sister Jeanette were born. Lyda met her husband Felix in 1929, married in 193 2, and bought the Basque Hotel at 1102 F Street in 1935. There they lived and worked for the next sixteen years. During their time there, they raised a son (Victor Esain ‑‑ now one of the Fresno Basque Club's NABO representatives), expanded the building, and added an adjacent cancha. Lyda and Felix became cornerstones of the Basque community, helping many a newcomer find their way in a new land.

In 1951, the Esains decided to sell "The Basque" and travelled to Euzkadi, visiting their parents' villages. Upon their return to Fresno, they purchased a restaurant and, for the next sixteen years (1956‑1972), ran one of the most popular and successful restaurants in town. Today, at 81, Lyda is still active in Fresno Basque Club activities, and remains as kind, as concerned, as involved as she was when she and Felix danced the jota around the hotel's juke box in the 1940s.

RICARDO GALBIS
Architect of First Jai Alai Fronton in the United States (1843‑1914)

Ricardo Galbis was born in the city of Leon, in northern Spain, while his father was chief executive administrator of that province. Trained as a civil engineer at the "Escuela de Caminos, Canales y Puertos" of the University of Madrid, he graduated at the head of his class and won the "Beca de Ultramar." He arrived in Puerto Rico, when he undertook an urgent project neglected for centuries: the dredging and canalization of San Juan Harbor. Also he completed the construction of bridges and roads to allow transportation of supplies between the capital and the countryside. His successes led to a higher position in Cuba. In Havana, he met and married Dona Carmen Solar, with whom he had three sons.

Unfortunately she died when the children were small. He dedicated all his energy to his profession. He designed the "Cementerio de C. Colon" ‑‑ considered one of the finest in the world ‑‑ and was involved in the construction of the first railroad system in the island. He eventually became President of the "Banco Espanol de la Isla de Cuba," a position held until 1896, when he went into political exile because of his disagreement with the brutal policies of General Valeriano Weyler, the Spanish Military Governor of Cuba.

In the 1880s he built the first professional Fronton in Havana, a building still in existence although converted to other uses by the Castro Regime. He had by this time remarried, to Dona Ana de Ajuria, daughter of a Biscayan shiphandler's family. They had 13 children. While in exile in New Orleans, he conceived the idea of building a professional Jai‑Alai fronton in the U.S. Using the same techniques and even improving them with a steel‑fabricated nave, the building was inaugurated in 1904 in the city of St. Louis Missouri. When Galbis returned to Havana in 1904 he was renamed President of the "Banco Espanol'' which continued operating on the island until 1917. Ricardo Galbis was a man of great energy and integrity. He passed away in 1914 in Havana, where he had lived most of his life.

10th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 1990: Tampa, FL

EUZKAL TXOKO: JOSE LUIS ANGULO IBARRETXE
Founder of Euskal Txoko of Tampa (1942)

Son of Venancio Angulo and Maria Teresa Ibarretxe, Jose Luis was born in the small town of Aranguiz, Araba, five kilometers outside of Gasteiz (Vitoria). He started his Jai‑Alai career in 1959 at Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, and from there went on to play in Durango, Markina, Zaragoza, Barcelona and Milan, Italy. From Italy he came to the United States to play Jai Alai in Tampa from 1965 to 1968. His Jai Alai career ended in 1968 due to the players' strike in the state of Florida. That same year he married Catherine Caniglio and their two daughters, Amaya and Lorea, were born in Tampa. He obtained employment at the Tampa International Airport and in 1979 attended the National Aviation Academy and became an aircraft mechanic. Eventually he moved to the San Francisco Bay area and is currently employed by United Airlines as an Aircraft Inspector.

While still an active pelotari and living in Tampa, Jose Luis recognized the need for a Basque club as more and more Jai Alai players made their permanent residence in the Tampa Bay area, and continued to reside there after retirement. Finally, his persistence paid off. Several people met at Blanco[] a Restaurant in 1983 to discuss the establishment of a Basque Club.

Those present with Ibarretxe were: Jose Maki Guerenabarrena, Juan Churruca, Jose Ramon Garmendia, Jose Miguel Arregui, Jose Insausti, Carlos Lizarralde, Jose Luis Larrinaga, Jose M. Altuna, Eusebio Echevarria, Jose Pablo Lopez, Javier Maortua, Javier Rufino Torrealday, Patxi Beitia, Javier Echevarria, Enrique Garate, Jose Luis Arambarri, Jose M. Arrieta, Enrique Guerricabeitia, Juan J. Garmendia, Pedro Laca and Javier Onaindia were among the twenty‑three members. They started collecting $20.00 per person for the club. Early in 1984, Euzkal Txoko was opened and each member deposited $450.00. The location at 40009 N. Howard Avenue needed extensive renovation. With the help of all the members, the doors of the Txoko opened officially in September 1984. Euzkal Txoko became the center of the Basque community in the Tampa Bay area, as well as the first Basque center even in the state of Florida. Although lbarretxe now lives in California, his efforts, as well as the efforts of all the others, were instrumental in creating Euzkal Txoko, pride and joy of the Basque people of the Tampa Bay area.

I.J.A.P.A. INTERNATIONAL JAI ALAI PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (1988)

Jai Alai, played with chistera and hard pelota, first appeared in Euzkadi in the 1800 s. It spectacular speed and grace soon attracted international attention. It spread to Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Uruguay, Indonesia, China, North Africa, Italy, Belgium, Peru, and the United States. Jai Alai pelotaris performed at the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, at the turn of the century, and also, in the 30s at the Old Hippodrome Theater in New York City. No betting was permitted in the United States.

The name Jai Alai means "Happy Holiday," but the art of Jai Alai was converted into Big Business when betting was permitted. The players were underpaid and they saw no improvement in their status; working hours were increased without compensation, etc. From 1968 to 1980, salaries remained almost at the same level. Because athletic careers are brief, 70% of the players had no funds upon retirement, and yet betting made the game very profitable for management.

Attempts to correct working conditions and salaries in 1968 resulted in a strike and wholesale firing without notice. In 1975, when players tried to unionize in order to change the untenable conditions, management made a small improvement in the players' overall benefit with the purpose of stopping the unionization of the pelotaris. Management succeeded. The limits benefits did not improve for the next thirteen years. Finally, in February 1988, Pedro Olarreta spearheaded a drive to form a Union ‑‑ I.J.A.P.A. ‑‑ INTERNATIONAL JAI ALAI PLAYERS ASSOCIATION. As a result of numerous unfair labor practices, management's apathy helped to unite 90% of the 525 pelotaris who went on strike as I.J.A.P.A. members on April 14, 1988. The Basque Government was asked to back the pelotaris in their endeavor and it responded favorably by approving drives in Euzkadi to collect funds to help the pelotaris and their families during the strike.

In June 1988, I.J.A.P.A. joined the UAW (United Auto Workers) which supplied funds to pay attorneys, medical insurance, etc. As of today, the NLRB has ruled favorably for I.J.A.P.A. in all the court hearings held in Connecticut. The court hearings in Florida are not taking place and with Ricky Lasa as President of I.J.A.P.A., negotiations are already in progress and as of this writing, several Frontons have settled the strike by recognizing the union and many I.J.A.P.A. players are back in the cancha.

