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November 13, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Hanks

Nancy Hanks was born on February 5, 1784 in Hampshire County, Virginia (now Mineral County, West Virginia). By the time she was nine years old, she was orphaned and living in what would become the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

As Nancy grew into womanhood she was employed as a seamstress. It was there that she came to know Thomas Lincoln who was employed as a carpenter.

Thomas lived on a neighboring farm, and, over the years, their friendship grew into something more; they eventually married on June 12, 1806.

The union would produce three children, Sarah, born on February 10, 1807, Abraham, born on February 12, 1809, and Thomas Jr., who died in infancy.

During the first ten years of their marriage, Thomas and Nancy occupied three different farms in Kentucky, but boundary disputes caused them to lose all three.

Thomas finally decided to move his family to Indiana. In the winter of 1816, they settled in present-day Spencer County in what became known as the Little Pigeon community.

After spending the winter in a temporary shelter, Thomas and young Abraham built a sturdy log cabin. In addition to the hard work, life on the frontier often included tragedy as well. They were not immune to the many hazards that threatened all pioneers in the 19th century.

The autumn frosts of 1818 had already colored the foliage of the huge trees of oak, hickory and walnut when neighbors became desperately ill, stricken with the dreaded milk sickness.

The disease resulted when cows ate the white snakeroot plant and the poison from the plant contaminated the milk. People who drank this poisoned milk or ate its products faced death. On October 5, 1818, within two weeks of the first symptoms, Nancy died (Abraham was nine).

Death in a one-room log cabin was a grim experience for the survivors. Nancy’s body was prepared for burial in the very room in which the family lived. Thomas and nine-year old Abraham whipsawed logs into planks, and with wooden pegs they fastened the boards together into a coffin. (NPS)

Abraham married Mary Todd, and they had four boys, only one of whom lived to maturity. In 1858 Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglas for Senator. He lost the election, but in debating with Douglas he gained a national reputation.

He won the Republican nomination for President in 1860 and swept the north and was elected president. He was sworn in as the 16th President of the US on March 4, 1861.

On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington by John Wilkes Booth, an actor, who somehow thought he was helping the South. (White House)

Relatives of Abraham Lincoln, on his mother’s side (Nancy Hanks), made it to the Islands.

Frederick Leslie Hanks, a New Yorker, was a sailor in the Pacific who recorded some of the important state relations between Japan and the United States in the 1840s. (Iaukea) He became active in Hawaiian affairs during the 1850s. (Hawaiian Church Chronicle, 1939)

His daughter was Charlotte Kahaloipua Hanks. “Her maternal grandfather was Kekualaula and her grand uncle Keawaaua, high chiefs of the islands of Hawai‘i and O‘ahu. Her mother was Akini Wahinekapuokaahumanu.”

Charlotte “was a prominent figure in the picturesque era of the monarchy of Hawai‘i. … On April 7, 1877, she was married to Col. Iaukea, then in the office of the chamberlain of the kingdom.”

“Col Iaukea became adjutant general of King Kalakaua’s army and later become chamberlain and special envoy from the kingdom of Hawai‘i to various European and oriental countries.”

“She naturally spent most of her time at court and was a lady in waiting to Queen Kapiolani, consort of Kalakaua. She was created a knight companion of Kapiolani and also received the Royal Order of Takovo of Serbia.”

“She was closely associated with Queen Lili‘uokalani and after the dethronement and until the death of the former queen was her loyal and devoted friend.”

“She was a member of the Daughters of Hawai‘i and one of her many interests was the Kapiolani maternity hospital.” (Hawaiian Church Chronicle, 1939) Charlotte Kahaloipua Hanks Iaukea, related to Abraham Lincoln, died November 17, 1939.

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Iaukea Headstone

November 12, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

The Old House in the Fort

On O‘ahu, in 1815, Kamehameha I granted Russian representatives permission to build a storehouse near Honolulu Harbor. But, instead, directed by the German adventurer Georg Schaffer (1779-1836,) they began building a fort and raised the Russian flag.

They built their blockhouse near the harbor, against the ancient heiau of Pākākā and close to the King’s complex. There are reports that the Russians used stones from Pākākā in building their facility.

