Tales from the Past.... An Oral History Project
The following oral history interviews have been placed on this website and are available for viewing by the general public. We thank these individuals and their families for their time and willingness to tell us their stories. All of these stories provide an insight into this wonderful community of immigrants. In order to view more information about each person, please click on their name and the link will take you to their individual page with information about themselves and their family. You can launch the video from their individual page or just click on the "Video" link after each section and it will take you directly to the video. We are utilizing Vimeo in order to bring you these interviews. Enjoy!!
Bert Aphessetche (b. 1936): Bert was born in Uhart-Cize, France. He joined his brothers in California in 1956 and learned to milk cows. He later became involved in the scaffolding business with his brother Pete and Peyo and was the owner of Orange County Scaffolding for many years. He has been a past president of the Chino Basque Club and was instrumental in the acquisition of property and the building of the clubhouse. He married Daniel Minvielle in 1966 and they have 3 children. The couple currently resides in Anaheim. Video
Danielle (Minvielle) (b. 1944): Danielle was born in Oloron-Sainte-Marie in the Bearn region of France. She became a teacher who was working in St. Jean Pied de Port when she met Bert Aphessetche who was on vacation from California. They married in 1966 and moved to Anaheim where they raised their three children. They currently reside in Anaheim.Video
Xavier Aphessetche (b. 1932): Xavier was born in Irissarry, France. He was one of eight children plus an additional four step sisters. He came to California after serving in the French army (and the Algerian War) in 1957; he was 25 years of age. He learned to milk cows and soon after purchased his first dairy. Xavier married Therese Paris from St. Jean Pied de Port in 1962 at St. Margaret Marys Church in Chino. Xavier built a handball Trinketa (four wall court) on his dairyland in the 1980s. They would have two daughters who in turn gave them five grandchildren. Therese passed away in 2004 and Xavier in 2019.Video
Raymond Bachoc (b. 1930): Raymond was born in the house of Mehaberria in the French Basque village of Irissarry. He immigrated to California with his cousin Manech Bachoc to join his brothers Henri and Pello who were already here. He initially worked as a sheepherder but later was attracted to the dairy business. He has been a successful dairyman in the Chino area for many years and also very involved with the Chino Basque Club. He had 6 children (5 daughters and one son), 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He continues to live in Ontario on his dairy. Video
Monique (Elgart) Berterretche (b. 1931): Monique was born in the town of Ispoure, France. She married her husband, Peyo in the Basque Country in 1953 and stayed there one and a half years. In 1956 they decided to come to the United States (Buffalo, Wyoming) and by the end of 1956 they moved to Chino. In 1970, the Berterretches bought the Centro Basco in Chino and to this day it is run by the family. They raised their 5 children in Chino and Monique continues to reside there in retirement.Video
Henry Bidegain (b. 1914): Henry was born on his parents dairy in Los Angeles County in 1914. His parents Jean Bidegain of Jaxu and Eugenie Uharriet from Les Aldudes were early Basque immigrants to Southern California. The parents returned to France in 1921 when Henry was 7 years old. They lived in Les Aldudes and raised their 6 children there. Henry immigrated to the United States as an adult when he was 21 years old and spent much of his career in the dairy business and later had his own gardening business. Henry was well known in the local Basque community for his love of mus and for his exceptional memory with the ability to tell many historical stories. He died in Burbank in 2003 at the age of 89.Video
Michelle Anne (Mutuberria) Buberge (b. 1940): Michelle Anne was born to Michel and Marie (Etchart) Mutuberria who were both Basque immigrants from Urepel, France. They were married in Chino and lived there, raising two daughters, Suzanne and Michelle Anne. Their mother never asked them to do anything nor did she expect them to do anything EXCEPT go on to college. That was a MUST. Consequently, Suzanne would graduate from Stanford and Michelle Anne graduated from UCLA. Michelle would go on to become a teacher. Today Michelle lives part-time in Claremont and part-time in Alaska. She has two sons and two grandchildren. Video
Isidore Camou (b. 1939): Isidore was born in the village of Isturits but later the family moved to Irissarry where he spent much of his youth. He joined his brother Joseph in Southern California and worked in the dairy business for many years. He returned to France and married Marie Claire Bidegaray of Osses in 1965 but they decided to make their home in Southern California. In 1976, the couple purchased the Farm House Motel in Riverside and worked together there with their children until retirement. They have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. The couple have been very involved in the Chino Basque Club since it started and there is rarely a club event that they aren't working. They currently reside in Chino and spend time visiting their family in San Francisco and Bakersfield. Video
