Images of Old Hawaiʻi

  • Home
  • About
  • Categories
    • Ali’i / Chiefs / Governance
    • American Protestant Mission
    • Buildings
    • Collections
    • Economy
    • Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings
    • General
    • Hawaiian Traditions
    • Other Summaries
    • Mayflower Summaries
    • Mayflower Full Summaries
    • Military
    • Place Names
    • Prominent People
    • Schools
    • Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks
    • Voyage of the Thaddeus
  • Collections
  • Contact
  • Follow

February 19, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui

“The Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui of Kalākaua I was organized at Kawaiahaʻo, Her Royal Highness Princess Kapili Likelike being President. … A large number of members joined the Society on this day, some 51. The amount of money collected was $17.00, the dues being ten cents per month.” (Report of the Executive Committee, February 19, 1874)

In addition to dues, they had fundraisers, “There will be a grand luau put on by the President, HRH Liliʻuokalani, at Kaumakapili Church, for the benefit of the Hoʻoulu and Hoʻola Lahui Society (Ahahui Hoʻoulu a Hoʻola Lahui) on the 22nd of January 1887, from 12 to 7 o’clock. Therefore, the kindness of all is requested to come there with their donations for the Ahahui.” (Ko Hawai‘i Pae ‘Āina, January 15, 1887)

“If the sick person is destitute, and has no one to take care of him, and is poor, and has no relatives or friends, but, has an aikane who is supporting him, and who has more love for him than his own relations, then such person is not entitled to assistance from this Society.”

“But if such person has no one to care for him, then the Society shall give him temporary assistance and endeavor to induce him to go to the hospital or to the Lunalilo Home; but if such person shall refuse to go to either of those places, then the Society may let such person go.”

“The Committee must be extremely careful that they are not imposed upon by undeserving persons who may claim that they are sick and destitute.”

“If the committee should be imposed upon, then they should forgive such offender if he return all that the Society has given him; but if such person will not return what has been given, then they must be dealt with according to the law of the land.” (Bylaws XI, Ahahui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“His Majesty Kalakaua designed and established an organization for benevolent work amongst his people; it was called the Ho‘oululahui. The first meeting of the society having been appointed at Kawaiahaʻo Church, there was a good attendance of the first ladies of the city, not only those of Hawaiian families, but also of foreign birth.” (Liliʻuokalani)

“There shall be appointed a committee of three or more members of the society, and they shall do the work of the Society. It shall be their duty to visit the sick and destitute in their various districts and report the same to the President.”

“The Committee shall ascertain all facts concerning the sick or those in distress, ascertain if the sickness is a fever or some other sickness, and do all they can to give such person relief.”

“The committee should do all in their power to prevent such sick person from taking cold and should give instructions regarding clothing and diet.”

“If such sick person has no one to look after or help him, then the President may direct some member of the committee or any member of the Society to assist such sick person.” (Article VII, Constitution of Hui Ho‘oulu a Ho‘ola Lahui)

“It was my brother’s intention that the society should have as its head Her Majesty Kapi’olani, his queen; but to make it more efficient and systematic in its work, the society was divided into three departments.”

“Of these, the first embraced the central part of the city of Honolulu, and this was under the presidency of the queen. Next came the lower part of Honolulu, Kaumakapili, extending as far as Maemae, and embracing all the district beyond Palama, which was assigned to my management and presidency.”

“In like manner the third division, Kawaiahaʻo, extending through Waikiki and Manoa, Pauoa, and a certain portion of the city, was assigned to my sister, the Princess Likelike.”

“All denominations, including the Roman Catholics, were invited to co-operate in the good work. The Princesses Po‘omaikalani and Kekaulike … gave their aid to the queen. The former was made governess of Hawaiʻi, and the latter governess of Kauai.”

“These two ladies did all in their power to assist Queen Kapiʻolani in her work of charity, and my sister and myself were equally interested to attend to the needs of our departments …”

“… but the responsibility for the general management was really upon the king, who not only had to assume the financial burden, but gave to the work the weight of his official influence, and always responded cheerfully to our calls upon him for advice, giving to us with liberality the advantage of his own good judgment.”