As a side note, Pākākā was the site of Kaua‘i’s King Kaumuali‘i’s negotiations relinquishing power to Kamehameha I, instead of going to war, and pledged allegiance to Kamehameha, a few years earlier in 1810.

When Kamehameha discovered the Russians were building a fort (rather than storehouses) and had raised the Russian flag, he sent several chiefs, along with John Young (his advisor,) to remove the Russians from Oʻahu by force, if necessary.

The Russian personnel judiciously chose to sail for Kauai instead of risking bloodshed. On Kauai, there they were given land by Kauai’s King Kaumuali‘i; the Russian Fort Elizabeth was built soon after on Kauai.

The partially built blockhouse at Honolulu was finished by Hawaiians under the direction of John Young and mounted guns protected the fort. Its original purpose was to protect Honolulu by keeping enemy or otherwise undesirable ships out. But, it was also used to keep things in (it also served as a prison.)

By 1830, the fort had 40 guns mounted on the parapets all of various calibers (6, 8, 12 and probably a few 32 pounders.) Fort Kekuanohu literally means ‘the back of the scorpion fish,’ as in ‘thorny back,’ because of the rising guns on the walls. In 1838 there were 52 guns reported.

The fort protected Honolulu Harbor and also housed a number of administrative functions, including many years of service as Honolulu’s police headquarters. The first courts of the islands were held here until a new courthouse was built in 1853, adjacent to the fort.

Then the fort was taken down and the prison moved. A prison was built in 1856-57 at Iwilei; it took the place of the old Fort Kekuanohu. The new custom-house was completed in 1860. The water-works were much enlarged, and a system of pipes laid down in 1861.

Between 1857 and 1870, the coral block walls of the dismantled Fort edged and filled about 22-acres of reef and tideland, forming the ‘Esplanade’ or ‘Ainahou,’ between Fort and Merchant Streets (where Aloha Tower is now located.) At that time, the harbor was dredged to a depth from 20 to 25-feet took place.

The following are reminiscences of the old house in the fort. “In the course of demolishing the ‘Fort’ of Honolulu, now going on, the old stone house, formerly occupied by the Governor, is sharing the fate of the surrounding walls and fast ‘hiding its diminished head.’”

“It was built in 1831, by Governor John Adams Kuakini, (a High Chief, and Governor of the Island of Hawaii from 1820 till his death in 1845,) and was the residence of Governor Kekūanāo‘a until the French ‘raid’ in 1849 …”

“… when he gave it up to the ‘brave Poursuivantes,’ who amused themselves by breaking calabashes, making charcoal sketches on the walls, and recording on them their own praises.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, October 1, 1857 & Thrum’s Annual, 1931)

“While the Government was trying to arrange matters, and while the prime minister was on board the French man-of-war, a squad of soldiers was sent ashore, who took possession of the fort, dismantled the guns, threw them into the harbor, went to Governor Kekūanāo’a’s house, smashed the furniture, and threw it into the yard.” (Lee)

“When, after wreaking their vengeance on the guns and calabashes the French retired to their ships, the Governor disdained again to occupy his desecrated domicile, and it has been used since as a barrack and partly as a prison until the other day, when it was again evacuated for the new prison at Leleo.”

“Many recollections cluster around ‘the old house in the Fort,’ and had we a poet laureate attached to our staff of Government officials, we should seriously recommend the composition of an elegy on this occasion.”

“Here, in bygone days, all who intended to commit matrimony must present themselves before the stern old Governor for his consent to the banns …”

“… here taxes were paid, in poi, fish, tapas, sandalwood and dollars here captains came for permission to ship sailors and far help to catch runaways …”

“… here criminals and offenders of all sorts were summarily disposed of in the ‘good old times’ when we had little law and less equity …”

“… in short, here was transacted all and every kind of Government business, for then the ‘Governor’ was the factotum of the powers that be …”

“… and certainly, in the matter of simplicity and economy, we cannot confidently assert that the present routine is an improvement of the old.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, October 1, 1857 & Thrum’s Annual, 1931)

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November 11, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.

