Espe Alegria Papers, 1925-1991
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Alegria, Espe
- Title
- Espe Alegria Papers
- Dates
- 1925-1991 (inclusive)19251991
- Quantity
- 1 linear feet, (1 box)
- Collection Number
- MSS 291
- Summary
- Papers of Espe Alegria, advocate of the Basque community and host of a Basque language radio program for 25 years in Boise, Idaho. Materials date from 1925-1991 and include scripts, photographs, newspaper articles, and awards.
- Repository
-
Boise State University Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
1910 University Drive
Boise ID
83725
Telephone: 2084263990
archives@boisestate.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is available for research.
- Languages
- English
Content Description
This collection contains Epse's passport, visa from 1929, bibliography, as well as newspaper articles and awards from her many years of community service. Also included are photos of Espe at her job at Gowen Field, with the sheepherder community, and other members of the Basque Girl's Club. Regarding Espe's radio program, the collection contains the script from her last braodcast and the archival list of music used in the program.
Biographical Note
Maria Expectatacion Izarra Alegria (Espe) was born in Eruma, Viscaya, Spain in 1906. She immigrated to the United States in 1925. In 1927, she met and married Henry Alegria. Together, they had one daughter, Rose Isabel. Espe was a great supporter for the Basque community in Boise as an active supporter of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, a member of the Euzkaldunak, and a life long member of the Basque Girl's Club. She was a staunch advocate for Basque sheepherders. She would help sheepherders with translation, arrange legal matters and also advocated to Senator Frank Church to change immigration laws to allow young Basque men to work in Idaho's sheep industry. Most famously, Espe became known as "The Voice of the Basques" through her 25 years as host of a Basque language radio program. This program was a weekly treat for isolated sheepherders throughout the area.
Espe's legacy is also chronicled at the Idaho Historical Musuem, the Basque Cultural Center, as well as at the Basque Music Archives in Filer, Idaho.
Source: Biography, Box 1, Folder 1
Use of the Collection
Preferred Citation
[item description], Espe Alegria Papers, Box [number] Folder [number], Boise State University Special Collections and Archives.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Description: EmbosserContainer: Box 1, Folder 1
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Description: BiographyContainer: Box 1, Folder 2
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Description: Identification/Immigration PapersContainer: Box 1, Folder 3
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Description: Photos of Espe AlegriaContainer: Box 1, Folder 4
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Description: Photos of Espe Alegria and SheepherdersContainer: Box 1, Folder 5
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Description: Photos of Espe and the Basque Girl's ClubContainer: Box 1, Folder 6
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Description: Guide to Basque MusicDates: 1995Container: Box 1, Folder 7
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Description: The Espe Alegira CollectionDates: 1995Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: Transcript of Espe Alegria's Last Radio ProgramContainer: Box 1, Folder 9
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Description: Newspaper ArticlesDates: 1965-1995Container: Box 1, Folder 10
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Description: PamphletsContainer: Box 1, Folder 11
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Description: AwardsDates: 1965-1995Container: Box 1, Folder 12
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Basque Americans
- Basques
- Music
- Radio broadcasting
- Sheep industry
Corporate Names
- Basque Museum & Cultural Center (Boise, Idaho)
Form or Genre Terms
- Photographs
