Pelota Fronton
United States historic place
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pelota Fronton is a Basque pelota ball court and landmark in Jordan Valley, Oregon, United States.
Pelota Fronton | |
The exterior of the Pelota Fronton in 2015 | |
  Location of Jordan Valley and the Pelota Fronton in Oregon  Pelota Fronton (the United States) | |
| Location | Bassett St. (U.S. 95), Jordan Valley, Oregon |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°58′28″N 117°03′10″W |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1915 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001084[1] |
History
The court was built in 1915 and finished in 1917. It was last used regularly in 1935. This was caused by the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934. Jordan Valley had numerous Basque immigrants who came to herd sheep. After the act passed, the court gradually lost usage, and it started falling into disrepair over a span of roughly 4 decades. In 1972, the court was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[citation needed]
In 1997, the court underwent a full renovation. Restoration included installation of a covered interpretive sign and a stone representation of the Zazpiak Bat, the coat of arms for the seven Basque provinces. A sign reads: “Jordan Valley Ko Frontoia restored 1997 danok etorri” in recognition of the inauguration of the restored pelota fronton in September 1997.[citation needed]
In Jordan Valley games, the wicker racket, or cesta, is not used. To this day, the court remains a symbol of Basque culture in the region.[2][3]
