After many years of meeting socially at one of the various Basque hotels and restaurants that lined the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks on Sumner Street, on March 20, 1944 five men met to draw up Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for the group thereafter to be known as The KERN COUNTY BASQUE CLUB. These men were: John Ansolabehere, Felix Etcheverry, Raymond Castanchoa, Inocencia Jaurena, and Frank Maitia, Sr.

Frank was not only instrumental in starting the Basque Club, but also served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. His dedication as father and grand-father to his family and as a great friend and supporter of the Basque community is evidenced by the love and respect that is felt by all who know him. His pride in the Basque culture has made him a wonderful blessing and an asset to the KCBC.

Thank you Frank, for being one in a million.

Affectionately,

Your friends at the Kern County Basque Club
Read more about Frank's life.

Back to Founding Fathers

See photos from Frank's 90th birthday party


Pictured from left to right: Frankie Maitia (the 4th), Marco Maitia, Frank Maitia Sr., and Jonah Megahey.