However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”

With the approval of subsequent legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.

Today, Veterans Day, is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

I join with others in our grateful nation as we come together to honor and thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of us and our country.

To all who served, Thank You.

Veterans Day -JCOC

November 10, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Lili‘uokalani and the Episcopal Church

“American bishop of Honolulu celebrated the Holy Communion at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral at seven am, on August 10, 1902, and Queen Liliuokalani was present and communicated. Some days after this he called at Washington Place by appointment and she stated in welcoming him that she sincerely hoped the Church would prosper and grow.”

“On subsequent calls upon the Queen, as everyone here called her, she talked of the overthrow of the monarchy and expressed herself calmly and with resignation.” (Restarick)

“That first night of my imprisonment was the longest night I have ever passed in my life; it seemed as though the dawn of day would never come. I found in my bag a small Book of Common Prayer according to the ritual of the Episcopal Church.”

“It was a great comfort to me, And before retiring to rest Mrs. Clark and I spent a few minutes in the devotions Appropriate to the evening.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“She was for years, after our coming, a regular attendant at the Hawaiian Service at the cathedral. She always had with her certain attendants who sat in the seat behind her.”

“The service at that time was all in Hawaiian but portions of it are now in English because the young people understand little of the language of their parents.”

“The Queen had been brought up in the Congregational Mission and it was after the revolution, when she was a prisoner in the palace, that Bishop Willis ministered to her in her trouble. She frequently stated that Bishop Willis had been a great comfort and help to her.”

“The sons of the old missionaries were largely instrumental in bringing about the over throw and she naturally felt this, although before her death her friendship for them had returned and she showed her confidence and trust in them in many ways.”

“She was confirmed in Saint Andrew’s Cathedral on May 13, 1896. She became the president of the Hawaiian Guild which was organized in 1902 and when she could no longer take an active part she became the honorary president and remained so until her death.”

“She told the bishop that she often came to church when she was not very well, for the sake of example. She was interested in the work of raising an endowment for the Hawaiian pastorate and was always a regular contributor towards the support of the church, giving also generously to special objects.”

“In 1906 she laid the cornerstone of the Davies Memorial Hall and Parish House. Theophilus H Davies, in whose memory the building was erected by his children, had been a sincere friend of the Hawaiian people was present when Saint Andrew’s Priory had its closing exercises. The last time she did so was in 1915, since then she was seldom seen in public.”

“The Reverend Leopold Kroll, Priest-in-charge of the Hawaiian work, frequently called upon the Queen and enjoyed her confidence.”

“It was customary to address her as ‘Your Majesty’, and this was done by Americans as well as others. For some months the Queen had been failing but she became seriously ill only a few days before her death.”

“The bishop went with Mr. Kroll to Washington Place and next day, Friday, November ninth, he and Mr. Kroll held services at her bedside, Prince and Princess Kalanianaole and a few others being present.”

“She died on Sunday, November eleventh, at 8:30 am and the bishop was requested by the prince to officiate at the burial. A Church service was held on Monday night at Washington Place before the body was removed to Kawaiahao Church where Hawaiian monarchs since Kamehameha II have been laid in state.”

“Another service at which the cathedral Hawaiian choir sang was held before the body was removed to the throne room in the palace from which all the deceased members of the Kalakaua royal line had been buried.”

“Many of the old customs of the Hawaiians were observed while the body lay in state. Old Hawaiians chanted the deeds of her ancestors and the events of her life and many women and men in choruses sang wonderfully pathetic music every night until her burial. In charge of Hawaiians who knew ancient customs, arrangements were made for a dignified burial.”

“The ancient kahilis had been placed in order around the coffin from the time of her death, and they were carried in procession when she was moved until she reached her final resting place, as was also the tabu stick, beyond which, in ancient times, it meant death to go.”

“The bishop and Mr. Kroll took the service, the cathedral Hawaiian choir singing the musical portions. The throne room was the scene of strange magnificence and one which will never again be witnessed.”

