General | Page 165 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

October 3, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Puakea

Patrick Kirch has convincingly argued that Polynesians may not have arrived to the Hawaiian Islands until at least AD 1000, but expanded rapidly thereafter. The initial settlement in Hawai‘i is believed to have occurred from the southern Marquesas Islands. (Rechtman)

The earliest date range for permanent settlement in Kohala (AD 1300) was obtained from Koai‘e, a coastal settlement where subsistence primarily derived from marine resources. According to Tomonari-Tuggle, these resources were probably supplemented by small-scale agriculture. (Rechtman)

“(O)ne of the most obvious settlement forms along the leeward coast [of Kohala] is the houselot, a low-walled rectangular compound with an interior house platform” which is likely a historic habitation pattern established in the early nineteenth century.” (Tomonari-Tuggle; Rechtman)

There was also “the massive field system [the Kohala field system] which sweeps across the leeward slopes of Kohala [and] reaches the coast [at the northern end]”. The Kohala field system once stretched from the shore to the inland edge of the mountain forest.

The field system was characterized by low walls oriented cross-slope to block the prevailing winds with mauka/makai trails demarcating the narrow strips of field areas. (Tomonari-Tuggle; Rechtman)

Traditional land use patterns saw a rapid shift after the Māhele in 1848. At this time, land ownership was defined by grants and awards by the king (Kamehameha III) to the chiefs and other retainers.

By 1850, laws were enacted under which commoners could also own land (kuleana) if they could prove that they actually occupied those lands. The Māhele paved the way for land to be sold to foreigners. (Rechtman)

On July 18, 1873, Princess Ruth, granted to Henry Christiansen several parcels of land including in North Kohala. (Kohala Corp v State) He started a sheep ranch, apparently calling it Puakea Ranch.

Christiansen also planted some sugar cane, the milling of which was apparently not too successful with the crude equipment of that time. (Henke)

Dr. James Wight acquired the Puakea Ranch lands about 1875 and continued with the sheep ranch (having a herd of about 7,000 head of the Merino breed).

In about 1886, Wight imported two Maltese jacks at a cost of $1,400 and he was probably one of the first men to breed mules in Hawaii.

Sheep herding suffered due to various factors and cattle were substituted for the sheep in the 1880s; there were few or no sheep left after 1890.

Two Shorthorn bulls were imported from California and bred to the native cattle and Shorthorn blood predominated on Puakea Ranch till 1901, although some Hereford blood was introduced as early as 1889.

During the next twenty years Hereford blood gradually replaced the Shorthorns. At the time, beef had little value and many cattle were sold as work oxen for the cane fields. Wight died in 1905, and the ranch was operated by trustees of his estate. (Henke)

Nearby was Pu‘uhue, a cattle ranch was started about 1880; James Woods then being the owner and manager. Pu‘uhue had 4,000-5,000 cattle at that time, which roamed over much of the Puakea section on a rental arrangement.

At about 1906, Puakea and Pu‘uhue merged into what was called Puakea Ranch. These combined ranches ran from the sea to an elevation of about 4,000 feet and had a total area of about 25,000 acres and about 5,000 Herefords, 350 light horses and 10 Berkshire sows. Good Hereford bulls as well as females were imported from time to time.

Cattle were marketed from two years of age to about five (about 450 to 650 pounds dressed weight). About 500 to 600 were shipped to Honolulu annually (loaded at Kawaihae), with an additional 180 slaughtered on the ranch for consumption in the Kohala district.

In about the 1940s Parker Ranch purchased Puakea Ranch (and later sold portions that were subsequently developed into the Puakea Ranch subdivision, along the Kohala Coast).

OK, that’s the ‘ranch’ side of ‘Puakea’; Puakea Planting Company ran the sugar planting and production.

“There was filed for record at the Registrar’s office today a document transferring one-half interest in the Puakea Planting Co. situated in the Kohala District, owned by Mrs Eliza V Mackenzie, to Howard R. Bryant, for the sum of $16,025.”

