Basque Cultural Center Traditional Cache
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Until the 50s there was on Pacific Avenue a “cancha” that was torn down in 1957 to build an apartment house.
Basque Club’s Project: Basque Club members worried when this pelota court was demolished. Later those players obtained authorization to play against the back wall of an apartment building on a tennis court at the Helen Wills Playground located at Broadway and Larkin Streets. Following the games the crowd, including women and children went to lunch at the Des Alpes Restaurant.
Helen Playground Fronton Torn Down: In 1979 the temporary fronton wall was torn down for building reconstruction and once again our “pelotaris” were without the indispensable court to play the traditional game. The situation was more dramatic than before because these very determined players had trained numerous youngsters. It was bad news, but Ganix was surprisingly optimistic saying, “Maybe it is not so bad because that could push us to build our own fronton.”
Newborn Corporation: As soon as we found out the cost of building a fronton, it seemed wiser to shelter also under the same roof a restaurant that could raise money to reimburse the necessary loans.
In the beginning of 1981, a groundbreaking ceremony took place and construction work began immediately
The construction work moved steadily. There was an unbelievable enthusiasm among the members who donated their time during the week to realize the dream of their own clubhouse. At the end of 1981, the walls and fronton were raised up and we had a roof. Impatient pelota players could not wait for scaffolding to be pulled down so they could throw some balls against the walls.
Restaurant Will Be Open To The Public: At this point the Board of Directors made the move to open the Basque Cultural Center restaurant to the general public.
February 14, 1982: The opening of the Center was scheduled for the 14th of February 1982. It was the most beautiful day of our lives. “Our own place” opened its doors to its members and families. It is difficult to describe the joy and emotion shown on the faces, provoking some tears to roll down them. The dream that persevered 20 long years finally came through. We, Basques in America, had our own house “Gure Etxea” with a fronton. It was a marvelous feeling.
Restaurant Opening: The opening day of the restaurant and bar to the general public was supposed to be on Monday, February 22, 1982. From the first day, the business boomed.
March 27th and 28th, 1982: These were the upcoming important dates: the inauguration of the Center. For the opening ceremony, the Mayor and officials of the City of South San Francisco were present. The “Klika” (bugle corp) resonated their instruments for the parade. Dancers in great number (smaller then taller) marched in front followed by the “Elgarrekin” singers, the “txistularis” (flute players), and last the “Yoko Garbi” pelota players who had come from the Basque Country. All the performers, in their respective colorful uniforms, circled the parking lot. Franxoa Bidaurreta in his “makilari” costume, slowly and solemnly raised both tri-colored American and Basque flags while the spectators sang both national anthems with great joy and pride. The atmosphere was so respectful, emotional and deep that tears rolled down many faces. Speeches were pronounced by the Mayor, Marcel Biscay and President Jean Gorostiague who then cut the red ribbon in the midst of warm applause. The Klika played some favorite tunes and the dancers executed their most beautiful dances accompanied by the txistu and accordion to the public’s delight.
Planting The Oak Tree: The most moving moment of the event was certainly when Carlos Urrutia brought in his wheelbarrow a young oak tree that he made sprout from a seed cropped from the Gernika oak tree. He planted it at the corner of “Euskal Etxea.” Everyone sang in unison the national anthem “Gernikako Arbola.” In a festive mood, we entered the fronton to watch the handball games respectively bare hand, with chistera, and paleta cuero. Immediately after the last game, a group of strong men set tables and chairs on the court to seat 900 persons. A BBQ steak dinner was served and afterwards in the banquet room a ball began featuring the local orchestras of Alain Erdozaincy/Robert Iriartborde, and Alain/Maurice Negueloua with happy yells from the youngsters who danced non-stop. Meanwhile volunteers were busy organizing the court for the next day’s Mass.
Note: 1/25/09 Moved the placement & increased the difficulty. Next find can claim FTF. Will add a clue after first 5 finds. Requires stealth!
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Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntarg.