MALESSO' IN 1941

SUCCESSES

Early 1941 was a good time for agriculture, the main occupation in Malesso'.   Tomatoes and corn in particular did very well.  More people were interested in farming and a record twenty-two plows were bought in Malesso' in just one month.

A type of pandanus called åkgak was receiving a lot of attention on Guam in the late 30s and early 40s.  Its production and use in weaving all kinds of things for home use and daily life was promoted by the government.  Jesus C. Barcinas, a teacher in Malesso', was a leader in åkgak production.  There was a big demand for woven products made of åkgak, especially by statesiders buying them as souvenirs.  It was a new way of making cash on Guam.

On the church front, Father Marcian was able to tear down what was left of the church which remained roofless after the typhoon of November 1940.  He was busy doing carpentry work to fix his residence and start building a new church.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

About the only sour note in Malesso' in June of 1941 was the no-show of the mañåhak fish.  They showed up but in such small numbers that the people could not salt any for future use.  What little mañåhak came was eaten up by the people.

Imagine this kind of life before December that year would change life forever.