“Mrs Mackenzie and Howard R. Dry–Bryant formed the Puakea Planting Company about five years ago, and started the growing of cane on the lands owned by Dr. James Wight. … The cane grown on this property is ground at the Hawi Mill.”

“There are some five or six thousand acres of land suitable for cane cultivation and it is the intention of the Puakea Planting Co to enlarge as soon as the water reaches the land.”

“The Kohala planters and the Kohala Ditch Company have been dickering for the past row moths regarding terms of which water is to be delivered, but a settlement of all differences has now practically been reached.” (Evening Bulletin, September 10, 1904)

Later, “Articles of incorporation were filed by the Puakea Plantation Co., Ltd., of Kohala, Hawaii. The incorporators with the offices held are as follows: John Hind, president; W. S. May, vice president; H. R. Bryant, treasurer; A. Mason, secretary, and Robert Hall, director. “

“The company has taken over the planting interests of what was heretofore known as the Puakea Planting Company and which are situated on the lands belonging to the estate of James Wight just above Mahukona.”

“The advent of the Kohala ditch has brought out a greater development of these lands and the present corporation will raise in the neighborhood of 4000 tons of sugar annually, after two or three years’ development. “

“The present output of sugar on the planting interests taken over is something about 900 tons. Henry Waterhouse Trust Co., Ltd., organized the company.” (Hawaiian Gazette, May 28, 1907)

The ditch was conceived of by John Hind who, with the financial help of Sam Parker and the irrigation knowledge of JT McCrosson and MM O‘Shaughnessy, formed the Kohala Ditch Company.

They hired Japanese laborers for wages of seventy-five cents to a dollar and a half a day to construct the twenty-one mile long ditch from the headwaters of the Kohala valleys to Puakea Plantation (in upland Kukuipahu Ahupua‘a).

The ditch ran through miles of ridge terrain, valleys, and forty-four tunnels. Seventeen laborers died during the construction of the Kohala Ditch. It carried twenty million gallons of water a day at the outset, with a projected maximum of seventy million gallons a day, to the sugar fields and ranch lands of North Kohala. (Rechtman)

In the 1930s, the Kohala Sugar Company was expanded by the consolidation of smaller plantations under the agency of Castle & Cooke (Puakea, Niuli‘i, Halawa, Hawi and Kohala Sugar). In 1975, Castle & Cooke closed Kohala Sugar. (Wilcox)

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Upolu-West-North_Kohala-USGS-UH-1937-1954

Upolu-West-North_Kohala-USGS-UH-5669-1965

Upolu-West-North_Kohala-USGS-UH-0193-1976

Leeward North Kohala Ahupuaa

North Kohala Sugar-late-19th Century-Rechtman

October 2, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Stewart Returns to Hawaii on the Vincennes

The Second Company destined for the Sandwich Island Mission assembled at New Haven, Connecticut to take passage in the ship Thames, captain Clasby, which was to sail on November 19, 1822. (Congregational Magazine)

Among them were The Reverend Artemas Bishop and Mrs. Bishop. Dr. Abraham Blatchely and Mrs. Blatchely. Mr. Levi Chamberlain, Mr. James Ely and Mrs. Ely, Mr. Joseph Goodrich and Mrs. Goodrich, The Reverend William Richards and Mrs. Richards …

… The Reverend Charles S. Stewart and Mrs. Stewart, Miss Betsey Stockton, Stephen Popohe (Tahitian), William Kamooula (Hawaiian), Richard Kalaioulu (Hawaiian) and Kupeli‘i (Hawaiian). They arrived at Honolulu, April 27, 1823, a voyage of 158 days.

Because of the serious illness of Mrs. Harriet Stewart, the Stewarts decided to return to Cooperstown, New York, after two and a half years in Hawaiʻi. Stockton accompanied them; leaving native Hawaiian teachers she had trained to take her place.