“The people responded with good-will from other parts of the islands, and the work has gone on for over ten years since it was first established by my brother. Of those then interested, Queen Kapiʻolani and myself are the only two of the managers now living. As Princess Likelike and the other two princesses died, their departments came more under the personal management of the queen.”

“Like many other enterprises of charity, the original intentions of the founders have been improved upon; and the society is merged in other good works, or its purposes diverted to slightly different ends. The organization is now consolidated in the Maternity Home …”

“… the charitable funds which used to be distributed amongst the poor, the amounts contributed by the people everywhere to carry out the designs of the king, are still doing good through this institution, of which the Dowager Queen Kapiʻolani is the president, assisted by a board of managers consisting of notable Hawaiian ladies, and by others of foreign descent.” (Liliʻuokalani)

(Queen Kapiʻolani founded the Kapiʻolani Maternity Home in 1890. Kauikeōlani Children’s Hospital merged with Kapiʻolani Hospital and relocated to become Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children.)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook 

Follow Peter T Young on Google+ 

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn  

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

© 2016 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Women of Ahahui Hooulu Lahui o Ka Moiwahine-King Kalakaua's Jubilee-PP-36-8-011-Nov 16, 1886
Women of Ahahui Hooulu Lahui o Ka Moiwahine-King Kalakaua’s Jubilee-PP-36-8-011-Nov 16, 1886

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, Economy Tagged With: Ahahui Hooulu a Hoola Lahui, Hawaii, Liliuokalani, Kalakaua, Kapiolani, Emma Kauikeolani Wilcox, Kapiolani Medical Center

February 18, 2016 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Volcano Stables and Transportation Company

“Following the three casualties on Volcano Road near Glenwood, because of the overturning of the automobile of the Volcano Stables Company; it is necessary to somewhat decrease the numbers of cars so the road isn’t disorderly as we know it is narrow.”

“It is also important for the drivers to be cautious when driving, lest there be more casualties like these. When one driver wants to overtake another, that is stupid; be very careful in every way, whether the road is wide or narrow; because that is how this Hawaiian met with disaster, and took two haole women as victims.”

“Think, O Drivers, and drive appropriately on narrow portions of the road so that you don’t get into accidents and lives are lost.”

“This will be a reason world travellers will not often come here to Hilo, because of this kind of dreadful happenings that are heard of, and it is the very first in the history of Hilo.” (Hoku o Hawaii, March 4, 1915)

“The Volcano Stables and Transportation Company was incorporated (in 1873) … in the town of Hilo, and owing to the limited railway facilities of the Island of Hawaiʻi, has grown to be the largest transportation company in the Islands.”

“The stables of the company are located on Waianuenue street, extending back to King street, and occupy an area 80×230 feet.“

“Besides a complete livery business the company operates draying, stage and express systems which extend from Hilo to Kawaihae and from Hilo to Honuʻapo in Kaʻū, practically covering all of the most Important places upon the Island.”

“In addition to the main stables the company has extra buildings and stables midway between Hilo and Waiākea where the stock used in draying, trucking and building roads is kept.” (Evening Bulletin, March 25, 1909)

It is “by far the most comprehensive institution of its kind in the entire group. Its service includes all kinds of livery, automobiles of all sizes, stages, vehicles, horses, etc.”

“Besides maintaining at its Hilo headquarters a large garage, capable of handling all kinds of repair work, it holds the agency for the White and Ford autos. It has the largest stock of auto goods, material and parts in the Islands.” (Kinney)

“The company owns a stage line which meets the train at Glenwood, conveying the passengers to the Volcano House and from the Volcano House to and from Honuʻapo, where the steamer Mauna Loa is met.”

“Another stage line carries passengers, parcels and mall to Laupāhoehoe each day, while stages cover the ground between Laupāhoehoe and Kawaihae three times a week. At Kawaihae connections are made with the island steamers Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.”

