Hawaii | Page 328 | Images of Old Hawaiʻi

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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No._1._View_of_Honolulu._From_the_harbor._Burgess-(c._1854)

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

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

November 9, 2018 by Peter T Young 2 Comments

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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Black Cat Cafe Honolulu, HI 1939

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Black-Cat

Soldiers and sailors lined up at a business near the bus depot and taxi stand. Building with the gabled facade is the Black Cat-PP-39-6-001

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November 8, 2018 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

Musa-Shiya The Shirtmaker

Musashi was a province of Japan, which today comprises Tokyo Metropolis, most of Saitama Prefecture and part of Kanagawa Prefecture. It was sometimes called Bushū. The province encompassed Kawasaki and Yokohama. (My Japanese Hanga)

Chotaro Miyamoto emigrated to Hawai‘i from Japan on the ship named the Tokyo Round in 1885. He started ‘Musa-Shiya’, a store in Honolulu on ‘A‘ala Lane, not far from River Street and named it after his hometown province (the name was a combination of Musashi and ‘ya’, meaning ‘place’ or ‘store.’ (Hope))

“Miyamoto sold dry goods and did some custom tailoring. His son, Koichiro, was sent to Japan at the age of six in 1901. A couple of years later, Chotaro moved his business to a new location on King Street, near River Street and the busy Honolulu fish market.”

“After the merchant died, his son, Koichiro, despite poor English skills and scant business knowledge, moved back to Hawai’i in 1920 to run the family business.”

“Miyamoto wanted to expand Musashiya’s tailoring business. The young merchant had been sending broadcloth orders to the big textile firms in England, but due to World War I, he didn’t receive his fabric orders and impatiently ordered more.” (Hope)

“Year after year Musa-Shiya had sent his order for shirtings to the Englishmen. The first year of the war his order was unacknowledged. The second year passed and there were two orders in England for Musa-Shiya that were unfilled.”

“He sent more orders.”

“Patience and persistence were his two virtues. Patience and persistence made this particular day the saddest day of his life, when he read the custom’s house manifest on a huge box from England. The orders of five years had been filled in one shipment! The little shirt maker saw his end. It was beyond him to save himself.” (Haase)

“There was young Miyamoto, suddenly surrounded by many bolts of the finest English broadcloth. The store overflowed, and more was on the dock.”

“Fine broadcloth in those days meant only one thing. Fine shirts. So the young merchant sought out the finest seamstresses in Honolulu, and they began making very fine shirts indeed.”

“Miyamoto now had to sell those quality shirts. He went to the advertising offices of Charles R. Frazier, where copywriter George Mellen became intrigued with Miyamoto’s pidgin English.” (Hope)

“Now Musa-Shiya had a friend, a haole friend … The haole friend was inspired. The little shirtmaker agreed that the big business man’s advertising agency could run the shop of Musa-Shiya should it so desire.”

“The little shirtmaker began to live in the advertising pages of a Honolulu newspaper. The advertising man had chosen the obvious and easily overlooked style of copy. He wrote Musa-Shiya’s tale of his business … in pidgin-English.” (Haase)

“Here are the headings and introductory of one of his ads … ‘Owing to slightly perspiring climate of Honolulu and adjacently adjoining territory all these persons abiding therein require more than usual undershirt. Undershirt for every day practically inevitable. If more fat, sometimes two for day is advisory.’”

“He follows this with an announcement of ‘good news of undershirts 10 per cent off for one week.’ … (and later includes,) ‘Because shop of Musa is very small and locality obscuring, prices is also, but explorer will find’”. (Dry Goods Economist, December 12, 1922)

“Observe also the diplomatic way in which Mr. Musa introduces the subject of sweaters and explains why these warm garments are needed at times even in Hawaii. His ad on this line of merchandise says:…”

“‘Speaking of sweater in Honolulu may be misconstewed for insult to famous climate. Yet not so. Climate at some instance require sweater.’”

“He speaks of the use of sweaters in automobiling and also ‘when obtaining generous perspiration by long tennis and other muscle excitement.’ In the latter case ‘sweater,’ he points out, ‘is natural result for protection from Sneeze.’”

“Mr. Musa’s English is peculiar, but it is away ahead of the Japanese (or any other foreign language) that most of us could write. And Economist readers will admit, we believe, that there is nothing the matter with his instinct for effective publicity.” (Dry Goods Economist, December 12, 1922)

“He found the way to bring people to an obscure shop. The advertisements, attracting attention by their typography and drawings, were read. If the reader of the advertisement stopped to analyze the copy he would find that it dwelt upon the fact that the little shop was hard to find …”

“… but once found there were great rewards to be had in un usual shirtings for the persistent one. Of course the copy didn’t neglect to say that price would be in keeping with the size of the shop. By this method the agency man created great interest in Musa-Shiya throughout Honolulu.” (Haase)

“During the first week, the advertisements followed close upon one another. At the end of the week the agency man called on
the little shirtmaker. ‘You didn’t think it could be done, did you?’” … ‘No, but business very good and every body say very nice advertisement.’”

“The spectacle of a solid line of busy clerks behind the counters now replaced the old scene of Musa-Shiya and his partner sitting in the corner of the shop, finding time heavy on their hands.”

“The clerks were not only selling shirting, but handing out Musa-Shiya’s ginghams, flannels and silks, for it should be known that Musa-Shiya sold a general line of dry goods, and that the advertising was moving those goods also.”

