Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Basque Hotel
[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 near 36° 43.883′ N, 119° 47.75′ W. Marker was in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. Marker was at the intersection of Mariposa Street and F Street, on the left when traveling north on Mariposa Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1102 F Street, Fresno CA 93706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Kogetsu-Do (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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); Lao Hmong American War Memorial (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 1937 completing its transition to a Basque community favorite.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,923 times since then and 110 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.