“Ho’olulu Park, which was constructed by the Volcano Stables five years ago, has recently been sold to the Hawaii Jockey Club.  Mr. C. E. Wright is the manager of the Volcano Stables and Transportation Company having been connected with the company since its incorporation.” (Evening Bulletin, March 25, 1909)

Established to transport freight and passengers, the Volcano Stable & Transportation Co, also owned the largest garage and auto shops in the Territory of Hawaiʻi and served as agent for such cars as the Ford, Studebaker, the King, and the Kleiber truck. (Mid-Pacific Magazine)

They also maintained branch stations at Hakalau, Laupāhoehoe, Honokaʻa, Waimea, Kawaihae, Glenwood, the Volcano House, Pahala, Honuʻapo and Waiohinu. “These not only furnish livery of all kinds, and serve as relay stations for the extensive stage service conducted by the concern, but also carry a full line of gasoline, oils, and the auto supplies most generally needed.” (Kinney)

“Owing to the constantly changing rates, which are becoming cheaper as the rapid improvement of the roads makes travel less expensive, it is not practicable to give rates, but it may be stated, without exaggeration, that the auto rates are as cheap as those anywhere on the mainland.”

“The following rates may, however, be mentioned: Volcano—Auto trip, includes drive to main points about Hilo, crater, tree moulds, fern forest, and return, $5 a person.”

“When a longer trip is desired, giving more time in which to inspect the various interesting places, including Kilauea-iki, Goat Crater, Seven Craters, etc., rates are: Second day, $7 a person; third day, $9 a person. Puna—Auto trips. to Olaa, Pahoa. Pohoiki, Opihikao and Kapoho (one trip), $12.50 a person. To Olaa, Pahoa, Kaimu and Kalapana (one trip), $12.50 a person.” (Kinney)

Reportedly, John Maʻa had his own livery stable (horses/carriages for tours) in 1873, then sold it to JR Wilson in 1891 upon Maʻa’s retirement. (Narimatsu)

JR Wilson owned the Volcano Stables in Hilo and from August, 1893, operated a daily stage between Hilo and Volcano House, dropping off mail at Olaʻa, where the Half-Way House was located.

Mail was handled by Mr. McIntosh at the Richardson store in Mountain View before the post office was established at the Olaa store on May 1, 1894.

JR Ryan, manager of the store, actually ran the office for JW Mason. Mail was delivered to residences along the Volcano Road and other residents had boxes at the Olaʻa store. (Hawaiian Stamps)

“From the Herald is it learned that JW Mason put through the deal by which ownership of Wilson’s Volcano Stables passed over to a local syndicate. These are officers of the new hui: President, C. C. Kennedy; vice-president, John A. Scott; treasurer pro tem, FM Wakefield; secretary, JW Mason; auditor, W. W. Goodale; manager, Robert Forrest.”

“Mr. Wilson will remain in charge one month before going to California with his wealth, consisting of close to $50,000 made in nine years. Others than those, named as officers interested in the company are: EN Holmer, L Turner, CH Fairer, Quni, G Ross, CC McCIennan, Henry Deacon and JT Moir.” (Hawaiian Gazette, May 6, 1898)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook 

Follow Peter T Young on Google+ 

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn  

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

© 2016 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Volcano_Garage-Volcano_Stables-MidPacific Magazine
Volcano_Garage-Volcano_Stables-MidPacific Magazine
A_Road_To_The-Volcano-(Mid-PacificMagazine)-1913
A_Road_To_The-Volcano-(Mid-PacificMagazine)-1913
Fern Forest Road to the volcano from Punaluu, Hawaii Island-PP-28-13-008
Fern Forest Road to the volcano from Punaluu, Hawaii Island-PP-28-13-008
Road (new) to volcano-(HHS-6032)
Road (new) to volcano-(HHS-6032)
View from Olaa-Volcano-Rd-DAGS1665a-1892
View from Olaa-Volcano-Rd-DAGS1665a-1892
Volcano_Road-Bertram-(DMY)
Volcano_Road-Bertram-(DMY)
Volcano_Garage-Volcano_Stables-Mid-Pacific Magazine
Volcano_Garage-Volcano_Stables-Mid-Pacific Magazine

Filed Under: Economy, General Tagged With: Volcano Stables, Hawaii, Hilo

February 17, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s Grammar Book

Noah Webster (1758-1843) was the man of words in early 19th-century America. He compiled a dictionary which became the standard for American English; he also compiled The American Spelling Book, which was the basic textbook for young readers in early 19th-century America.