The Society of Basque Studies supports the pelotaris in their efforts to be treated with the respect they deserve from management for their zeal, honesty, and skill. The mission and goals of I.J.A.P.A. reflect the intensity of the game of Jai Alai and the integrity of the players. The Society endeavors to elevate Jai Alai to the status of a major sport in the United States.

DOROTHY LEGARRETA
Author and Organizer (1926‑1988)

Dorothy Legarreta was born in Cotati, California, and raised on her father's chicken hatchery, "La Lomita." Her father was a Basque immigrant who was born and raised near Gernika, and the stories he told of the battles that took place in the Basque County during the Spanish Civil War served as her introduction to her own Basque identity. Dorothy was trained in Child Development, and with that background she could not help but wonder about the children of Gernika, the sacred city of the Basques, savagely bombed during the Spanish Civil War. Her research in that area involved much travel and countless interviews with colleagues, acquaintances, family friends, and the Gernika children themselves, now gown up and scattered throughout the world. The result of her dedication and research was the book of The Guernica Generation, a factual but moving account of what happened to those children who were shipped out of the Basque Country to protect them from the ravages of war.

Dorothy wrote other things as well, an article for the TESOL Quarterly entitled "Language Choice in Bilingual Classrooms" and other articles on aspects of child development. She was active in many community organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Citizen for Farm Labor group, and the Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Board for Women and Minors in Agriculture.

One of her greatest accomplishments was that she founded the National Association of Radiation Survivors of the United States. The impact of Dorothy's activities has gown in geometric proportions and as a result, President Bush has just signed a bill appropriating $100,000.00 to radiation victims. Linda White, one of Dorothy's colleagues, reports that she was a teacher, a mother of ten children, and a writer, but she was also much more than that. She was one of those rare human beings whose very presence lends energy and excitement to their surroundings. Wherever she was, the air fairly hummed with her vitality. Unfortunately her life was cut short by an automobile accident in Sonoma, California in 1988. Dorothy Legarreta was a woman who loved life, and who was loved by everyone who knew her. Our memories of her have not yet dimmed, and by honoring her today we ensure that they will only grow brighter.

9th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
August 1989: Reno, NV

BASQUE STUDIES PROGRAM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA IN RENO
Now the Center of Basque Studies

The Basque Studies Program was launched in 1967 by the University of Nevada System. Over the past twenty‑two years, it has shaped Basque Studies in America. Its library, which now consists of more than 20,000 books and several hundred journals, is among the top two or three Basque collections in existence and services scholars throughout the world. Its book series, published by the University of Nevada Press, has attracted national attention. Its study abroad programs at University campuses in and near the Basque Country have provided hundreds of young Americans with the opportunity to learn about Basque culture first‑hand. An important tribute to the accomplishments of the Basque Studies Program was paid in 1988, when a delegation of officials from the Basque government visited Reno. While there, they signed an agreement with the Chancellor of the University of Nevada System providing the Basque Studies Program with financial support for a student exchange and visiting professorship.

Basque President, Jose Luis Ardanza, publicly thanked the University of Nevada for keeping alive the torch of Basque culture through the Franco years when it was extremely difficult for the Basques to do so in their own homeland. The Reno Basque Studies Program is honored, not only because it is unique in the western hemisphere, but also because it has maintained a standard of excellence in scholarship.

GORKA AULESTIA
Lexicographer and Teacher (1932)

Gorka Aulestia, born in 1932 in Ondarroa, Vizcaya, served as a parish priest in the Basque Country and as a missionary in Africa. Refusing to tolerate Franco's repression of the Basques, he came to the United States in the early 1970s. He left the priesthood and came to the University of Nevada, Reno. Although he possessed a degree in the Social Sciences from the University of Deusto, he quickly earned masters' degrees in both French and Spanish. In 1979, he began work on a Basque‑English dictionary, a massive work that would take years to complete! Meanwhile, he taught Basque language and literature classes and wrote numerous articles in scholarly publications, thereby establishing his reputation as the most knowledgeable writer in English on the subject of Basque literature. Gorka Aulestia was the first to be granted a Ph.D. at the Basque Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1987. His dissertation on the Basque bertsolari will be published in both the United States and in Europe. In March, 1989, Gorka completed his Basque‑English dictionary and returned to the University of Deusto where he will be teaching Basque literature. Clearly, Gorka is honored for one of the most significant and lasting contributions to Basque Studies made in the twentieth century: his dictionary, a labor of love, not only for his native language, but also for his native culture.

WILLIAM ANTHONY DOUGLASS
Anthropologist, Author, Coordinator of the Basque Studies Program (1939)

William Anthony Douglass was born in Reno, Nevada, in 1939. He attended the University of Nevada‑Reno, majoring in Spanish literature. He participated in New York University Studies Abroad program at the University of Madrid and later pursued graduate studies in social anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago. He also completed three years of field work in the villages in Murélaga, Vizcaya and Echalar, Navarra. In 1967, after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, he returned to Reno to the newly conceived Basque Studies Program. For the last twenty years he has served as the editor of the Basque Book Series of the University of Nevada Press.

William Douglass has written, co‑authored, and edited several books on Basque topics which include Death in Murélaga, Echalar and Murélaga, Amerikanuak, Beltran, and Basque Nationalism. More than fifty of his published articles have appeared in scholarly journals throughout the United States. In 1984, he was given an honorary doctorate by the University of the Basque Country. William Douglass, in his quiet, measured way, has been the pillar of strength and guiding hand of the Basque Studies Program. He is honored for maintaining the excellent quality of its scholarship‑‑a reputation that is internationally recognized.

ROBERT LAXALT
Author and Founder of University of Nevada Free Press (1923)

Robert Laxalt was born in Alturas, California, in 1923. He studied at the University of Santa Clara and received his degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1947. He served with the American Foreign Service in the Belgian Congo and then became a United Press Staff Corespondent. In 1957, his first book, Sweet Promised Land, told the story of his father's life as a Basque sheepman in the American West. His book had a special impact for Basque‑Americans, for it introduced a little known Basque element of the American West to the wider American public.

In 1961, Robert Laxalt became the founder and the first director of the University of Nevada Press. He has written eleven different articles for the "National Geographic" magazine. His Basque related books include In a Hundred Graves, and the novella A cup of Tea in Pamplona. His newest book, a trilogy, entitled A Basque Hotel, will be released soon by the University of Nevada Press.

In 1978, Robert Laxalt was named recipient of the Decade Award given by the Nevada State Council on the Arts. In 1986, he was presented with the prestigious Tabor de Oro award by the city of San Sebastian in recognition for his contributions to Basque culture. Today we honor him for his lifetime of dedication to his heritage and particularly for his role as the literary spokesman of the Basque‑American experience.

