THOU SHALT NOT WHISTLE IN AGAÑA

There was a time on Guam when whistling was against the law.

During his term as Governor of Guam between 1918 and 1920,  William Gilmer issued the following law on Guam :

Executive Special Order No. 52

May 25, 1920

The practice of whistling is an entirely unnecessary and irritating noise which must be discontinued.

It is therefore ordered and decreed that no person shall whistle within the limits of the city of Agana.

The penalty for a violation of this order shall an executive fine not to exceed five dollars.

Apparently, one could whistle all day long in Yigo, or Talofofo or Sumay.  But not in Hagåtña.

Former Governor Ricky Bordallo claimed that it was Gilmer's wife who was irritated by the constant whistling she heard who put up her husband to prohibiting it. She was reportedly sickly at the time, easily provoked by the noise. One American newspaper in 1920 said the Mrs. Gilmer wore the pants in that relationship.

THE BACKLASH

Even many in the American Press found Gilmer's anti-whistling law ridiculous, and an abuse of power.

A truck-load of American Marines who knew they were leaving the island that day by ship induced the driver to pass by the Palace where Gilmer lived, and the whole group started whistling "Yankee Doodle."

The Order was soon rescinded; Gilmer was relieved of his duty.  This, plus other laws Gilmer decreed, got Gilmer in hot water with Washington. Gilmer left the Navy completely.  Even the New York Times called him "the Governor...who barred whistling."

By the way....

How do you say "whistle" in Chamorro?

Chefla.

"Whistle while you work!"

"Chefla mientras machocho'cho' hao!"

(except in Hagåtña in 1920)