In 1809, ʻŌpūkahaʻia boarded a sailing ship anchored in Kealakekua Bay and sailed to the continent. ʻŌpūkahaʻia latched upon the Christian religion, converted to Christianity in 1815 and studied at the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, Connecticut (founded in 1817) – he wanted to become a missionary and teach the Christian faith to people back home in Hawaiʻi.

A story of his life was written (“Memoirs of Henry Obookiah” (the spelling of his name prior to establishment of the formal Hawaiian alphabet, based on its sound.)) This book was put together by Edwin Dwight (after ʻŌpūkahaʻia died.) It was an edited collection of ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s letters and journals/diaries.

This book inspired the New England missionaries to volunteer to carry his message to the Sandwich Islands.

On October 23, 1819, the pioneer Company of missionaries from the northeast United States, set sail on the Thaddeus for the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawai‘i) – they first landed at Kailua-Kona on April 4, 1820. (Unfortunately, ʻŌpūkahaʻia died suddenly (of typhus fever on February 17, 1818) and never made it back to Hawaiʻi.)

It turns out that a manuscript was found among Queen Emma’s private papers (titled, “A Short Elementary Grammar of the Owhihe Language;”) a note written on the manuscript said, “Believed to be Obookiah’s grammar”.

Some believe this manuscript is the first grammar book on the Hawaiian language. However, when reading the document, many of the words are not recognizable. Here’s a sampling of a few of the words: 3-o-le; k3-n3-k3; l8-n3 and; 8-8-k8.

No these aren’t typos, either. … Let’s look a little closer.

In his journal, ʻŌpūkahaʻia first mentions grammar in his account of the summer of 1813: “A part of the time (I) was trying to translate a few verses of the Scriptures into my own language, and in making a kind of spelling-book, taking the English alphabet and giving different names and different sounds. I spent time in making a kind of spelling-book, dictionary, grammar.” (Schutz)

So, where does Noah Webster fit into this picture?

As initially noted, Webster’s works were the standard for American English. References to his “Spelling” book appear in the accounts by folks at the New England mission school.

As you know, English letters have different sounds for the same letter. For instance, the letter “a” has a different sound when used in words like: late, hall and father.

Noah Webster devised a method to help differentiate between the sounds and assigned numbers to various letter sounds – and used these in his Speller. (Webster did not substitute the numbers corresponding to a letter’s sound into words in his spelling or dictionary book; it was used as an explanation of the difference in the sounds of letters.)

The following is a chart for some of the letters related to the numbers assigned, depending on the sound they represent.

Long Vowels in English (Webster)
..1…..2…..3……4…….5……6……..7…….8
..a…..a…..a……e…….i…….o……..o…….u
late, ask, hall, here, sight, note, move, truth

Using ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s odd-looking words mentioned above, we can decipher what they represent by substituting the code and pronounce the words accordingly (for the “3,” substitute with “a” (that sounds like “hall”) and replace the “8” with “u,” (that sounds like “truth”) – so, 3-o-le transforms to ʻaʻole (no;) k3-n3-k3 transforms to kanaka (man;); l8-n3 transforms to luna (upper) and 8-8-k8 transforms to ʻuʻuku (small.)

It seems Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia used Webster’s Speller in his writings and substituted the numbers assigned to the various sounds and incorporated them into the words of his grammar book (essentially putting the corresponding number into the spelling of the word.)

“Once we know how the vowel letters and numbers were used, ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s short grammar becomes more than just a curiosity; it is a serious work that is probably the first example of the Hawaiian language recorded in a systematic way. Its alphabet is a good deal more consistent than those used by any of the explorers who attempted to record Hawaiian words.” (Schutz)

“It might be said that the first formal writing system for the Hawaiian language, meaning alphabet, spelling rules and grammar, was created in Connecticut by a Hawaiian named Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia. He began work as early as 1814 and left much unfinished at his death in 1818.” (Rumford)

“His work served as the basis for the foreign language materials prepared by American and Hawaiian students at the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, Connecticut, in the months prior to the departure of the first company of missionaries to Hawai’i in October 1819.” (Rumford)

It is believed ʻŌpūkahaʻia classmates (and future missionaries,) Samuel Ruggles and James Ely, after ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s death, went over his papers and began to prepare material on the Hawaiian language to be taken to Hawaiʻi and used in missionary work (the work was written by Ruggles and assembled into a book – by Herman Daggett, principal of the Foreign Mission School – and credit for the work goes to ʻŌpūkahaʻia.)