8th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 1988 - EUZKO ETXEA, NEW YORK

EUZKO EXTEA OF NEW YORK (1913)
First Incorporated Basque Benevolent Center in the United States

It was in 1913 that a group of thirteen Basques, who had been meeting on Cherry Street in New York, formalized their organization with a charter. How did this happen? On Cherry Street, a pharmacist named Angelo De Sapalo, suggested a charter similar to one drawn up for Italian Americans. He called in a friend a young energetic attorney, Fiorello LaGuardia. LaGuardia, known as the Little Flower, later became one of the most popular and effective mayors of New York City. The "Central Vasco‑Americano Sociedad de Beneficiencia y Recreo" was chartered in 1913. The Society thrived and in 1928 the Basques bought a building on 48 Cherry Street for $79,000.

The name Central Vasco‑ American was corrected to "Centro Vasco‑Americano"and a booklet outlining the statutes was printed. Only Basque men born in the Basque provinces or sons of Basques were eligible for membership. Dues were 50 cents a month. Benefits were paid for illness up to sixteen weeks at $2.00 per day. In the 1930s and 1940s the Centro‑Vasco was the Social Club of New York Basques. When the buildings on Cherry Street were razed, Centro‑Vasco moved to 95 Madison Street. Two subsequent moves to Chinatown proved unsatisfactory. It was during these difficult years of transition that Albert Uriarte served as President and managed to keep the Basque center from collapsing. Finally in 1973 a new Center was established on Eckford Street in Brooklyn where members themselves renovated the two‑story building. In 1980 the name was changed to Euzko Etxea and the Center has been thriving ever since.

ALBERT URIARTE
Long Term President of Euzko Etxea (1906‑1994)

Albert Uriarte was born in Durango, Bizkaia, where he grew up and dreamed of coming to America. At age 14, he sailed for Havana, Cuba, and two years later reached New York. Through the help of friends who were working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, he obtained a job at the railroad's power plant in Long Island City. He attended the American Mitchell School of Design and upon graduation opened a sportswear factory making ladies' apparel which was sold at J.C. Penny's, Montgomery Ward, Macy's, and Gimbels under the Uriarte label. He joined Centro Vasco Americano, as Euzko Etxea was then called, when he arrived and soon was selected to act as "vocal." This led to helping Basque refugees by finding sponsors when they lacked flinds to come to the U.S. and to obtain visas (in collaboration with the Basque Government‑in‑exile) for others to friendly countries to avoid deportation. When the City took over the Cherry Street clubhouse, and the stockholders were repaid, the club languished for several years.

Albert was elected President in 1950 and the Club relocated at 71 East Broadway, where Onatibia, began to hold his weekly dance classes. Albert encouraged the women to become non‑benefit members and they did so in 1959. In 1966 he backed the women when they formed their own auxiliary organization and thus ANDRAK was born. He always put the needs of the club above his own and dedicated eighteen years of his life to the Presidency, accepting all responsibility for the club. He retired from the Presidency and in 1971 was named Honorary President of the organization in recognition of his longstanding devotion to the club and his fellow Basques.

JUAN SEBASTIAN DE ELCANO
First to Circumnavigate the World (1476‑1526)

Juan Sebastian de Elcano was born in Guetaria in 1476, and died at sea in 1526. He was a distinguished maritime captain who commanded the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, a mission that began in 1519 and concluded in 1522. On the initial voyage, he sailed as master of the "Concepcion," one of five vessels in Magellan's fleet, which left from Sanlucar de Barrarneda, Spain, bound for the Moluccas or Spice Islands in the Pacific. When they reached winter quarters in Patagonia on March 21, 1520, some Spanish captains mutinied, and Elcano was punished as a ring‑leader. Three ships continued on to the Marianas and the Philippines, where Magellan and most of his officers were murdered by Filipinos in April, 1521. Taking over after his chief was killed, he completed the round‑the‑world voyage the next year, returning to Sanlucar the victim of scurvy, starvation and fatigue aboard the "Victoria" with 17 Europeans and 4 Indians and a cargo of spices. At that time, he received a pension from Emperor Charles V and was hailed as the first circumnavigator of the world and was made a nobleman by his sovereign. Imbued with a spirit for future adventure, Elcano in 1525, together with Garcia Jofre de Loaisa, was appointed to the command of a fleet of seven ships and sent to claim the Moluccas for Charles V of Spain. However, he died while crossing the Pacific and his body was laid to rest in the ocean. A statue of Guetaria's plaza honors the great achievements of its native son, Elcano. He is also recognized as an early cartographer who drew maps of such important rivers as the Parand in Brazil and the Rio de la Plata in Argentina.

JON BILBAO
Bibliographer and Scholar (1914‑1995)

Jon Bilbao was born of Basque parents in Cayey, Puerto Rico on October 31, 1914. His family subsequently returned to Euzkadi and he attended the University of Madrid. During the Spanish War he was an officer in the Basque Army and when the war ended he went into exile. In 1939 he received his M.A. from Columbia University and in 1945, he received his Ph.D. from that same institution. In 1958 he published Los Vascos en Cuba, 1492‑1511 about the Basque role in the discovery, exploration and colonization of the Antilles. In 1968 he joined the staff of the Basque Studies Program of the University of Nevada‑Reno. He co‑authored the book Amerikanuak: Basque in the New World; taught a Basque history class and founded a studies abroad program in the Basque Country for American students. The Basque Studies collection of the University of Nevada Library is today one of the best Basque‑related data bases in the world. The central reference work for all Basque scholarship, Jon's Eusko‑Bibliographia, lists over 300,000 sources of information of the Basques. In 1980 Jon retired from the University of Nevada and returned to the Basque Country where he founded the Institute of Basque Bibliography. He also served as a president of Harriluze, an archive and museum in Getxo, devoted to the study of Basque emigration. His scholarly accomplishments speak for themselves and reflect a lifetime of devotion to Basque studies.

7th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
November 1987: Miami, FL

JUAN VIZCAINO LACOZA
First Cartographer of Americas (1457‑1510)

Juan "Vizcaino" Lacoza, sometimes known as Lakotza or LaCosa, played a key role in the discovery and exploration of the Americas during the years 1492‑1510. This remarkable cartographer, cosmographer, mariner and author of the first map of America, was the owner of the caravel "Santa Maria." He was Columbus' pilot on the first two cross‑Atlantic voyages. Most historians believe he was born in Santofia, which was then part of the Basque region. Lacoza was about 35 when he sailed with Columbus in 1492. He was tall and strong, a man of few words, a keen observer, and an assiduous note taker. He crew, for the first trip, was mostly Basque. Lacoza was known as the best pilot of western seas and Queen Isabel preferred him "because I believe that he probably knows more."

Unfortunately, after landing in the New World, the "Santa Maria" ran aground and had to be abandoned Forty Basque seamen were left to form the first European colony in America. The episode ended sadly, for when Columbus and Lacoza returned, all 40 were dead, apparently killed by Indians.