Martin and Leona (Merlier) Cihigoyenetche (b. 1926): Martin Cihigoyenetche was born in Arneguy, a border town in the Basque country between France and Spain. After serving in the French Army in Vietnam for 3 years, he came to California in 1952 to join his uncles in Chino, the Chilibolost brothers. Martin married his wife Leona Merlier (b. 1923), an immigrant from Belguim in 1952 in Lakewood. They raised two sons, Yves and Jean in Chino while operating their businesses. Martin and Leona loved to tell stories of the past and could always bring a smile and laugh to everyone. They retired to Ontario where Martin passed away in 2006 and Leona in 2017.Video
Catherine (Irigoyen) Dourisboure (b. 1909): Catherine was born in the town of Gamarthe in France. She was interviewed at the age of 95 when she reminisced about her youth, going to New York to be with her sister at the age of 16 in 1926. The two sisters then went on to Santa Barbara to continue their work as domestics. She married Michel Dourisboure in 1931 and would raise 5 children in the Burbank area.Video
Martin and Lois (Warren) Echito (b. 1918): Martin (Marty) Echito was born in Chino, California in 1918. His parents, Alejandro and Petra (Errotaberea) Echito were from Eugui, Spain. He met his wife, Lois Warren (born 1919 in Kansas), in high school. They would have their own insurance agency and raised 3 sons. He was a first year member of the Chino Basque Club and a long time member of Rotary. This interview was conducted for their 65th wedding anniversary. Martin passed away in 2014 and Lois in 2012.Video
Errecalde sisters: (Jeanne Plaa b. 1925 and Noeline Mocho b. 1931): The Errecalde sisters are the daughters of Basque immigrants Jean Errecalde and Jeanne Urruty who settled in Norwalk, California Their parents farmed and had a dairy in the Norwalk area where they were raised. Jeanne married Michel Plaa and Noeline married Jean Mocho and together they ran the Mocho & Plaa dairy for many years in Norwalk and later in Mira Loma where they also raised their children. Video
Etchart sisters: (Noeline Magistro b. 1922 and Arlette McGurty b. 1926): The Etchart sisters are the daughters of Basque immigrants Mathieu Etchart and Dominica Itcaina who settled in Chino, California Their parents farmed for many years in Chino where the sisters were raised with their brother Ferdinand. Both sisters graduated from the University of Southern California which was uncommon for women at that time. Noeline married Charles Magistro and raised her family and still lives in Upland and Arlette married William McGurty and raised her family and still lives in Ontario. Video
Alejandro Echeverria (b. 1929): Alejandro was born in the house of Ansonea in Azpilcueta in the Bastan valley of Spain. He came to California in 1954 to his uncle Pablo Itcea in Walnut. He followed his brothers Carlos and Pablo and would later be joined by his brother Juanito. He returned to the Basque country in 1960 to marry Maria Pilar (Pilarcho) Mendiburu and they returned to California in 1961. Alejandro worked as a milker for many years and Pilarcho was a homemaker. They raised 3 daughters, Manuela, Begona and Candida and a son Carlos in Chino. Pilarcho passed away in 2010 and Alejandro still lives in their home in Chino. Video
Louie Etcheberria (b. 1923): Louie is the son of Basque immigrants Domingo Etcheberria and Bernadina Yrigoyen who settled in the El Toro area of Southern California. Louie farmed the hills of that area for many years with his father and his brother Johnny. He was married to Prudence Arbonies of San Juan Capistrano with whom he had three daughters, Anita, Carmen and Grace Ann. He continues to live in San Juan Capistrano with his second wife Barbara Hovely. He is active member of the Southern California Basque Club. Video
Joaquin Gamboa (b. 1928): Joaquin Gamboa was born in Sumbilla, Spain in 1928. He immigrated to Patterson, California in 1953 where his aunt lived. He later moved to Southern California and married Mary Ruiz of Los Angeles in 1962, who was the daughter of Spanish immigrants from the province of Santander. They would have 4 children: John, Michael, Julie and Daniel. Joaquin was engaged in the sheep business and had a love for life and family. Joaquin and Mary lived in Upland for many years. Joaquin passed way in 2010 and Mary in 2014. Video
Saint-Jean Gastelluberry (b. 1935): Saint-Jean (Xenjan in Basque) was born in Behasque, France. He served in the French army at age 20 for 29 months and fought in the Algerian war. He immigrated to America in 1959 and learned how to milk cows. He would eventually go into his own business (1964) having a dairy in Artesia and then later in Chino. He married Catherine Tristant in 1966 and together they raised 4 children. They have been very involved with the Chino Basque Club over the years and are enjoying retirement in Chino. Video