Lots of information here from Rumford (Hawaiian Historical Society) and Schutz (Honolulu and The Voices of Eden: A History of Hawaiian Language Studies.)

I encourage you to review the images in the album; I had the opportunity to review and photograph the several pages of ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s grammar book. (Special thanks to the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives and the Hawaiian Historical Society.)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook 

Follow Peter T Young on Google+ 

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn  

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

© 2016 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)_Spelling
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)_Spelling
Henry_Opukahaia,_ca. 1810s
Henry_Opukahaia,_ca. 1810s
Noah_Webster_pre-1843
Noah_Webster_pre-1843
Noah_Webster's_The_American_Spelling_Book-Cover-1800
Noah_Webster’s_The_American_Spelling_Book-Cover-1800
Webster's_The_American_Spelling_Book-Number_assignment_to_vowel_sounds-(page_13)-1800
Webster’s_The_American_Spelling_Book-Number_assignment_to_vowel_sounds-(page_13)-1800
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Title_Page
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Title_Page
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Verbs
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Verbs
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Spelling
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Spelling
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-some_words
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-some_words
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Pronouns
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Pronouns
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Nouns
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Nouns
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Articles
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Articles
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Adverbs-Spelling
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Adverbs-Spelling
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Adverbs-Prepositions
Opukahaia_Grammar_Book-(HHS)-Adverbs-Prepositions

Filed Under: General, Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings, Prominent People Tagged With: Hawaii, Noah Webster, Henry Opukahaia, Hawaiian Language

February 16, 2016 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

Thomas R Foster

He was born May 19, 1835 at Fisher’s Grant, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada; he later went to work with for his brother, Daniel Foster, in his shipbuilding business in Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island in the 1850s.

In 1857, Thomas R Foster and his brother Daniel decided to move to Hawaiʻi to try the shipbuilding business in the Pacific. It appears that Thomas Foster was the main brother involved in the Shipbuilding business in Hawaiʻi.

Foster met and married Mary Elizabeth Mikahala Robinson, the eldest daughter of James Robinson, the prominent local ship builder in 1861 (they did not have any children.)

With financial help from Mary’s father, the Fosters bought property near the intersection of Nuʻuanu Avenue and School Street. There, they built a modest residence and settled down. (Wallworth)

(Later (1880,) the Fosters purchased the neighboring property owned by Dr William Hillebrand, a German physician and botanist who built his home here and planted trees and a variety of other plants. Upon Mary’s death (December 19, 1930,) the property was bequeathed to the City of Honolulu, to be known as Foster Park (now known as Foster Botanical Garden.))

On March 4, 1866, the German barque Libelle, on voyage from San Francisco to Hong Kong, grounded on the east reef off Wake Island. Several vessels went to Wake Island to salvage the cargo, which included several hundred flasks of quicksilver.

The sloop Hokulele, with a party headed by Foster, left Honolulu May 9, 1867, reached Wake on May 31st, left there June 22, and returned to Honolulu July 29, 1867 with 247 flasks of quicksilver. (Quicksilver is otherwise known as mercury, the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.)

Steamship companies played an important role in the Kingdom of Hawai`i, even though steam navigation actually got off to a slow start; the first steamer was the American twin-screw steamer Constitution that arrived at Honolulu on January 24, 1852. (NOAA)

Then, the legislature passed ‘an Act to Promote Inter-Island Steam Communication,’ approved by the king on September 18, 1876. This law authorized the minister of the interior to contract with responsible parties “to maintain a suitable steamer of not less than 500 tons register … in the inner-island service … for a period not to exceed ten years.” (Kuykendall)

Foster began his company in 1878, two years after the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty with the United States by the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. Incorporated as the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company in 1883, Foster’s firm followed that of Samuel Gardner Wilder, Sr., who began the similar Wilder Steamship Company in 1877. (Chinatown)

In response to increased needs, three local steamship companies soon emerged as corporations: Wilder Steamship Company (Wilder,) Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company (Foster) and Pacific Navigation Company (Amos F Cooke.) (Pacific Navigation experienced costly setbacks due to a number of shipwrecks and folded in 1888.) (NOAA)

Inter-Island operated the Kauai and Oʻahu ports plus the Kona, Kaʻū, Kukuihaele, Honokaʻa and Kūkaʻiau ports on Hawaiʻi. Wilder took Molokai, Lānaʻi and Maui plus all ports on Hawaii, including Hilo, not served by Inter-Island.