“A partial restoration of the health of Mrs. Stewart was effected by the residence of a year in the United States; but all medical advisers interdicted a return to a tropical climate, and any future exposure to the privations of a missionary life.”

“It became desirable, therefore, that I should select some sphere for the exercise of the duties of my profession, other than the field of my first choice.” (Stewart)

“Familiarity with the sea; long intercourse with seamen; close observation of their character; and strong attachment to individuals of their number, had implanted a lively interest in my heart for them, as a class of my fellows; and led me, in connexion with circumstances which it is unnecessary to explain, to direct my attention to the United States Naval Service.”

“As early as the spring of 1827, I communicated my views on this subject to the gentlemen then at the head of that department of our government, with an application for a chaplainship, when the relation existing between myself and the American Board of Foreign Missions should cease.”

“It was subsequently arranged, that my connexion with that body should not be dissolved till November, 1828. A few weeks previous to this period, I was incidentally apprised by the Secretary of the Navy, of an opportunity of communicating with any friends at the Sandwich Islands …”

“…, through a government vessel — the United States’ ships Guerriere and St. Louis having been ordered to relieve the public squadron in the Pacific ocean; one vessel from which, the corvette Vincennes, would visit the islands, and return to America by the Cape of Good Hope.”

“The idea at once suggested itself, of commencing the duties of my proposed new station, by making the voyage. … ascertaining that the commission of a chaplain could be secured, with the privilege of a transfer from the Guerriere to the Vincennes, I determined to perform the voyage.” (Stewart)

“On reporting myself for duty, I was received by Commodore Thompson with the same urbanity and openness of heart that marked his deportment as a travelling companion, on a first introduction, a month ago; and the decided and strong impressions then made in his favour, have been more than confirmed by the intercourse which has taken place in the relation we now hold to each other.”

“My man-of-war life is now actually begun: how far I shall be pleased, and how far useful in it, I know not. It is very distinct from every other life; but I see no reason yet to fear, that as the novelty which now interests and amuses me, ceases to be such, I shall be less satisfied than I at present am.” (Stewart)

“Besides the hum and varied din of the talk and occupation of five hundred men thickly crowded together, with the first tap of the révielle at the dawning of the morning, a succession of noisy signals commences in the various trilling of the boatswain’s whistle …”

“… and the hoarse calls of his mates, ceasing only when the blasts of the bugle and firing of musketry, on setting the watch at night, proclaim a respite, except in the half-hourly striking of the time, accompanied by the watchful sentry’s cry, ‘All’s well!’”

“It is long since I learned to love the character of the sailor – not the vulgarity and low vice too often found under the name, but the nobler traits which belong more distinctively to him than to any other order of men …”

“… I mean the warm heart and generous soul; the clan-like tie which leads him to hail every round-jacket and tarpaulin hat, as if they were the features of a brother …”

“… the recklessness of danger, and disregard of self; the humour, gay spirit, and credulity, tinctured with superstition, which are
characteristically his own.” (Stewart)

They first traveled the South Pacific, then, on October 2, 1829, “After a passage of eighteen days from Raiatea, including four of a dead calm, previously to taking the north-east trade-wind, yesterday afternoon, at five o’clock, ” Land ho!” was called from the mast-head.”

“Before the call from aloft was made, my eyes had been fixed for some minutes on what I believed to be. the summit of Mounakea; but I dared not assert it, lest I might be deceived: I was correct, however, though a thick haze prevented any more distinct sight of it.” They landed first at ‘Byron’s Bay’ (Hilo).

“An immense thatched building, beautifully finished, on the western side of the bay, near the river of Wairuku, I rightly judged to be the chapel; and we steered for it, knowing that the mission-house would be found near.”

“While still a considerable distance from the beach, I recognized Mr. Goodrich among a crowd of natives, beckoning us to the best spot for landing: shortly afterwards, our boat touched the Hawaiian shore.”