On subsequent voyages, Lacoza was the first to explore large areas of the American continent. Because he was the first to set foot on the mainland, he is considered by some historians to be the true discoverer of the American mainland. He seventh voyage, which was to Cartagena, was a disaster. In an effort to save a fellow mariner, he was killed by Indians. In that period of 18 years, he explored a great part of the continent than all the other explorers combined. His famous Mapa Mundi is the first known American map. Lacoza is honored for his extraordinary contributions and exploration of the New World.

JESUS "CHUCHO" LARRANGA
Model Pelotari (1928)

Chucho, exemplary pelotari, is a model for the Basque Community. His family originates from the province of Gipuzkoa and probably he would be living there today, if he hadn't shown a talent for "pelota." At the age of sixteen, he was playing professionally in the fronton of the Canary Islands. It was there that he experienced such an unusual success, that the trajectory of his career was set. He remembers that there were three categories and he was placed in second. He won the second, moved to the first and won again without losing a single match. It was an extraordinary feat for such a young player. He had already made he debut in the Fronton Novedades of Barcelona and by the age of 19 he had played in the best frontons of Europe. He moved on to Mexico, Miami, Havana, back to Spain and to France. During thirty years of playing, he won a record number championships. Among his trophies is the coveted "Martel" Cup of France. His athletic record is impressive, and so is his record as a human being.

Although he was been honored by ex‑president of Mexico, Miguel Aleman and he has received the Gold Sports Medal of the Spanish Federation and the Spanish government, he remains a generous, unassuming humanitarian who takes part in charitable causes for the needy and disadvantaged all over the world. He retirement from Jai‑alai prompted a series of memorable farewell ceremonies in Durango, Marquina, Azpeitia and Urumea. He is honored for his model comportment as an athlete and humanitarian.

SOL ROSENKRANZ
Physical Therapist of Basque Athletes (1919)

Among Basque pelortaris, the world of human healing and tenderness has one charnpion‑‑Sol Rosenkranz. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sol aspired to become a doctor, but instead, the Depression forced him to learn linotyping and the printing trade, as did his brother before him. However, his interests were in helping and healing the sick. Leaving New York, Sol traveled to Miami with a friend who later became a naturopath and chiropractor. While assisting his friend, Sol learned the art of restoring health to his "victims" or sufferers as he jocularly calls those in pain. he credo is "Gently where best and firmly where needed."

Jai‑alai players tell many stories about Sol's art of healing. The legendary Churruca. claims that he had been told that he would never be able to play again, after suffering a serious injury to his right arm. He took a plane out of Spain to Miami and "Sol fixed me right up," says Churruca who continued to play his beloved sport.

Sol, a soft ‑spoken eloquent man, has a solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology but in addition, he has developed how own methods to remedy ailments. In response to reporter's query, Sol remarked, "Not only do their injuries hurt, but I try out things to heal them that were never tried out before. Only these powerful, stoic Basques could tolerate this kind of nonsense or torture! We honor this wise and learned "Solomon" for his moral strength, honesty and dedication to rehabilitate the infirm, to help the helpless, and to cure the incurable.

JUAN SAIZARBITORIA
Spirit of Basque Restauranters (1909)

Juanito, as he is known to all, was born in Motrico, Gipuzkoa, and might have loved peacefully as a cooper and mason if he had not been caught up in the Spanish Civil War. Having fought on the losing side, he had to abandon his pregnant wife and escape to France where he managed to survive, selling pine trees. When World War 11 broke out, Juanito decided to desert. With his small savings, he bought a bicycle, raced 200 kilometers to Bordeux and begged Cuban Consul to send him to Cuba where his brother‑in‑law was playing jai‑alai. An arrangement was made and Juanito sailed to Cuba as a pelotari extraordinaire. Needless to say, Juanito never played at the Havana fronton, but he did get a job as a busboy at the Centro Vasco Sports Club. It was here that he started making stews like his mother used to make and soon his culinary "inventions" became well‑known. After several unsuccessful attempts, he was able to bring his wife, Carmen, and his yet unseen son, Juanitocho, to Cuba.

Juanito's Centro Vasco Restaurant on Prado and Malecon Streets was a booming business, but Juanito wanted a more rural setting. Against all advice, he built and opened his famous Centro Vasco Restaurant in the Vedado section of Havana. Even today, this restaurant is a legend in Havana, although it lacks the exquisite cuisine, the attention to details and most of a, the personality of the New Havana section of Miami. Juanito, with his humor and boundless energy still works from dawn to midnight ‑‑ and then some! He and Carmen are proud of their son Juanitocho, who manages the restaurant, their second son, Inaki a lawyer who has degrees in three different fields, and all their grandchildren. You can't keep good people down!

6th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1986 - Bakersfield, CA

FATHER JEAN‑PIERRE CACHENAUT
Spiritual Mentor to Basques in America

Jean‑Pierre Cachenaut was born in Oyhenartea, Iholdy, France on August 3, 1939. His father served as mayor of Iholdy from 1957 to 1966. Young Jean‑Pierre was educated in Hasparren, Dax and at the "Grand Seminère." In December 1965 he was ordained a priest at St. Palais. Before coming to the United States in 1977, he served for many years as village priest at St. Etienne de Baigorry and Anglet (near Bayonne). The U.S. Catholic Conference, under the leadership of Bishop Anthony Bevilacqua of Pittsburgh, sponsors Basque priests who will serve in this country. Father Cachenaut was one of these selected priests. Immediately upon his arrival, he became a true spiritual mentor to the Basques in the United States. His ability to uplift, to give hope and to ease suffering has been recognized and celebrated. Many times he traveled grueling distances from state to state meeting impossible deadlines and crises. Besides his daily chores and responsibilities, he always found time‑ to visit the sick and needy in rest homes and hospitals where ever he went. Basque Centers in all parts of the country insisted on his presence at their major events.

Father Cachenaut must now return to the country insisted on his presence at their major events. Father Cachenaut must now return to France. The Kern County Basque is trying to adjust to the idea that he will not be with them at Easter May Festival, the Anniversary of the Handball Court in November, Christmas Eve, and other important events. His has been a genuine commitment and he will be missed in America. He holds a unique place in the Basque Hall of Fame.

JOE GARAT
Southern California Basque Rancher (1890‑1951)

Joe Garat was born on September 2, 1890 in Ramona, San Diego County, California. He attended school in San Francisco and Business College near Riverside. During World War 1, he was involved in the construction of March Air Force Base at Riverside. Like many Basques in the western part of the United States, he went into sheep business. Especially during the two World Wars, when it was difficult to find competent sheepmen, Joe Garat found ingenious ways of bringing in desperately needed farm hands and sheepherders from the Basque Country.

He is honored for having taught the sheep business to so many and for encouraging the people he employed to buy land and animals. He was instrumental in helping to develop a vast agricultural area, now know as the "Inland Empire." As a man of vision, he was creative in his ability to incorporate modem techniques in the old business of sheep raising. In addition, he served as judge at local affairs and was one of the first members of the important "California Wool Growers Association" which has headquarters in San Francisco. Joe died on November 23, 195 1. His wife, Juanita who still lives in Riverside, will accept his award which he earned as a pioneer sheepman of Riverside County, California.