Both companies stopped at Lahaina plus Maalaea Bay and Makena on Maui’s leeward coast once. Inter-Island’s service to Lahaina started in 1886. Both fleets were enlarged over time. (Hawaiian Stamps)

In 1905, the two companies, under the leadership of John Ena (1843-1906), a former clerk of Chinese-Hawaiian parentage, merged under the Inter-Island name. (Chinatown)

When airplanes came to the Hawaiian Islands, the Inter-Island Navigation Company founded a subsidiary, Inter-Island Airways. Hawaiʻi’s first interisland passenger service was launched on November 11, 1929.

In the late-1940s, Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co became the target of a federal anti-trust suit. The government won its case and broke the company into four companies: Inter-Island Steam, Overseas Terminals, Hawaiian Airlines and Inter-Island Resorts. (GardenIsland)

Foster died in 1889; the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company built their headquarters on Merchant Street in 1891 and inscribed their building with Foster’s name in his memory.

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook 

Follow Peter T Young on Google+ 

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn  

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

© 2016 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Thomas R Foster-C&CHnl
Thomas R Foster-C&CHnl
SS Waialeale-(HallBrothers)
SS Waialeale-(HallBrothers)
Menu-SS_Hualalai-(gdm-hi)-Jan_6,_1949
Menu-SS_Hualalai-(gdm-hi)-Jan_6,_1949
Routes of the Steamship companies Wilder's_routes-(green lines) and Inter-Island-(blue lines) -1890
Routes of the Steamship companies Wilder’s_routes-(green lines) and Inter-Island-(blue lines) -1890
Inter-Island Airways planes on the runway at John Rodgers Field, Honolulu, c1936-1939
Inter-Island Airways planes on the runway at John Rodgers Field, Honolulu, c1936-1939
TR Foster Building-corner of Nuuanu and Marin-(NPS)
TR Foster Building-corner of Nuuanu and Marin-(NPS)
Perspective_view_of_southeast_elevation,_including_the_Irwin_Block_(The_Nippu_Jiji)_(HABS_HI-55-M)_-_Merchant_and_Nuuanu_Streets,_T._R._Foster_Building
Perspective_view_of_southeast_elevation,_including_the_Irwin_Block_(The_Nippu_Jiji)_(HABS_HI-55-M)_-_Merchant_and_Nuuanu_Streets,_T._R._Foster_Building
TR_Foster_Bldg-Plaque-600
TR_Foster_Bldg-Plaque-600
Foster_Botanical_Garden-sign
Foster_Botanical_Garden-sign
Foster_Botanical_Garden-Map
Foster_Botanical_Garden-Map

Filed Under: Economy, Prominent People, Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks Tagged With: Hawaii, Inter-Island Steam Navigation, Inter-Island Airways, Mary Foster, Inter-Island Resorts, TR Foster, Foster Botanical Garden

February 15, 2016 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Kalakaua Funeral

“The announcement yesterday of the death of King Kalākaua fell like a clap of thunder from the skies. Although we all knew that he was not a well man when he left here and that he had in his system a most insidious disease …”

“… yet the reports of the decided improvement in his health from the voyage over and the bracing climate of California deceived us as to his frail hold on life.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“He passed away at exactly 2:35 pm of Tuesday, January 20, 1891, and there were present at his bedside, on the right of His Majesty, Rev. J. Sanders Reed, Col. Macfarlane, and Admiral Brown …”

“… on the left Col. Baker, Kalua, and Kahikina; and at the foot of the bed Consul McKinley, Mrs. Swan, and Fleet Surgeon Woods. Grouped around were Lieut Dyer, Hon. CR. Bishop, Mr Godfrey Rhodes, Judge Hart, Senator GE Whitney, Mrs. McKinley, Mrs. Price, Mrs Reed, and the Hon Claus Spreckels.”

