First Advisor

Gordon Dodds

Term of Graduation

Spring 1990

Date of Publication

5-11-1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in History

Department

History

Language

English

Subjects

Basque women -- Oregon -- Burns, Hotels -- Oregon -- Burns, Basques -- Oregon -- Burns -- History

DOI

10.15760/etd.5856

Physical Description

1 online resource (2, v, 84 pages)

Abstract

The migration of the Basques to the Pacific Northwest at the turn of the century was due to a number of factors including economic, cultural and political. The Basques constitute a distinct ethnic group from northern Spain and southern France, whose origins have not yet been determined by historical, linguistic, or archaeological studies. From ancient times, the Basques have fought to maintain their cultural identity and political freedom against invaders, developing in this struggle a strong sense of racial group solidarity. The lack of opportunity for advancement and the obligation to serve in the military were added reasons for the journey to America, as an alternative to political and cultural oppression.

The Basque migration to the Northwest was, in addition, an extension of the Latin American sheep industry which had been contracting Basques as immigrant herders. Many of the Basques who migrated to Oregon had never tended a herd of sheep in their lives but the most accessible opportunities for economic advancement were within the confines of this particular industry. By the 1920s the Northwest sheep industry was dominated by the Basque immigrants. To accommodate and serve this growing population, Basque boarding houses began to appear and were instrumental in the growth of towns in eastern Oregon, such as Burns. The establishments were managed and maintained primarily by immigrant Basque women who were responsible or the marketing, cooking, cleaning and the extensive bookkeeping involved. The boarding houses became the means for the maintenance of Basque cultural identity, providing a locus for the practice of traditional Basque customs and language.

The focus of this study is on the women who managed these establishments and who, until now, have been left out of the historical record. Interviews with these women, their families and associates created a large body of primary historical evidence that clearly shows the importance and contribution of Basque women to the growth of towns in eastern Oregon and to the maintenance of the ancient Basque culture.

Rights

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22664

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