National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Malesso Japanese Rice Mill

Vernon, Nicole

A National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Malesso Japanese Rice Mill. Narrative Description summary paragraph: "The Malesso Japanese Rice Mill is situated on a .4 ha parcel in the village of Merizo. The building is located approximately 400 m west of the Geus River and 50 m from the shoreline of Cocos Lagoon. The building consists of two rooms, each with a separate entrance. Constructed during the Japanese Occupation Period on Guam, the building was used to store rice and house Chamorro villagers forced into labor. Contrary to its name, there is no evidence that rice was milled on-site. It is possible that the building was intended for milling and that as a result of historical events, such as failed rice crops and the impending US invasion, the mill never became operational. Today the building is vacant and in poor condition. As no modifications have been made to the building since construction in 1943, its historic integrity in terms of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association have not been compromised." Statement of Significance summary paragraph: "The Malesso Japanese Rice Mill is a significant historic property at the local level under Criterion A because the building is associated with Japanese occupation and wartime economic exploitation of Merizo during World War II. This historic context is well documented, and the Malesso Japanese Rice Mill is directly associated with Japanese occupation activities and policy on Guam and in Merizo. The Malesso Japanese Rice Mill is significant at the regional level under Criterion C for its representation of a World War II Japanese Occupational Agricultural Support Structure. This type of structure is distinguished by: 1) simple utilitarian design, 2) use of local construction materials, such as concrete made from locally produced lime and locally available aggregate, and 3) utilization of compulsory local labor for construction. Most, if not all, of these structures were destroyed on Guam during the U.S. pre-invasion bombardment in 1944. This is the last remaining example known on Guam, and is an excellent example of the type." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Guam Historic Resources Division, administered by the Pacific West Regional Office, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (grant number 66-09-21859).

National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Malesso Japanese Rice Mill

See also

Collections