THOMAS IRIBARREN
Pioneer Sheepman of the San Joaquin Valley (1902)

Thomas Iribarren was born on July 31, 1902 in Arizcun, Navarra, Spain. He was the fourth of nine children. As a youth he would rather milk sheep than cows. When he was eighteen years old, he came to the United States on the ship "Camarima." Because the ship was in such a state of disrepair, the journey lasted two months. Consequently, he missed the lambing season for which he had been hired. He was out of a job, but fortunately, he was then hired by the only person he ever worked for, Francisco Aramberry. Because Tom was assiduous, responsible and honest, Aramberry set him up in business by giving him one‑third of a half business. Thomas Iribarren was grateful to his mentor and learned everything about the sheep business from him. When Aramberry died, Thomas developed his own business‑‑successfully!

He sold his business just before marrying Marie Jeanne Eyherabide. He took his bride to Spain to meet his family and to live there. But again, events changed the course of his life. The Spanish Civil War broke out within a month. Tom returned to the United States and for the next thirty years dedicated his life to being a sheepman. There were many dry years which were so disastrous that less persistent sheepmen gave up. Because the development of the sheep business was of major economic importance to the United States and because Thomas Iribarren was a pioneer sheep grower of San Joaquin Valley, he is recognized and honored.

FRANK MAITIA, SR.
Founding Father of Kern County Basque Club (1913)

Frank Maitia was born in 1913 in St. Jean de Port, came to America from France as a teenager. As was the custom among the Basque immigrants at that time, he became a sheepherder. Later, during World War H, he worked as an industrial mechanic. He fate changed when he married Louise Amestoy, a hotel‑restaurant owner's daughter. In a short time, this hard‑working young man was managing his father‑in‑law's Amestoy Hotel and Restaurant. Three years later he opened the Basque Cafe across the street. He only child, Frank Maitia, Jr. would work as "host and cashier and cleared tables and played the accordion and danced for customers." After several ventures, some profitable and some not , the Maitia's built their present restaurant in 1980.

Frank Maitia, Sr. is honored not only because here presents the talent and skills of Basque restaurateurs, but also because he is one of the founding fathers of the Kern County Basque Club. Besides knowing how to give excellent service and supporting the Basque Center, this energetic, proud and alert member of the Basque community has contributed to Basque identity. We are fortunate to have our 1986 Basque Hall of Fame at his beautiful restaurant.

5th ANNUAL OF FAME
October 1985 - Boise, ID

JUANITA UBERUAGA HORMAECHEA
Mentor and Teacher of the Boise Basque Dancers (1908)

The first woman to be enrolled in the Basque Hall of Fame is Juanita Uberuaga Hormaechea, a native of Boise. The contributions of Basque women in the development of this continent have yet to be recognized. Juanita, therefore, serves as a first step in making up for the oversight. Juanita first learned to dance at the Basque boarding houses at the age of twelve. The experience made an indelible impression, for it was here that she conceived the idea of starting ''jota classes." After graduation from St. Teresa's Academy she worked in Basque boarding houses and local department stores until she studied beauty culture. Besides working as a beautician for 46 years, she managed many roles: wife to Rufino, mother to Joane, housekeeper, cook and bottle washer. At the same time Juanita was teaching both children and adults the dances of the Basques. The "jota classes" developed into a genuine passion, and from that small beginning she became Chair of two great productions: "Song of the Basques"and "Basque Festival."

At the Oinkari Basque Dancers' 25th Reunion, young and old recognized her as mentor and role model. She was honored for her "love and devotion." As a charter member of Euzkaldunak of Boise, she was instrumental in the founding and development of the organization. Also, she was a delegate to N.A.B.O. This little woman, with her extraordinary bright personality, enthusiasm and energy has created an exciting internal life in the Basque community of Boise‑‑she leaves a rich legacy to the coming generations.

JOHN BASTIDA
Founding Father of the Boise Basque Center (1920)

A bad beginning often makes for a good ending. When Ramon and Petra sent their Boiseborn five‑year‑old son, John, to the first grade, he spoke fluent Basque, but not a word of English. He failed the first grade! After two years in the first grade and a series of fights defending himself with a much dented lard "lunch" pail labeled "Red Rose," he learned English and steeled himself for the oncoming hard years.

John’s father had bought a farm and an interest in a sheep company where John learned very early about life in the mountains with camp tenders and herders. Unfortunately, his mother died when John was six years old. When his father sold his farm and his share of the sheep business in order to return to the Basque country, the local Basque mothers persuaded him to leave John and his younger sister in Boise to be cared for by friends and relatives. After his father returned from the Basque country and after John graduated from high school, he continued working for his father.

During World War II he joined the Corp of Engineers and served in Australia and New Guinea building airports, docks and roads. In 1945, after marrying Betty and getting a discharge as Captain, here tumed to Boise and started a dirt‑moving construction business in which he was engaged for 17 years. He served in a variety of public offices: Ada County Commissioner, Ada County Clerk of Courts, N.A.B.O. delegate, numerous Governor's Task Forces, etc. It was in the year 1948 that a group of friends met to find "Gudia‑Echea," a place of our own in Boise. After many heated discussions, a lot was purchased from the Uberuaga family on 6th and Grove Street‑‑the present location of the Boise Basque Center. John was involved in every arduous phase, from raising money to actual physical work in excavation and even donating the use of his own equipment. Today "Gudia‑Echea," Euzkaldunak, Inc., of Boise. John was elected President of Euzkaldunak four times‑‑a recognition by the Boise Basques of John's contribution!

JOHN B. ARCHABAL
Outstanding Sheepman of the American West (1873‑1945)

One of the stories they tell of John Archabal reveals the nature of the man. It seems that after he made his fortune as a sheep man, he would drive to his barber in a beautiful Buick touring car. "Do you realize how many haircuts I would have to give for the rest of my life and I still couldn't afford that car?" said the barber. "Take the car and in return give me a lifetime of your services," answered Archabal. The stunned barber agreed. He became the new owner of the car and John enjoyed a lifetime of free haircuts given with special care and attention.

John Archabal was adolescent when he came to America from the Basque Country. He was a poor youth coming to Boise for better opportunities. Unfortunately the steamer on which he was making the trip across the Atlantic met with disaster; 25 people drowned, but he was saved. The vessel that picked him up kept him at sea for 36 months before he got off at Galveston, Texas. With no clothes, except those on his back, and broke, he headed for Boise. But by mistake he ended up in San Francisco, California, where he stayed until he contacted someone in Boise who sent him money for the trip to Boise. He was then 20 years old and he worked as a ranch hand and sheepherder until he could buy interest in a sheep business. By his early forties he had purchased the entire ranch and in good years could count 30,000 sheep on his ranch. He married Benita Aldecoa and had 6 children: Hazel, John, Matilda, Fidel, Juanita, and Daniel.

In 1929 he originated the Sheepherders Ball, which was held every year till 1950. It was an extraordinary fund raising event that made possible generous donations to the Red Cross, Children's Home, hospitals and other organizations. Five years after John's death in 1945, John's son‑in‑law, Zenon Isaquire, announced that the Ball would be discontinued as it has "served its purpose." A great tradition had come to an end. John Archabal, humanitarian and outstanding sheepman, serves as a monument for Basque Sheepherders who were so important to the well‑being of this nation.

