“Boise Basques and the King of Shadows”, a City of Boise Event on July 18, from 7 to 9 PM

By A Basque in Boise July 11, 2013 Basque Community, Diaspora, History, Idaho No Comments

BOISE BASQUES AND THE KING OF SHADOWS

Presented by Timothy Guill
July 18, 7:00-9:00 pm, at the Boise 150 Sesqui Shop (1008 Main St.)

The Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918 claimed between 20 and 50 million lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. Boise was not immune from the spread of illness, and within the city, the small Basque community suffered a drastically disproportionate number of victims during the deadliest months of 1918. It has been purported that the living conditions of the boarding houses led to the high number of deaths within the community. However, careful research has uncovered while these conditions played a role in the initial outbreak, the mounting death toll of Basques in the later months of 1918 were, in fact, due to the mishandling of their plight by a prominent Boise physician.

Sesqui-Speaks is an informal lecture series offered free to the public, exploring a wide range of historical and current topics unique to Boise. This series is part of the BOISE 150 program lead by the Boise City Department of Arts & History. Topics will range from little known pieces of Boise’s history, all the way to what’s in store for Boise’s future; plus everything in between. Audience members will leave each Sesqui-Speaks with a greater appreciation for, and a deeper understanding of, Boise’s distinct identity. Sesqui-Speaks will happen throughout 2013 at various Boise locations. A full listing of events can be found here.