“A thousand varied thoughts and emotions rushed upon my mind and heart, and I was incapable of lifting up my head, lest I should betray what might be interpreted into a weakness by my companions, till I found myself in the strong grasp of a missionary friend and brother.”

“Our meeting was the more impressive and affecting to Mr. Goodrich, from its being entirely unexpected. … The captain had felt it necessary to limit our stay on shore to half an hour, and consequently all was hurry and excitement.”

“After ascertaining that all the missionaries were well, every thing in a most promising and prosperous state, and a great deal else of gratifying intelligence, we took a turn in the garden, where there is much to admire in the variety and luxuriance of the productions of this part of the islands.”

“The news of my arrival spread rapidly among the people; and the house soon began to be thronged with those who had a recollection of me, but whom, principally, I had forgotten.”

“Many of them shed tears, as they embraced and kissed my hands, or sank at my feet, manifesting a degree of sensibility and affection, considering their slight personal knowledge of me, that was surprising …”

“… till informed of the happy fact, that a period of deep seriousness and religious feeling has long existed at this place, and that many of these are still under the influence of the lively affections of recent conversion …”

“… of a conversion not only from the follies and sins of a worldly life, but from the ignorance, surperstition, and prejudices of heathenism, to the love and services of true piety.” (Stewart)

After an aborted departure, the Vincennes anchored in Hilo Bay; Stewart visited the Volcano and other parts of the Island, then left October 12 and landed at Oahu the next day.

“As soon as a boat could be lowered, Lieutenant Dornin and myself were on our way to the shore: he, to apprise the American consul of Captain Finch’s arrival; and I, to meet the embraces of our friends.”

“There are very considerable changes in the appearance of the town near the water, and very great improvements. The coral platform, along the walls of the fort and adjoining point, which, on our arrival in 1823, was the court-end of the metropolis, is now converted to a more appropriate use—that of a dock yard, and kind of depot for naval stores.”

“The arrival of ships seems now so much an every day occurrence, as scarce to attract attention, except among the gentleman in business; and when we landed, the name and character of the Vincennes were not yet generally known on shore.”

“My first call I felt due to Mr. and Mrs. Bingham; and, therefore, made my way to the door of the old wooden house opening into the rooms they occupy. From Mrs. Bingham’s exclamation, in an inner apartment, on hearing my voice, and Mr. Bingham’s hurried entrance, I ascertained that we had taken them by entire surprise …”

“There was a mingling of pain with the fulness of our joy, which, perhaps, all have experienced in meeting those they love, after a long separation; and for which Cowper well accounts, when he resolves it into a necessity, interwoven with our natures and our condition, that no earthly happiness shall be without its alloy.”

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Charles Samuel Stewart

September 28, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Columbia

“The little ship ‘Columbia’ of Boston, only eighty-three feet long, was the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe, and a few years later was also the first to visit our Northwest Coast.”

“This last voyage was perhaps the most famous one ever undertaken by an American merchant ship, and its consequences were everlasting. A young American seaman first called attention to the importance of the fur trade of the Northwest.”

“The two vessels sailed from Boston on September 30, 1787 … When the expedition arrived on the northwest coast, … Capt. Robert Gray then took command of the Columbia”. (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

“The cargo of hardware, tools, toys, beads, etc, brought from Boston was gradually exchanged during the long winter for furs, which were taken to Canton, the two captains then exchanging commands. The proceeds of the skins were used to purchase tea, which was brought back to Boston.” (Old Shipping Days in Boston, 1918)

“On his return (Gray) called at the different clusters of islands in the South seas, and among the rest at the Sandwich, where, as well as in other places, he met with the most friendly attentions from the natives, go at Owyhee, where their king resided.” (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

“The ‘Columbia’ … spent three weeks at the Hawaiian Islands, laying in a store of fruits, yams, potatoes, and hogs. They were kindly received there”. (Porter)

“Such was the confidence placed in captain Gray, both by king and people, that they permitted him to bring away with him to Boston their crown prince (Attoo), fully relying on his promise to return him to them.” (Niles National Register, November 25, 1837)

They secured a cargo of furs from the northwest “and, in pursuance of the owners’ plan, was carried to Canton for sale. … From China the ship, loaded with teas, sailed for home by way of the Cape of Good Hope. In August of 1790 she dropped anchor in Boston harbor, the first American vessel to circumnavigate the earth.” (Howe; The Atlantic Monthly, 1903)

“(The) second voyage, on which she sailed September 28, 1790, was destined to write the good ship’s name on the map of the country.”