4th ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1984 - Elko, NV

PEDRO ALTUBE
Father of Basques in the American West

Pedro Altube was born in the small village of Oñate in the Spanish Basque Province of Guipuzcoa. At the age of 18, he sailed from Bilbao to Buenos Aires to join his brothers. Five years after, Pedro left to join in the California Gold Rush. Soon after, with his brother Bernardo, he ran a dairy in San Mateo and it was here that Pedro was nicknamed "Palo Alto" probably in deference to his 6'8" stature. Five years later, Pedro established "Altube & Co." In Santa Barbara County and ran cattle on the Rancho La Laguna.

After suffering tremendous losses from the severe floods and drought that destroyed the livestock industry, Pedro joined Bernardo and purchased 3,000 head of cattle in Mexico and drove them north. In the Spring of 1871, they arrived in Independence Valley where they found their "Spanish Ranch."

The Altube brothers established their empire when they were in their forties. They built a thriving cattle kingdom, but on the disastrous winter of 1889‑1890 they were wiped out. By then, they were in their sixties. Pedro, with characteristic determination, convinced Bernardo to start again. "God took away from us, but God will give it back to us. We will do better the second time and in a few years we will be worth a million pesos." They did just that. Pedro and his wife, Marie, had seven daughters ‑‑ four of whom lived to maturity. In August 1905 Pedro Altube died. He always managed to keep ties with his family in Euzkadi, Buenos Aires and in the United States. His descendants take great pride in their inheritance; Carol Hovey (Pedro's descendent) has just published a book tracing the Altubes as they journeyed from the Pyrenees to the Pampas to the Pacific Coast; George Alvisio‑Altube (Bernardo's descendent) is presently researching the Altube family in Buenos Aires.

DOMINGO ANSOTEGUI
Self‑Taught Musician of Oinkari Basque Dancers (1913‑1984)

Domingo Ansotegui was born on a ranch at McDermitt, Nevada on June 23, 1913. His parents, Santiago "Txarrdio" Ansotegui and Gregoria Gabica had come from the basque country for a better life. Domingo's father got his nickname as a young man because he was an outstanding wood chopper and weight lifter. Domingo, on the other hand, was a sickly child. An operation in infancy caused him great discomfort all his life, but he never allowed his handicap to deter him from leading an active and productive life. After grade school, he was offered a choice: high school or sheepherding. He chose sheepherding! he was only fourteen at the time, but he continued as a sheepherder for nine years. It was a lonely life and to entertain himself he played the button accordion. This self‑taught musician was soon composing jotas and porru saldas. Only later in life did he take a few accordion and drum lessons. Sometime around 1948 the Basque community realized the importance of preserving Basque traditions and started teaching Basque songs and dances to children and young adults. Out of this effort the Boise performance of the "Song of Basque" was created. Domingo was one of the musicians for this event.

Domingo, in spite of his handicap, served in the U.S. Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge and a medal of honor. In 1950 he married Dorothy Inchausti. They produced five children: Bonnie, Christi, Gina, Dan and Toni. Domingo, his children and grandchildren became loyal members of the Oinkari Basque Dancers. Although he received many honors, he remained a modest man, always going "that extra mile" for family and friends. His name is synonymous with the Oinkari Basque Dancers.

DOMINIQUE LAXALT
Pioneer Spirit of Basque Sheepherders in America (1887‑1971)

"These were then men of leather and bronze who had been rich as barons one day and broke and working for wages next, who had ridden big and powerful horses, and who had met in the lonely desert and talked a while, hunkering over a sagebrush fire and a blackened coffeepot, and, even though they had battled with life, they had learned to accept it, because they had learned first to bow their heads to the winter blizzards and the desert sun. And my father was one of them." Sweet Promised Land by Robert Laxalt, Harper and Row, 1957. Dominique Laxalt in his lifetime became the legendary prototype of the basque immigrant who came to the American West in the great migration of the early 1900s. Born in the Basque province of Zhiberoa (Soule) France, Dominique was the youngest of nine children. As a youth of 18, he joined two brothers in the United States. He worked first as a ranch hand, then a wild horse breaker in remote deserts of northwestern Nevada. During this period of his life, a western historian wrote, 'Dominique Laxalt was a dark, arrow straight young man ... a superb horseman ... who was loved by everyone.' Dominique became a sheepherder. Working for sheep, instead of wages, he built his own band of sheep. He and his partners formed the massive Allied Land and Livestock Co. which owned hundreds of miles of grazing land in Nevada and California.

In 1921, Dominique met and married Therese Alpetche who was born in Basse‑Navarre, France. Soon after their marriage, disaster struck. The Allied operation went broke in the livestock depression of the 1920s. Dominique and Therese bought a small Basque hotel in Carson City. When the hotel prospered, Dorninique went back into the sheep business. Therese bore the responsibility of raising six children ‑‑ all to become distinguished! The eldest son, Paul, an attorney, served first as Lt. Governor and the Governor of Nevada. He is now a powerful United States Senator. The second son, Robert, is a distinguished author whose works have been published in a number of countries. Two other sons, John and Peter, are attorneys. The eldest daughter, Suzanne, is a retired nun who is active in Las Vegas community affairs and one of the organizers of the Las Vegas Basque Festival. Marie, is a schoolteacher in California. Dominique Laxalt, the tall, quiet man who however wanted to be a legend is now placed in the Basque Hall of Fame. His wife, Therese, shares the honors with him.

3rd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1983 - Queens, NY

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF EUZKO‑ETXEA OF NEW YORK

JOSE ALTUNA (“GUIPUTZ”)
Officer and Member of the Original Basque Center of New York (1892‑1974)

One of the unsung heroes of the New York Basque Center is Jose Altuna, affectionately called "Guiputz" because he had come from Guipuzkoa. For several decades he filled the post of Collector of dues for Centro Vasco Americano of New York, visiting each member personally, making each visit a social occasion while collecting dues, giving news of the Basque community, keeping accurate accounts, and filling the coffers of the Basque Center. it was a thankless task, and not until he retired was he recognized as the key to Centro Vasco's financial success. Guiputz was an intense, lean and wiry man whose concern for the Basque Community took him to visits with the sick in their homes and in hospitals in all the boroughs of New York, Long Island and surrounding areas. Born in Mondragon, Guipuzkoa on September 29, 1892 (one of ten children) he started working as a young lad in a "charcuteria" (a pork sausage store) in Bilbao. Before he was 18, he met and fell in love with Theresa Urquidi of Marquina, who was working at the Carmelite Convent, also in Bilbao.

