| Artifacts
dating back to the ancient Chamorros have been found along
the shore fronting Jeff's Pirates Cove and the surrounding
area. They are clues to the rich history of this site, and
this internationally known landmark.
Halfway
between the Togcha River and the Cove sits a bunker built
during World War II when Japanese armed forces occupied the
island of Guam. In 1945 Japanese stragglers killed a Chamorro
guide and five U.S. sailors who were hunting for war souvenirs
up the Togcha River.
Famous
W.W.II straggler Sgt. Shoichi Yokoi visited the Cove many
times after he was discovered in 1972. For many years a tour
to Yokoi's famous cave in Babulao Hills started with a briefing
at Jeff's Pirates Cove. He spent 28 years in the Talofofo
jungles after the end of the war. Yokoi said that while hiding
in the Togcha Hills he listened to the Cove festivities.
Following
the war, a Flight Personnel Rehabilitation Camp was built
on the site. By 1945 the 25th Naval Construction Battalion
built a beer garden, softball diamonds, volleyball courts,
and horseshoe pitching pits. Later, a salt water swimming
pool was built. After providing for nearly 10,000 officers
and soldiers, the camp was devastated in 1949 by Typhoon Allen.
The
Cove's original owner leased the property from the Shimizu
family in 1953. Adrian LaDeau found evidence of Malay Pirates
having stayed in the area which inspired the name. In 1962
Typhoon Karen hit and wiped out all traces of the Malay village,
including a pirate ship scuba divers discovered in 1953.
In
1967 LaDeau sold the Cove to Jimmy Cruz, a retired Navy chief.
His widow sold it to Jeff Pleadwell in 1979. Since that time
the bar/restaurant has been known as "Jeff's" or
"The Cove," to local residents.
Jeff
brought rock-and-roll to Cove patrons with annual Battle of
the Bands competitions, and regular local entertainment. Jimmy
Cliff, Maxi Priest, Mike Love, Cecilio & Kapono, and Kapena
have performed at the Cove drawing thousands to the south
of Guam.
Jeff
supports his love of island culture and the arts by holding
arts and crafts fairs twice a year. They have gained a reputation
for being the best on the island. Highlighting Jeff's dedication
to culture and arts is the commission of the Maielai from
the island of Puluwat. Traditional navigation was used to
sail the boat 500 miles in five days from Puluwat to Guam
in 1991.
Beachcombers
rarely leave the Cove empty-handed. The Togcha Bay channel
pulls in anything that passes by its mouth at the edge of
the reef. Jeff and Rosanne's personal glass fish float collection
grows yearly.
The
Cove has hosted countless weddings, birthdays, anniversaries,
fundraisers, showers, and other celebrations for visitors
and local residents. Its rich history continues.
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