“It was nearly two years later when, having taken Attoo back to Hawaii in the humble capacity of cabin boy, and having spent a winter on the coast, Captain Gray, cruising to the southward, saw what he took to be the mouth of amighty river.”

“There were breakers to warn him against entering it. To this forbidding aspect of things we may owe the entry in Vancouver’s journal at the same point …”

“‘Not considering this opening worthy of more attention, I continued our pursuit to the northwest.’ For Captain Gray the breakers were an obstacle only to be overcome.”

“After several efforts he drove the ship through them, and found himself in a noble stream of fresh water. Up this river he sailed some twenty-four miles, and having assured himself that he might continue farther if he chose, returned to the sea.”

“The headlands at the mouth of the river he named, like a true son of Boston, Cape Hancock and Point Adams. He raised the American flag, buried some coins of his young country, and named the river after his vessel, the Columbia.”

“Upon this discovery and the explorations of Lewis and Clark in the next decade, the American government based its successful claim to the Oregon country.”

“Yet for the Boston merchants whose enterprise wrought such momentous results, the second voyage, like the first, was but a small success.”

“In spite of the abundant salutes and cheers which greeted the Columbia when she sailed into Boston harbor in July of 1793, the ship and her inventory were sold at once by auction at a Charlestown wharf.”

“It was hers, however, to open the way to an important commerce.”

“In the years immediately following, a lucrative trade, largely in the hands of Boston merchants, was carried on in direct pursuance of the Columbia’s example, even in the matter of circumnavigation with stops at the Sandwich Islands and China.”

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Columbia_on_river

September 27, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Oni Oni

“The pounding of native drums and an old Hawaiian chant, together with soothing tones of an ultra-modern dance orchestra, gave birth to a fascinating dance the natives named ‘Oni-Oni.’” (Hnl Adv, September 27, 1934)

“South America has its rhumba; Spain its tango; Harlem its shuffle – and now Hawaii has its ‘Oni Oni,’ that combines all these features plus the sway of the hula.”

“This fascinating dance to music composed by Harry Owens, director of the Royal Hawaiian orchestra, was presented Thursday evening at the famous beach hotel by Miss Hazel Hale and Clayton Romler.” (Hnl Adr, September 30, 1934)

“Hazle Hale has played on the RKO circuit at Paramount studies, Hollywood, and has been features danseuse with the Belcher Hollywood Bowl ballet. She is a graduate of Belcher’s studio of dancing.”

“Clayton Romler has been featured in a long list of productions. He has appeared at Warner Bros. Theaters, Inc Hollywood, at Paramount Publix … (and) was master of ceremonies and featured dancer at the Cathay hotel roof garden, Shanghai … and toured the Far East in 1933.” Star-Bulletin, September 27, 1934)

“A cosmopolitan crowd applauded the Oni-Oni dance … at the Royal Hawaiian. The dance, high light of the evening at the hotel dinner-dance, was demonstrated … To music which combined the primitive tone of old Hawaii with the modern rhythm of today.” (Hnl Adv, September 30, 1934)

“(Oni Oni) has a bit of foxtrot, a suggestion of waltz, and eccentricity of the Harlem shuffle, the subtleness of the tango and the sway of the hula.” (Hnl Adv, September 27, 1934) Dance steps include (as described in the Advertiser and State Archives:

1st position: The opening position of the ‘Oni Oni’ must be danced to music with a 1 and 2 and 1 and 2 rhythm, allowing for a sudden startling change into the primitive 5-4 times.

