Chinatown in Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Basque Hotel
Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 2, 2010
1. The Basque Hotel Marker
To the left of the entrance, this stone refers to the Basque community in Fresno.
[Marker mounted to the left of the entrance door.]
This building is the first Basque Hotel built near the Central Pacific Railroad lines that brought many new immigrants to Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley.
It was one of several establishments that catered to Basque settlers and their families in the valley. The combined hotel, restaurant, bar and handball court soon became a center of cultural activity for the Basque community in Fresno County and other parts of the valley. The good food combined with the familiar and friendly atmosphere soon attracted customers from the general population of Fresno as well.
[Marker mounted to the right of the entrance door.]
This period revival structure was designed by Master Architect Eugene Mathewson and constructed in 1922. This structure was placed on the local Official Register of Historic Resources in 1996.
Erected 2010 by Jim Savage Chapter 1852, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It was also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it was in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Site of the First Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association & Kong Chow Temple (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kogetsu-Do (about 800 feet away); China Alley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Green Bush Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of the Fresno Free Speech Fight (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Saroyan (approx. half a mile away); Fresno County Courthouse (approx. half a mile away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fresno.
More about this marker. The original doorway was on F Street, thus the address was 1102 F Street, but the doorway used for the bar and restaurant is now on the Mariposa Street side of the building.
Regarding The Basque Hotel. Originally built for a banker, the building was soon converted to a restaurant. The first tennant after being converted was a French Basque immigrant. The handball court was added in
Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 2, 2010
2. The Basque Hotel Official Register of Historic Resources Marker
To the right of the entrance, this stone refers to the building being placed on the Official Register of Historic Resources.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, circa about 1955
3. Matchbook Cover of The Basque Hotel
This is how the building looked in the 1950's as shown on a matchbook cover from that era.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, February 10, 2010
4. The Basque Hotel
The Mariposa Street entrance can be seen flanked by both stone markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 3,277 times since then and 129 times this year. Last updated on March 10, 2017, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 5, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
