On October 23, 1962, the Guam Daily News ran an article on Frank Taijito. He was a chef to four of Guam’s civilian Governors: Governors Ford Elvidge, Richard Barrett, Joseph Flores and William “Bill” Daniels. It was interesting to note that Taijito learned to cook by memorizing the Boston Cook Book and another book.
His first chef’s job was with Pan American airlines in 1937 in which he also served the first China Clipper that came through Guam and eventually served millions of air travelers. Imagine being a layover passenger treated by Taijito’s local delicacies such as coconut crab, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh water shrimp. Boy, gone are those days!
Taijito said that when World War II broke out his plane was on Midway Island. Fortunately, he was evacuated to Hawaii. Promptly he joined the Navy, where he claimed to have had the shortest military career on record. Two days later he was discharged and then picked up again by Pan American airlines.
Like others away from home during the war, Taijito lost touch with his family. It was not until 1945 where he was allowed to return and reunite with his family. He then worked for the Naval government and for Pan American when service was reestablished on Guam. But it was not until after layover feedings were abolished in 1954, Taijito then became the official Governor’s chef.