In 1910, Jose decided to come to America, promising Teresa that he would work hard, save his money and send for her so that they could get married in the promised land. In spite of her mother's insistence that an aunt accompany Teresa, Jose, who was a man of his word, made good his promise. They were married in New York at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe on 14th Street, soon after she arrived. They had ten children, nine still living: Maria, Juanita, Nicolas, Laureno, Juan, Joseph, Teresa, Lucy and Mercedes. Besides being an assiduous dues‑collector, Jose's claim to fame is that he was one of the original thirteen founding fathers of the original Basque Center of New York. A special note of recognition and gratitude is due Teresa Urquidi, an extraordinarily energetic woman she raised her nine children with such competence that her husband was able to hold a job with the New York transportation system for over fifty years and to devote his time to Centro Vasco.

It was a daily routine for Guiputz to visit a member of the Center after work each day. His children remember that on Saturday morning he would treat them to the local movie theater where the admission was only a nickel. On Sundays, it was not unusual to see him with Teresa and the children visiting members and collecting dues. Jose Altuna is awarded a special place on the Basque Honor Roll: he performed an unrewarding labor of love, daily and persistently. He made it possible for the Basques to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Euzko‑Etxea of New York in the year 1983.

PETE T. CENARRUSA
Statesman, Public Servant, and Secretary of State of Idaho (1917)

Born in Carey, Idaho on December 16, 1917 to Basque parents from Vizcaya. His father, Joe Cenarruzabeitia, came from Munditibar and his mother, Ramona Gardoqui, came from Guernica. Pete T. Cenarrusa, one of five children, learned the Basque language at home. Pete speaks Basque fluently today. His father, first a sheepherder, became a sheep ranch owner. Pete, today, runs that same ranch which his father started 70 years ago. Cenarrusa graduated from the University of Idaho. An outstanding athlete, he was a member of the first University of Idaho National Collegiate championship boxing team in 1940 and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He taught at the local high schools before enlisting as a Marine fighter pilot in World War II He flew Corsairs and later Cougars. He retired with the rank of Major after the War. In 1974, he married Freda Coates; they have one son, Joe Cenarrusa, a flyer and successful businessman.

Peter Cenarrusa was elected to the Idaho Legislature in 1950 as State Representative and served nine consecutive biennial terms, three of them as Speaker of the House of Representatives. On May 1, 1967, he was appointed as Secretary of State. He served out that four‑year term and has been elected to four additional four‑year terms. He has served as Secretary of State longer than any other same office holder in Idaho's history. During the past two State‑wide elections for Secretary of State in 1978 and 1982, he received more votes than any other candidate for State‑wide election. During his public life he has built a reputation for fairness and sincerity; Cenarrusa has become a household name in Idaho.

Cenarrusa is a member of the Boise Euzkaldunak Basque organization. During the turbulent Franco time, he traveled extensively in Europe and South America to gain support for the Basque people. He wrote a strongly worded Resolution to Congress and engineered its unanimous passage by the Idaho Legislature in 1970 during Franco's suppression of the Basques in Spain. This resolution pressed for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of Man and for a total general Amnesty to be extended to all Basques and Spaniards imprisoned by Franco for their political and social activities.

Mr. Cenarrusa has been a member of the Human Rights Commission of Idaho since 1970, a member of the Board of Directors of Sacred Heart Catholic School Foundation, Board Member of the American Cancer Society and the Elks. In addition to his amazing record as a Public Servant, Peter has been awarded some unusual honors: Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame, Idaho Republican Administrator Hall of Fame, Idaho Division of Aeronautics award for flying over a quarter of a century and more than two million miles without any accident. Peter has filled many roles, each with integrity and sincerity. He is honored for providing a model for Basques and non‑Basques to emulate.

FATHER FRANCISCO DE MADINA
Internationally Celebrated Musician and Composer (1907‑1972)

Father Francisco de Madina was born Oñate on January 29, 1907 and died on June 30, 1972. From childhood he studied music and composition in Oñate, and later in Burgos, where he also studied philosophy and theology in a seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1929, and in 1931 was sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There he continued his musical studies and organized the celebrated chorus known as "lagun Onak". Father Madina remained in Argentina until 1958 during which time he composed many compositions for orchestra and voice, which were recorded by outstanding soloists, including the eminent harpist, Nicanor Zableta. He was awarded special recognition for several Christmas songs. His last years in Argentina were spent as Rector of the "Colegio Begrano del Salta" in the northern part of the country.

After leaving Argentina, he came to Albany, New York, on a musical grant. During his residence there, he wrote an oratory called ARANTZAZU, taking forits libretto parts of a work written by Father Salvador Mitxelena. The oratory was first performed at the University of Oñate, and then in San Sebastian and Bilbao.

During a three year sojourn in Oñate, Father Madina completed another work called ONATI which was an encomium to his native city. Following the success of his writings in Euzkadi, Father Madina decided to return again to the United States. In New York he completed two important compositions for guitar and orchestra called Concierto Vasco and CONCIERTO ANDALUZ. The former was premiered in 1970 in San Francisco by the orchestra of that city, which was led by Arthur Fiedler, and was presented afterwards by other prominent orchestras throughout the country. The latter composition was premiered in Hawaii, and later at "Wolf Trap" in Washington, D.C. by the noted Andre Kostelanetz and the National Symphony Orchestra. In addition to hearing both of these "concert" in the locations mentioned, "Town Hall", "Lincoln Center," and "Hunter College" have also been centers for the presentation of several of Father Madina's compositions.

In addition, Father Madina wrote studies on Basque music, recorded works for Phillips and other studios in Spain. On a social level, he became very active in Basque functions in New York and elsewhere. One of his closet friends was the Lendakari Aguirre. Besides his musical achievements, Father Madina served as a commentator on "Voice of America" broadcasts in Art and Music. We celebrate Father Madina's contributions to basque culture through his incontrovertible success as a composer of international reputation.

2nd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1982 - Milford, CT

VALENTIN AGUIRRE
Founding Father of the New York Basque Center (1871‑1953)

Valentin Aguirre, born on Monte Sollube near Busturia, Biscay, left his home at the age of 10, when his father died. As a child he started to work on Spanish ships making trips to Cuba, South America and New York ports. He settled in New York in 1895 working as a stoker on tug boats and on the Staten Island Ferry. He even took a Civil Service exam in 1897, in English, passed it and qualified to work on the New York City boats.

He was sent by a friend to ask for Benita Orbe's hand in marriage, but when he saw the 18year old beauty, he decided to marry her himself They were married in 1901. They had eight children: Lucy, Antonia, Thomas, John, Valentina, Anita, Peter and Mary. About 1905, Valentin, with five other Basque men would meet in the basement of a house on Water Street in the downtown area of New York and, from the oral history of our Basque elders, we learn that they initiated the Basque Center which was formalized by a charter of thirteen Basques in 1913. The meeting place was changed to Cherry Street. The charter was drafted by Fiorello La Guardia, a young attorney who later became Mayor of New York.