Man starts with right foot forward, lady steps back on her left in a hula dip, keeping a 1 and 2, and 1 and 2 count. This step done with a swing to a traveling hula step breaking into a 1,2,3 and 1,2,3 rhythm. Repeat once.

2nd position: With the gentlemen’s left arm up and the lady’s right arm extended, a sway step is first made to gentlemen’s left, still keeping the rhythm of 1, 2, 3 and 1, 2, 3 count, which is repeated once.

The hula-like sway continues with definite steps from left to right. Interpretation of a kiss made with the lady’s right hand and the man’s left, then vice versa, both keeping directly in front of each other. A touch of the syncopated shuffle follows.

3rd position: Change in the dance mood with the man stepping out with the right foot, the lady with the right, and a strut-type of step, followed by a hula sway. Man holds the lady tightly about the waist and lady places her left arm around his neck as he swings her in with a sudden dip.

4th position: Again the sway begins with definite steps from left to right, with the interpretation of a kiss given, followed by a touch of a shuffle. See position 2.

5th position: A decided change in dance mood, with gentleman stepping out with left foot, lady with right and strut type step, with a hula sway following. Then gentleman holds lady tightly around the waist and lady places her left arm around the gntlman’s neck and he swings her with a sudden dip manner.

The lady does a modified quick step 1 and 2, and 1 and 2 rhythm, while the man enters into a primitive 5-4 rhythm, making a decided contrast moving front and back, right foot forward. Followed by a fast turn around the floor with drums beating louder in the primitive rhythm.

6th position: With the man’s left arm and lady’s right arm extended upward, a sway step is made to the man’s left, then to right, still keeping the 1,2,3 and 1,2,3 rhythm to intense drum beats of primitive rhythm. For the finish step, lady moves left to right then with a hula movement traveling backward, followed by the man similarly moving forward. This takes up eight measures working into the exit step of the “Oni Oni.”

Finish steps: The lady moves from left to right, then with a hula movement traveling backward, she is followed by the man similarly traveling forward. The step takes eight bars and works into the exit step, finishing the “Oni Oni!”

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1-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-002-Oct 10, 1934

1-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-003-Oct 10, 1934

1-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-004-Oct 10, 1934

1-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-005-Oct 10, 1934

2-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-006-Oct 10, 1934

3-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-007-Oct 10, 1934

3-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-008-Oct 10, 1934

3-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-009-Oct 10, 1934

3-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-010-Oct 10, 1934

4-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-011-Oct 10, 1934

5-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-012-Oct 10, 1934

5-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-013-Oct 10, 1934

5-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-014-Oct 10, 1934

5-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-015-Oct 10, 1934

5-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-018-Oct 10, 1934

6-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-017-Oct 10, 1934

6-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-018-Oct 10, 1934

6-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-019-Oct 10, 1934

Finish-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-021-Oct 10, 1934

Finish-Oni Oni, with dancers Hazel Hale and Clayton Ramler at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel-P-4-3-020-Oct 10, 1934

September 26, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

EO Hall & Son, Ltd

“At the regular meeting of the Prudential Committee, held at the Missionary Rooms, on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 1834, it was: ‘Resolved that Mr. Edwin O. Hall of the city of New York be appointed an assistant missionary of the Board and designated to the Sandwich Islands, to be employed as a printer in connection with that mission.’”

“‘Resolved that Miss Williams, of the city of New York be appointed an assistant missionary of the Board, with the expectation of her being united in marriage with Mr. Edwin O. Hall, this day appointed to the Sandwich Island mission.’”

“Embarking December 5, 1834, on the ship Hellespont with six other missionaries (Rev. Titus Coan and wife; Henry Dimond and wife. Bookbinder; Miss Lydia Brown. Teacher.; Miss Elizabeth M. Hitchcock. Teacher) comprising the sixth reinforcement (Seventh Company) to the mission, after a voyage of six months, Mr. Hall and his bride reached Honolulu, June 6, 1835.’”