“The procession which led to the royal mausoleum was simply wonderful; there were 2,000 United States troops, there were 1,500 women in Hawaiian societies …”

“… there were schools of Hawaiian children including Saint Andrew’s Priory, and then just preceding the catafalque the choir, the bishop and the clergy, the catafalque itself being drawn by 204 Hawaiian men dressed in white.”

“Arriving at the mausoleum the heavy koa casket was placed at its entrance and there the old Hawaiian retainers gave expression to their feelings by wailing in that pathetic and soul stirring use of the voice which is different from anything heard elsewhere.”

“At the close of the service the choir sang Peace Perfect Peace and the band played Aloha Oe, the Queen’s own composition, and then the bandsmen sang the words of the refrain. In the vault with her brother Kalakaua and others of the family, the last monarch of Hawaii was laid to rest.” (Restarick)

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Liliuokalani, Queen of Hawaii, full-length portrait, seated, outdoors, with dog, facing slightly left-LOC-3c05894v

Casket, visitors, and flowers in throne room, at funeral of Liliuokalani-LOC-3c05895v

Funerals – Queen Liliuokalani – PP-26-5-002

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Funerals – Queen Liliuokalani – Procession, Nuuanu Avenue-PP-26-6-017

Funerals – Queen Liliuokalani – Procession, Nuuanu Avenue-PP-26-9-002

Funerals – Queen Liliuokalani – Procession, Nuuanu Avenue- PP-26-9-003

November 9, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Black Cat Cafe

“During the 1930s, the thousands of young men who joined the military service and sailed to the Hawaiian Islands for duty considered themselves fortunate indeed to receive such a choice assignment.”

“They enjoyed the beautiful beaches, lush foliage, and year-round pleasant climate that characterized “the Paradise of the Pacific” but, at the same time, they also served as the first line of defense for the United States.”

“On payday, it was the first sergeant who sat with the pay officer at a desk in the day room and called out the names of assembled personnel, one at a time.”

“As his name was called, each man stepped up, saluted the pay officer, repeated his own name, received his pay in cash, saluted again, did an about face, and left the room.”

“The pay in those days was $21 a month for privates, and from that amount 25 cents went to the Old Soldiers Home and $1.50 to the quartermaster laundry. After receiving what was left, the men normally had the rest of the day off.”

“If they wanted to go to Honolulu, a bus ride cost ten cents and taxi fare was a quarter. The bus line ended at the Army and Navy YMCA on Hotel Street in downtown Honolulu where a taxi depot was conveniently located so military members could take cabs to other areas.”

“Across the street was the famous Black Cat Cafe, a favorite hangout for off-duty soldiers and sailors. A Coney Island atmosphere prevailed there, with hot dogs, hamburgers, sea food, slot machines, and various other concessions.” (Arakaki & Kuborn)

“Throughout the afternoon and evening … buses and rattletrap taxis raced down the two-lane highway connecting Pearl Harbor and Honolulu, past the wrecks of similar taxis, and by sunset, a white river of sailors was flowing down Hotel Street.” (Clarke)

“On weekends, the streets of Honolulu were jammed with sailors. Here you will see one location that was popular for its cheap but good food.”

“Nowhere was the hustle and bustle greater than at the Black Cat Café. Ideally situated across from the Armed Forces YMCA at the corner of Hotel and Richards streets, the Cat provided the men with food, slot machines, and various other types of entertainment.”

“One very popular concession was the photo gallery where they could pose for photographs with “hula girls” to send to their families as souvenirs.”

“But for servicemen the food at the Cat was the major draw and after the war it was one of the most fondly recalled pleasures of their time in the Islands.”

“Prices were rock-bottom — the menu in 1941 listed hot dogs for 10 cents, hamburgers for 15 cents, a roast turkey dinner for 50 cents, and the most expensive item was the porterhouse steak with mushrooms for a dollar.” (USS Helena)

“(T)he bar most favored by servicemen. Many said it was the best joint to buy cheap beer and whiskey after working out at the YMCA across the street and before going in search of women.” (Knotts)

“But for servicemen the food at the Cat was the major draw and after the war it was one of the most fondly recalled pleasures of their time in the Islands.” (USS Helena)

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