Valentin and Benita (who was an exceptionally good cook) operated a boarding house on Cherry Street. Soon Valentin was helping Basque immigrants with travel arrangements. His reputation became known in the American West, Latin America, and in the Basque Country. It wasn't long before he moved to 82 Bank Street where he combined the Santa Lucia Hotel with the Valentin Aguirre Travel Agency and the renowned Jai Alai Restaurant. He made contacts with shipping and travel agents in all parts of the world where basques traveled. He knew about job opportunities and made arrangements for Basques who were looking for work. Virtually every Old World Basque who was traveling to the West Coast ate a good meal and spent comfortable nights at Valentin's. To this day the people in the West remember how he made travel arrangements for them by pinning instructions on the txapela or lapel. Valentin Aguirre was the guide and support of the center which is today Euzko Etxea of New York. Basques in all of the Americas owe a debt of gratitude to Valentin for extending his hand when they needed help in an alien world.

JOSE MARI IPARRAGUIRRE
Poet, Musician and Composer of Gernika'ko Arbola

Jose Mari lparraguirre, often called "the last of the Basque bards," was born in 1820 in the small village of Villareal de Urrechua, (Guipuzcoa), where his parents owned a pastry shop. At an early age he studied Latin, perhaps with an intent to become a priest. Later he studied in Vitoria and Madrid, but in 1833 he took up arms to support the Carlists at the outbreak of the first Civil War. Inspired by the sound of a guitar, lparraguirre soon began to learn to play the instrument and compose notes and songs for it. After the war, he traveled abroad to France, Italy, and England. In 1851 he returned to Spain to devote his full attention to music as an expression of the patriotic spirit of his countrymen. Two years later at the Café San Luis he made public for the first time, the "Gernikako Arbola" which won immediate acceptance and popularity by all Basques as their national hymn of independence and freedom.

Because of widespread political turmoil in Spain during the second Carlists War, Iparraguirre emigrated to Uruguay in 1859, where he married Maria Anegles Querejeta of Guipuzcoa. They had eight children. In South America he continued to write songs and verses for his music, all of which paid homage to Euskalerria as well as to Spain. His themes convey the ideas of universality, of fraternity, and of human co‑existence. Sixty‑one years after his birth, Iparraguirre died in 1881 in Ichaso, near his native town. In 1890 a large statue was erected in his memory at Villarea, and his guitar is protected under glass at the "Casa de Juntas" in Guernica.

JUAN ESTANISLAU MAIZTEGUI (“PISTON”)
Sportsman and Pelotari

Juan Estanislau Maiztegui (Piston) was born on December 17, 1912 in Motrico, Guipuzcoa. He made his first professional appearance in Madrid at the age of 9. Since then his outstanding performance as a pelotari is documented in the frontons of Cienfuegos, Barcelona, Madrid, Mexico, New Orleans, New York, Havana and Miami. His record is exceptional; he was a professional pelotari for 40 years; a star Pelotari for 30 years; and a "Primer Delantero" of the World for 20 years. For 18 consecutive years he starred in the Jai Alai Fronton of Havana. where he was honored on the day he played his 100th game.

Piston retired in 1955, having play 1225 consecutive games in the same Fronton, a record without precedent! jai Alai games at that time were partidos as played in Euzkadi. They required much greater endurance and skill. He has received many honors but the greatest was in August 1966, in a homage offered by his hometown; he was declared "Favorite son of Motrico" by the Ayuntamiento (Town Council). At the present time he is attending the World Championship Competition of Pelota Vasca in Mexico as a Representative of the International Federation of Pelota and President of the Amateur Association of Jai Alai in the U.S. Piston is one of the greatest pelotaris of the World.

1st ANNUAL HALL OF FAME
October 1981 – Milford,CT

JOSE ANTONIO DE AGUIRRE LECUBE
Lehendakari, Statesman and Author (1904‑1960)

José Antonio de Aguirre Lecube, born in Bilbao, studied Law at the Universities of Deusto and Valladolid. In his youth he was known as a sportsman, a fine "pelota" player and an outstanding soccer player. After the creation of the Republic, he became the most outstanding leader of the Basque Parliamentary Group in the Republic Parliament, and, finally, President of the Autonomous Government of the Basque Country.

Aguirre was living in exile in Paris at the outbreak of World War 11. He told in his book Escape via Berlin (De Guernica a Nueva York pasando por Berlin), the dramatic episodes of his Odyssey, fleeing from the Gestapo, which took him to Germany, to Sweden and to the United States where President Roosevelt granted him diplomatic refuge. While in the United States, he was a professor at Columbia University. At the invitation of the U.S. Department of State he attended the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945, as President of the Basque Government‑in‑exile.

Aguirre sought to unify Basques and to preserve Basque heritage. So strong was his faith in his people and his understanding of freedom of choice, that he insisted "The Government over which I preside serves Democracy. Let every one of you make use of his personal liberty to decide." His work on his book "History of the Basques," commissioned by Columbia University, was interrupted by his untimely death. Such was the man we are honoring today.

YON ONATIBIA AUDELA
Musician, Professor and Author (1911‑1979)

Educated in Zaragoza, Spain, as a lawyer, Yon Oñatibia. left his native Oyaruzun (Gipuzcoa) at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War to travel to New York (by way of Venezuela). Under his direction a presentation of Basque music and dances called EUZKADI was seen by large audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America. In 1954 he recorded "Folkways and Songs," a record of regional songs and "txistu" music. From 1951 to 1963 he served as Delegate of the Basque Government‑in‑exile in New York.

Beginning in 1963, until the time of his tragic death in an automobile accident, Yon Oñatibia was instrumental in teaching "Euskera," not only to Basques, but to foreign students as well. He gave classes on radio, and T.V., in newspapers, and in various academies in Spain, as well as at the University of Boise and the University of Reno. He published famous, Euskera irrati bidez, a textbook which to date has had 10 editions printed, and is currently used in Euzkadi and in the United States.

Yon Oñatibia, indefatigable worker, composed numerous pieces for txistu, piano, organ and orchestra. This galvanic man of letters, music and songs of his Basque people will be remembered by Americans from Canada to Latin America for his exemplary contributions to the Basque culture and civilization.

PEDRO MIR
Pelotari and Father of Jai‑Alai in America

Pedro Mir, born in Havana, Cuba, on June 29, 1910, played his first professional game at the age of 13 at the Cienfuegos Fronton in Cuba. He was playing at the Hialeah Fronton in Florida at the age of 14 and continued playing at the prominent Frotons in North and South America. By the age of 23 he was player‑manager, matchmaker, chief judge, translator and the only Jai‑Alai player‑manager in the United States. In 1975, after 42 years of faithful and continuous service, he retired from his position as player‑manager and matchmaker.

Pedro Mir is recognized as an outstanding pelotari, sportsman, and promoter of Jai‑Alai in America. He has developed the game as well as the players. He is commended for making Jai‑Alai known on this continent as a game of speed, grace and agility. His accolades come from fellow pelotaris both young and old, from Frontons such as Guernica, Marquina, and Mexico, and from organizations such as the U.S. Amateur Jai‑Alai Association, the City of Coral Gables, and the Jai-Alai Association of America. "My aim," says Mr. Mir, "is the keep Jai‑Alai honest, authentic and beautiful." Pedro Mir, known as Mr. Jai‑Alai, is loved and respected by fans, pelotaris and managers. Jai‑Alai in America has been touched by the hand of Pedro Mir.