Micronesian Monthly 1953 V02 03

Micronesian Monthly 1953 V02 03. Micronesian Monthly (Report). Fort Ruger, O'ahu, HI: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. February 1953. p. 29.

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Abstract: Beginning in 1951, the Headquarters for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) regularly published a magazine that detailed its work in the region. From 1951 through the first issue of 1956, the magazine was known as the Micronesian Monthly; from the second issue of 1956 through the end of the run in 1980, it was known as the Micronesian Reporter. From 1951 through December 1967, publication cycles varied: For the most part, the magazine was produced monthly, though certain issues cover two or more months. Starting in 1968, the magazine was formally shifted to a quarterly publication cycle, which continued through the first quarter of 1980, when publication ceased.

The February 1953 issue of Micronesian Monthly was dedicated to the memory of High Commissioner Elbert D. Thomas, who died suddenly on February 11, 1953. The front pages carried tributes recounting his life as a U.S. senator, educator, and administrator, as well as his leadership of the Trust Territory since its transfer from naval to civilian authority. Editorials praised his qualities as a scholar, teacher, statesman, and advocate for the underprivileged, describing him as a figure who united diverse perspectives and inspired deep affection. The issue became both a eulogy and a reflection on his role in shaping the early civilian administration of Micronesia.

Notable articles included Thomas’s biography, highlighting his birth in 1883, his service as a senator from Utah, his wartime and postwar activities, and his appointment as High Commissioner. Obituaries and tributes were offered by colleagues in Washington, Honolulu, and the districts, recalling his commitment to education, democracy, and trusteeship responsibilities under the United Nations. Additional coverage addressed the continuity of administration in the wake of his death, alongside routine district updates on health, schools, agriculture, and shipping. The juxtaposition of mourning with ongoing governance emphasized both the loss and the resilience of the Trust Territory system.

The people and organizations featured included Elbert D. Thomas himself, remembered by fellow administrators, legislators, educators, and clergy. Deputy High Commissioner James A. McConnell, executive officer Alfred M. Hurt, and other staff were noted for assuming leadership during the transition. Institutions mentioned included the U.S. Senate, the University of Utah, the Department of the Interior, the Trust Territory Headquarters, and district governments. The issue underscored Thomas’s personal legacy while situating his death within the broader framework of U.S. trusteeship and island administration.

Volume Two, Number Three (1953) Index: Administration 9, 18 Church 9, 24 Education 2, 4, 10 – 11, 13, 18, 21 – 22, 26 – 28 Guam 9 – 10, 15, 19 – 20, 28 Interior 9, 18 Japan 3 – 4, 6, 10, 14, 17, 19, 24 Japanese 3, 6, 10, 13 – 14, 16, 19, 24 Leynse 2, 11, 19 Losap 13 Navy 11, 19, 28 Palau 18, 23, 25 Ponape (Pohnpei) 14 – 15, 17, 22 – 23, 25 UN 11, 21 United Nations 4 – 5, 9, 11, 16, 18, 25 Yap 16