“At 8:15 am yesterday the Diamond Head telephone announced the arrival of the USS Charleston, Admiral Brown, off Coco Head, with the American and Hawaiian flags at half mast. Half an hour later, the ship appeared off the harbor, dressed in mourning.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“The sad duty of taking care of the remains and bringing them to the kingdom devolved on Admiral Brown, who was especially delegated by President Harrison to take the tidings of the monarch’s sudden decease to his beloved subjects.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, January 30, 1891)

“The reign of our departed King was memorable as an era of remarkable and increasing prosperity. In the seventeen years of his reign, now closed, this nation has made rapid strides in its material industries, education, and the arts of civilization.”

“But death comes alike to King and Commoner, and the seventh Sovereign of Hawaii is gone to join the roll of the illustrious dead. We humbly bow to the Will of God.” (Privy Council)

“At 11 am the invited guests entered and were shown to their seats.”

“Resting in the center of the throne room was the coffin, covered with a heavy black pall, over which was placed the famous yellow cloak of the King, made of the feathers of the Oo.”

“The scene was at once weird and fantastic; the splendor of the costumes of the staff officers, the bright yellow of the feather cloak and covering and capes, the sombre black of the drapings, the rich deep melody of the organ rolling forth its volumes, the sweet singing of the native choirs, all of which rendered the scene peculiarly effective.”

“The crown, sceptre and sword of his late Majesty lay at the head of the coffin. On the right side of the coffin, resting on a beautiful black velvet pillow, rested the crown jewels and decorations of His Majesty.”

“A guard of twenty men, ten on each side of the coffin, wearing the yellow feather capes indicative of kahili bearers, of the rank of subordinate chiefs, waved kahilis of a sombre hue.”

“The rhythmical motion of the kahilis ascending and descending, moving from side to side in perfect accord with the music, lent an air of peculiar solemnity to the impressive scene.”

“The Bishop commenced the service for the dead, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life,” in Hawaiian. Then followed the hymn. “When Our Heads Are Bowed With Woe.” Next followed the Psalm “Domine Refugium,” to a single chant, composed by Her Majesty Liliuokalani. Then the hymn, “Brief Life is Here Our Portion,” in Hawaiian.”

“The Rev WH Barnes then read in Hawaiian the lesson from I Corinthians, xv. The choir then pang in Hawaiian, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” This was followed by prayer, after which the Bishop and clergy filed out of the throne room, followed by the different bodies in regular order.”

“The meles and wailing began anew as the solemn procession marched slowly from the palace.”

“The emblems of royalty, the crown, sceptre and sword of the late monarch, were taken from off the coffin and reposed on a black velvet pillow fringed with geld, which was carried by Col. Hoapili Baker, while the crown jewels of his late Majesty were lifted from their stand at the head of the coffin and carried by the Hon. John Baker.”

“The crown tabu pole and gold ball draped in black, the emblem sacred only to royalty, was then removed, sturdy sons of Hawaii tenderly lifted the coffin from its resting-place, and, to the “Dead March in Saul” …”

“… slowly and solemnly the mournful cortege descended the steps of the palace and placed the mortal remains of their beloved monarch on the catafalque which was to bear him from their sight forever.”

“The never-to-be-forgotten sight of all, however, was that of the catafalque and its surroundings.”

“As the cortege entered the mausoleum a dirge was played on the organ. The committal service was then read by the Bishop, who, with the clergy, stood at the head of the coffin. The services were concluded by the choir singing ‘Now the Laborer’s Task is O’er.’”

“After the hymn the Hale Naua Society marched into the building to perform the ceremony of depositing the sacred Calabash on its late President’s casket.”

“At the close of the church service the United States marines outside performed the last military honors by firing-three volleys in the air.”

“Four large kahilis were fastened upright to the earth in front of the mausoleum, there to remain, according to ancient custom, till the last shred is blown away.”

