Following the Treaty of Paris in 1899 that ended the four-month Spanish-American War, the United States emerged as a colonial nation and Pacific power. American sovereignty over former Spanish territory—the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and portions of Cuba—was internationally accepted despite the on-going debate between isolationists and expansionists that gripped the US Congress.
General Order No. 12 Read Post »
When Captain Richard Leary arrived in Guam in 1899 to initiate American rule under the US Navy, he found a population that was relatively literate. The people had some experience with formal schooling although it was erratic and limited to favored families in Hagåtña.
Education During the US Naval Era Read Post »
Pedro Pangelinan Martinez (1892-1967), also known as “Don Pedro,” was the founder of Pedro’s, a company that at one time included an ice plant, a cold storage, a mini-supermarket, a wholesale and retail business, a construction company, an automobile agency, and two large farms that provided beef and vegetables to the island.
Pedro Pangelinan Martinez Read Post »
Maria Palomo Ada (1903 – 1996) also known as “Tan Maria” to the many in the community who knew her, co-founded a series of business ventures along with her husband, Pedro Ada, or “Tun Pedro” as he was more affectionately known.
Josef Martinez Ada (1885 – 1955) founded Ada’s Soap Factory, which was Guam’s most successful soap factory from the early 1930s until his death and Guam’s first locally owned and operated soap factory. His soap was made from coconut oil using recipes and techniques he learned in Germany as a student.
Josef Martinez Ada Read Post »
Ignacia Bordallo Butler (1897 – 1993) was a CHamoru entrepreneur and business partner with her husband, Chester Butler, who together successfully ran Butler’s Inc. She is also remembered for her strength in dealing with Japanese soldiers during World War II in Guam.
Ignacia Bordallo Butler Read Post »
Joseph Flores (1900 – 1981) was the first CHamoru to serve as governor of Guam. He also founded Guam’s first locally owned newspaper and financial institution, and was one of Guam’s most prominent post World War II businessmen.
Governor Joseph Flores Read Post »
Francisco Duenas Perez (1913 – 1997), better known as Frank D. Perez, is known for many things: a farmer who pioneered the raising of hens for the local sale of eggs; a long-time political leader who helped found three political parties on Guam; the founder of the Guam Economic Development Authority; and a successful businessman in concrete manufacturing who helped build many homes in Guam today.
Eduardo Torres “Jake” Calvo (1909 – 1963) founded a number of extremely successful businesses that continue to thrive today and is the patriarch of a family that is perhaps the most well known family in business, civics, and politics on Guam.
Eduardo “Jake” Calvo Read Post »
Chester Carl Butler (1884 – 1952) founded Butler’s Inc. in 1915, along with his wife Ignacia Bordallo Butler. It survives today as the oldest family business on Guam.
Chester Carl Butler Read Post »