“He at once took charge of the printing office in Honolulu, relieving Mr. Rogers, who was transferred to the branch printing office at the High School at Lahainaluna, Maui. Mrs. Hall’s health failed after a year or two, as she became afflicted with a serious spinal trouble, which prevented her from walking and kept her confined all day on her couch.” (Ballou)

Levi Chamberlain wrote to Rufus Anderson that, “The health of several of the missionaries is in a deranged state … Mrs Hall continues ill and a voyage to the NW Coast is recommended in her case … hoping that the cold of that region will restore (her)”. (Chamberlain)

The Halls arrived in the Oregon Country in 1839. On April 19, 1839, Hiram Bingham, head of the Hawaiʻi mission wrote, “The church & congregation of which I am pastor has recently sent a small but complete printing and binding establishment …”

“… by the hand of Brother Hall, to the Oregon mission, which with other substantial supplies amount to 444,00 doll. The press was a small Hand press presented to this mission but not in use. The expense of the press with one small font of type, was defrayed by about 50 native females …”

“… including Kina‘u or Ka‘ahumanu 2d. This was a very pleasing act of Charity. She gave 10 doll, for herself & 4 for her little daughter Victoria Ka‘ahumanu 3d.” (This is not the same press that Bingham brought on their initial voyage to Hawaiʻi.) Mr. Hall helped set up the press at the Lapwai mission station.

Mrs. Hall suffered from a chronic illness of the spine. To reach various inland destinations she traveled by canoe when possible. She was carried in a hammock from Ft. Walla Walla to Waiilatpu. On November 5, 1839, she gave birth to a daughter. The Halls returned to Hawaii in March 1840. (Whitman Mission)

In 1843, at the time when Admiral Thomas restored the Kingdom, Hall wrote lyrics (sung to the tune of ‘God Save the King’) honoring the Hawaiian Kingdom: Hail! to our rightful king!; We joyful honor bring; This day to thee!; Long live your Majesty!; Long reign this dynasty!; And for posterity; The sceptre be.

It was “Sung at the great cold water luau (‘temperance picnic’) given by H.H.M. Kamehameha III, in Nu‘uanu to several thousands of natives and all the Foreigners including the officers of 4 ships of war. For which Admiral Thomas thanked the ladies and gent who did him the honor.” (August 3, 1843)

EO Hall left the mission in 1849 and on May 19 of that year was appointed director of the Government Printing Office (GPO); his responsibilities included printing The Polynesian, the GPO printed all of Hawaii’s statutes and other official documents. (He left this position on May 19, 1855.) (LOC)

The business of EO Hall & Son, Limited, was commenced in 1852, under the firm name of EO Hall, at the corner of Fort and King streets, Honolulu. For over a year after starting, the business was under the personal charge of Mr. TL Leyman, a half-brother to EO Hall, who at that time was editing the Polynesian newspaper.

In these early years, most of the customers were natives, and besides hardware the stock consisted of dry goods of all kinds and quite an assortment of groceries.

In 1859, William W Hall entered the employ of the firm as clerk, and became partner with his father in 1865, when the name of the firm was changed to EO Hall & Son.

The firm continued to deal in hardware, agricultural Implements, dry goods, leather, paints and oils, sliver-plated ware, wooden ware, tools of all kinds, kerosene oil, etc., until about the year 1878, when dry goods were dropped, except a few staple articles.

In 1880, Mr E Oscar White, a grandson of EO Hall, became an employee of the firm. In 1883 the business was incorporated, and during that same year Edwin Oscar Hall, the founder of the business, died (September 19, 1883) while on a visit to the US at Falmouth, Maine.

The company later put in stock a complete line of ship chandlery, and this has become one of the principal features of the business. This includes a large assortment of manila rope and iron and steel wire rope of all sizes up to four Inches. (Alexander)

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