SOCIETY LIFE IN 1935

A DESPEDIDA PARTY FOR BISHOP OLAIZ

hosted by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society

April 25, 1935

Agaña

How did socially connected people on Guam before the war entertain or throw parties?  Here is a good example.

The occasion : the departure of a Spanish bishop who lived on Guam for 20 years.  A "Despedida Party" is a Farewell Party.  From the Spanish word "despedir," "to bid farewell."

Here was that night's programme :

A PIANO OCTET

performed by

Eugenia Robinson

Rosie Underwood

Carmen Underwood

James Underwood

ADDRESS

by James Underwood

President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society

RECITAL

by

Eugenia Robinson

Lagrimas Guerrero

Herbert Johnston

Raymond Underwood

CHAMORRO POEM

"Tayuyute Ham"

(Pray for Us)

by

Teresita Perez

CHAMORRO PLAY

"I Testamenton Ton Luis"

written by Spanish Capuchin Brother (Fray) Jesus

Cast of Characters :

Ton Luis (Herbert Johnston)

Conchita (Rosie Underwood)

Rosario (Lagrimas Guerrero)

Ton Antonio, a lawyer (Raymond Underwood)

Ramona (Candelaria Cruz)

BUTTERFLY DANCE

by Haruko Sawada

SPANISH SONG

"Cantemos el Himno"

sung by Lagrimas Guerrero

Candelaria Cruz

Engracia Sanchez

Rosie Underwood

Carmen Underwood

SPANISH DANCE

by

Rosie Underwood

Carmen Underwood

SPANISH SONG

"La Pilarica"

sung by

Eugenia Robinson

Lagrimas Guerrero

*** Notice the mix of English, Chamorro, Spanish and one Japanese number

*** People still put on original, composed plays in Chamorro

*** Chamorro high society was still attuned to Spanish song and dance

*** The participation of Haruko Sawada is interesting.  The Sawada family was Japanese and during the war they were considered supporters of the new regime.  

*** Lagrimas Guerrero is, I believe, in fact, Lagrimas Leon Guerrero.  "Leon" was sometimes dropped by a few people during Naval govenrment times.