Catherine (Jaureguiberry) Gastelluberry (b. 1937): Catherine (Catalin in Basque) was born in Iholdy, France. She would go to Paris to work (along with her sister) when she was 19 years old. In 1960 she married her first husband Jean Baptiste Tristant and immigrated to Chino, California. Within 4 years they had two daughters with a son on the way. Unfortunately, her husband would pass away unexpectedly. In time she would go to work for Saint-Jean Gastelluberry and eventually marry him. They ran their own business in Chino for 40 years, raised 4 children and now live comfortably in Chino. Video
Martin Itcea (1921-2015): Martin was the son of Basque immigrants Pablo Itcea and Paulina Zualet who settled in the Walnut area of Southern California. Martin farmed the hills of that area for many years with his father and later brought his bride Mary Etcheberria to this homestead where they raised their two daughters Bernadine and Pauline. The Itceas were extremely active in the local Basque community and were seen working in the kitchen and barbecue at many functions. Video
Bernard & Grace (Bidart) Inchauspe: Bernard Inchauspe was born in Etcharry, France on February 9, 1935. His wife, Graciana Bidart was born in Banca, France on October 31, 1934. They met while both were working in Lourdes, France during the tourist season. They married within a year and a half and eventually went to work for aristocrats in a castle just outside of Paris, France. They would eventually come to Chino, California to her sister and brother-in-law, Jean & Marceline Indaburu. Within months they both began to work at Taix Restaurant in Los Angeles even though neither one knew any English. Bernard would work there for over 55 years. They have a daughter, Stella, and two grandchildren. Video
Adele Jaureguy (b. 1930): Adele was born in Walnut, California to Jean Jaureguy (St. Etienne de Baigorry and Catherine Ermigarat (Les Aldudes). She was the youngest of 7 children and Basque was always spoken in their home. She attended Mt. SAC College and was offered a job as a Secretary while attending school. She continued to work there for over 38 years. She loved helping the students. She currently lives in La Verne.Video
Cecile (Amestoy) Kruse (b. 1949): Cecile was born in Ontario, California. Her parents, Jean Amestoy and Marie Bazabal were both Basque immigrants. Cecile shares her memories of her parents and life growing up in the sheepcamps and in Chino. She married Richard Kruse in 1972 and they have two children and two grandchildren. Richard is retired for O.H. Kruse Grain & Milling and they make their home between Dana Point and the Napa Valley. Video
Mary Jane (Lafaurie) Labrucherie (b. 1926): Mary Jane was born in Pomona, California. Her parents, Jean Pierre Lafaurie and Mary Louise Sallaberry were both Basque immigrants. Mary Jane reminisces about growing up on a dairy farm, what life was like here during World War II and her life with her husband, Raymond Labrucherie. Raymond farmed in Ontario and Mary Jane was an instructional aide for 35 years. They would have four children as well as five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Video
Marie (Sansinena) Lacouague (b. 1924): Marie was born in Ainhoa, France. Both of her parents were from Urdax, Spain but had moved to Ainhoa before she was born. She talks about the occupation of her home during World War II and why she decided to move to America (1947). Marie would meet Jean Pierre Lacouague, a farmer in San Juan Capistrano, and marry him in 1951. They would have four children and she now has eight grandchildren. Jean Pierre died in 2008 and Marie still lives on the family property in San Juan Capistrano. Video
Charles Lanathoua (b. 1934): Charles was born and raised in the house of Ithurburu in Esterencuby, France. He was one of 8 children born to Bernard and Marie Jeanne (Maitia) Lanathoua. Charles attended school in Esterencuby as well as a Benedictine school in Belloc. He worked as a lumberjack as a young man and served in the French military in Algeria and Morroco. He and his two brothers Jean Pierre and Jean immigrated to California. He was a chef and spent the last 28 years of his career at the Pomona National Golf Course. He is married and lives in Mira Loma. Video
Germaine (Irigaray) Lanathoua (b. 1940): Germaine was born and raised in the house of Jacquesenia in Esterencuby, France. She was one of 9 children born to Bruno & Marie (Maitia) Irigaray. She married Manes Lanathoua from the neighboring farm of Ithurburua in Esterencuby. They immigrated to Chino in 1963 and raised their 4 children there. She has taken care of children in her home for many years and is extremely involved at St. Margaret Mary Catholic church where she is a eucharistic minister and leads the rosary for many Basque masses. Video