“The Kalākaua emblematic torches were burning in front of the building throughout the ceremonies. Seven mammoth torches composed of tar-barrels were burning on the top of Punchbowl mountain during the funeral.”

“At 3:21 o’clock the royal party left the mausoleum, their appearance being the signal for a mighty chorus of dirges and wails.
Long after they left the grounds the dismal sounds of grief rose from the throats of scores of male and female lamenters of the departed Sovereign.”

“Kalākaua I was buried with great state on February 15th, 1891, another guest in that mausoleum which is so fast filling with the mortal remains of Hawaiian royalty.”

“His sister Liliʻuokalani reigns in his stead, and follows worthily the best traditions of sovereignty, inspired doubtless by what she saw when in 1887 she was present at the Jubilee of our own gracious Queen.” (Gowen)

“From henceforth, when you think of him, call him not Kalākaua, but say ‘him of the low, sweet voice.’” (Queen Kapiʻolani)

Follow Peter T Young on Facebook 

Follow Peter T Young on Google+ 

Follow Peter T Young on LinkedIn  

Follow Peter T Young on Blogger

© 2016 Hoʻokuleana LLC

Body of Kalakaua lying in state-PP-25-6-008-00001
Body of Kalakaua lying in state-PP-25-6-008-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-001-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-001-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-016-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-016-00001
Kalakaua Funeral-Iolani_Palace-PP-25-6-011-00001
Kalakaua Funeral-Iolani_Palace-PP-25-6-011-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-013-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-013-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-007-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-007-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-010-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-010-00001
Public mourners crowded at King Kalakaua's funeral at Mauna Ala-PP-25-6-006
Public mourners crowded at King Kalakaua’s funeral at Mauna Ala-PP-25-6-006
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-004
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-6-004
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-010-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-010-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-009-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-009-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-007-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-007-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua, February 15, 1891. The photo was taken at the corner of King and Fort streets
Funeral of King Kalakaua, February 15, 1891. The photo was taken at the corner of King and Fort streets
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-003-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-003-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-008-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-008-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-002-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-002-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-006-00001
Funeral of King Kalakaua-PP-25-5-006-00001

Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance Tagged With: Kapiolani, King Kalakaua, Hawaii, Liliuokalani, Queen Liliuokalani, Kalakaua

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 591
  • 592
  • 593
  • 594
  • 595
  • …
  • 661
  • Next Page »

Images of Old Hawaiʻi

People, places, and events in Hawaiʻi’s past come alive through text and media in “Images of Old Hawaiʻi.” These posts are informal historic summaries presented for personal, non-commercial, and educational purposes.

Info@Hookuleana.com

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Carriage to Horseless Carriage
  • Fire
  • Ka‘anapali Out Station
  • Lusitana Society
  • “Ownership”
  • ‘Holy Moses’
  • Mikimiki

Categories

  • Mayflower Summaries
  • American Revolution
  • General
  • Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance
  • Buildings
  • Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings
  • Hawaiian Traditions
  • Military
  • Place Names
  • Prominent People
  • Schools
  • Sailing, Shipping & Shipwrecks
  • Economy
  • Voyage of the Thaddeus

Tags

Albatross Al Capone Ane Keohokalole Archibald Campbell Bernice Pauahi Bishop Charles Reed Bishop Downtown Honolulu Eruption Founder's Day George Patton Great Wall of Kuakini Green Sea Turtle Hawaii Hawaii Island Hermes Hilo Holoikauaua Honolulu Isaac Davis James Robinson Kamae Kamaeokalani Kamanawa Kameeiamoku Kamehameha Schools Lalani Village Lava Flow Lelia Byrd Liliuokalani Mao Math Mauna Loa Midway Monk Seal Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Oahu Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Pearl Pualani Mossman Queen Liliuokalani Thomas Jaggar Volcano Waikiki Wake Wisdom

Hoʻokuleana LLC

Hoʻokuleana LLC is a Planning and Consulting firm assisting property owners with Land Use Planning efforts, including Environmental Review, Entitlement Process, Permitting, Community Outreach, etc. We are uniquely positioned to assist you in a variety of needs.

Info@Hookuleana.com

Copyright © 2012-2024 Peter T Young, Hoʻokuleana LLC

 

Loading Comments...