Juan Legarreta (b. 1942): Juan, born in Mungia, in the province of Bizkaia, Spain. He was the tenth child of twelve. Although the family had a farm, Juan was able to attend a seminary where he received an excellent education. When Juan was 17, his older brother worked for a wealthy family who needed extra help for various activities. Juan was asked to help and this lead to a permanent job. Juan was required to fulfill mandatory military service at 19 years of age. Upon his release he resumed his work with wealthy families as a driver. After three years he went to Paris, France and by way of an agent found a job with the Rothschild family. This led to a long career as a house manager from the Sargent Shriver family in Washington D.C. to many wealthy families in New York City. Juan met Alycia at the Basque Club in New York City, married her near his hometown in Spain. They have one daughter and two grandchildren and live in Queens, New York.. Video
Mayie (Etchebarne) Maitia (b. 1929): Mayie was born in the house of Sasquiguilea, Baigorry, France in May of 1929. She was the seventh of nine children. Her mother would die when she was approximately six years old. Consequently, she was extremely close to her maternal grandmother. Mayie immigrated to Bakersfield in 1947 with her sister, Angele. She married her husband, JB Maitia, within two years and they had two children Danny and Jenny. After working for various Basque hotels for seven years, she opened Woolgrowers Restaurant in 1954. She was dedicated to her restaurant and her employees and customers became her extended family. She was instrumental in helping establish the Kern County Basque Club. Mayie died in Bakersfield in 2021. Video
Jean Mocho (b. 1923): Jean Mocho was born in the house of Reculusa in St. Michel, France. He immigrated to America in 1948 to work as a sheepherder but soon started working as a dairy milker. He married Noeline Errecalde in 1953, and in 1956 he went into the dairy business with his brother-in-law, Michel Plaa to run the Mocho Plaa Dairy for over 50 years. He would have one daughter and two grandchildren. He passed away in 2013 in Ontario. Video
Louis Mujica (b. 1937) Norberta (Mujica) St. Esteben (b. 1939): Siblings Louis and Norberta Mujica and their older brother Augustin were all born in Fullerton, California to Basque parents Augustin and Mary Louise (Ustariz) Mujica. Augustin was an immigrant from Maya, Spain and Mary Louise was raised in El Toro, California by her Basque immigrant parents. They met while working at the Bastanchury Ranch in Fullerton and were very involved in the Southern California Eskualdun Club. Louis had a long career in banking and is currently retired in Palm Springs. Norberta married Jean St. Esteben from Baigorry and they resided in Chino where they raised 3 children. She passed away in Chino in 2018. Video
Maite (Minaberry) Petrissans (b. 1939): Maite was born in Osses, France; she was the youngest of eleven children. In 1961 she married George Petrissans from St. Esteben, France and moved to Chino where George was already established. They ran a dairy together with George's twin brother Jean Pierre and his wife Deanna for many years in Ontario. Maite and George have four children and six grandchildren and have been very involved with the Chino Basque Club. They are retired and living in Chino HIlls.Video
Michel Plaa (b. 1929): Michel Plaa was born in Anhaux, France. He immigrated to Chino California in 1953; his brother Arnaud was already established with his own dairy there. He married Jeanne Errecalde in 1955 in Norwalk. He started his own dairy with his brother-in-law Jean Mocho in 1956, called Mocho Plaa Dairy which they would run for over 50 years. They have a daughter and a son, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grand children. Michel and Jeanne are retired in Upland. Video
Marie (Echenique) Webre (b. 1923): Marie (Echenique) Webre was born in Chino in 1923. Her parents were Esteban & Manuela (Bejino) Echenique, both from Navarre, Spain. Marie graduated from Chino High School and in 1941 was crowned Miss Chino. In February of 1944 she met her future husband, Frank Webre, was engaged by June and married on December 9, the same year. Her husband became an officer for the International Guard and consequently they would live in Europe and various U.S. states over the years. They would have 5 children. Eventually, they settled down in Costa Mesa, CA but now she lives in Bakersfield. Video
Mary (Zualet) Ybanez (b. 1918): Mary Theresa Zualet was born in Artesia to Basque immigrants Ignacio Zualet from Urdax and Barbara Gamboa from Sumbilla, both villages in the Bastan valley. They operated a dairy in Artesia where Mary grew up and she shares her growing up years there. She married Javier Ybanez (a son of Spanish immigrants) in 1943 and they had two daughters, Barbara and Shirlee. The Ybanez' were farmers in Tracy for many years. Mary recorded this interview at the age of 99, just 3 months shy of turning 100. She continues to live in their family home in Tracy. Video
John Yzurdiaga (b. 1940): John was born in Chino to Basque immigrants Joaquin Yzurdiaga (b. 1890 Zandio) and Eduvigis Oteiza (b. 1904 Uroz) and he had an older brother Joe (b. 1933 Chino). Joaquin was a milker but the Yzurdiaga's also had a "cancha" at their home in Chino that was the site of many Basque handball games and where they sold food and drinks to the attendees. John graduated from University of California Santa Barbara and Loyola Law School and was criminal defense attorney for many years. He has been active in sports and his passion is bicycle riding. He currently resides in Playa del Rey.(b. Video