“From that week on the little shirtmaker continued to advertise. Advertising is now part of his business. He likes it. He hears from his advertising from all ends of Hawaii. Tourists in Hawaii clip his advertisements and send them home. These tourists, themselves, come to the little shop.”

“The clippings they send bring others when they come to Honolulu, and even bring orders from people in distant lands who never expect to come to Honolulu, but who have been goaded into action by the advertisements.”

“(H)e says : ‘Because for appreciating delightful results business and many customers now coming this shop where shirt make and dry goods American and Japanese style selling …’”

“‘… also following very nice advertisement in Star-Bulletin daily news papers for two year mostly, feel very kinely for advertisement which everybody say very nice advertisement and asking one copy keeping person ally which have not got so order make some more on piece paper from house of printing.’”

“‘We incline mystery for this action but explaining away clearly when man living his home Kansas U. S. sending old shirt also advertisement also letter demand six shirt hand made similar to this one but pongee kine.’”

“‘Also one lady thin kine living home Boston, U. S. presenting advertisement from many month old ask if this same shop Musa-Shiya and while writing hand book with short pencil print one side ‘Fire Insurance.’ This lady not buying shirt and something else but saving come again and smile nicely.’” (Haase)

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Koichiro Miyamoto-Musa_Shiya the Shirtmaker-TheAlohaShirt

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November 7, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Waiakue Kaikuono

“Waiakue Kaikuono (Waiakue Bay), as it is called by the natives, comprises a spacious harbour, formed by a reef of coral rocks, of about half-a-mile in breadth, through which there is a channel three-quarters of a mile wide, with a depth of water throughout, of about eleven fathoms.” (Hill, 1856)

“Incidently, Hilo Bay was once almost called Vancouver Bay. Vancouver, whose name was given to the great island in British Columbia, and to a fine city in BC and another in southern Washington, was a visitor to Hawaii on several occasions.”

“The men of his party wanted to give Vancouver’s name to Hilo Bay. But somehow it didn’t take.” (Edwards; Honolulu Advertiser, April 29, 1951) It was later referred to as Byron’s Bay and ultimately, Hilo Bay.

“Hilo is a famous sea-shore resort on this island, and from Honolulu by a direct sea route the distance is estimated to be almost one hundred and ninety-two miles, and a steamer of moderate speed can accomplish the trip in almost twenty-four hours.”

“On the map Hilo Bay is frequently marked Byron’s Bay, after Captain Lord Byron, who was the first to make an accurate survey of it, which he did in 1825.” (Hall, 1898)

“Lord Byron, the cousin and successor of the poet (George Gordon Byron), and a very different man, commanding HBM Frigate Blonde, was commissioned by his majesty to convey the bodies of the king and queen (Liholiho and Kamamalu) and the survivors of their suite back to their country.” (Bingham)

“During the voyage Liliha and Kekuanaoa were baptized at their own request by the chaplain, Lord Byron standing as sponsor.” (Taylor)

Actually some suggest its traditional name is Waiakea Bay. “The proper native name for Hilo Bay is Waiakea, but as is quite natural, it is called from the town itself.” (Hall, 1898) “The best landing is at Waiakea, which gives its name to the bay, although it has been called Hilo and Byron’s Bay.”

“The latter name was conferred on it, in compliment to Lord Byron, by Kaahumanu; but the native appellation cannot be set aside, and the bay is now scarcely known among the natives when called Byron’s.” (Wilkes, 1845)

“Excellent water is to be had in abundance, and with great ease, within the mouth of the Wailuku river; but it requires some care in passing in and out the river when the surf is high.” (Wilkes, 1845)

“Lord Byron, with his scientific corps, visited Hila, the great crater of Kilauea, and Kealakahua Bay, and caused accurate surveys to be made of Waikiki Bay, Honolulu harbor, and Hilo Bay, which has since been often called Byron’s Bay.” (Bingham)

“Hilo Bay has an excellent harbor, and if commerce needs it, can be rendered safe and commodious by a breakwater which runs out from the shore to Cocoanut Island. There is room for a whole navy here, if necessary, and the water is deep enough for the largest ship afloat.”

“The town is well laid out and very pretty. One can see great stretches of cane fields all yellow and green, and the tall, graceful cocoa palms with their plumy branches. As the roads in Hilo are not very good, one must either go about on foot or on horseback.” (Hall, 1898)

“Lord Byron drew up the first laws printed and published in Honolulu, being regulations for the harbor of Honolulu. … and by his advice the chiefs began more active measures for suppression of vices which were destroying their race, and for promoting education.”

“The American missionaries, who were still more or less under suspicion, were indebted to him for removing the last doubts as to their mission and motives; telling the natives that these people taught the same religion as that recommended to them by Vancouver, teachers of which he had promised to send them on his return to England, if possible.” (Taylor)

“Before leaving the islands, Lord Byron set up a memorial of Capt. Cook, almost half a century from the time of his death. On the hill of ancient lava, at the head of Kealakekua Bay, and one hundred and fifty rods from the place where that navigator fell …”

“… and near where he was dissected, he erected, on a heap of rough, volcanic stones, a small shaft, or pillar of wood, with a small plate attached”. (Bingham)

In the late 19th century, the growing sugar industry in East Hawai‘i demanded a better and more protected port, and a breakwater was constructed on Blonde Reef to shield ships from rough waters as they entered Hilo Harbor.

In 1908, construction began on a breakwater along the shallow reef, beginning at the shoreline east of Kūhīo Bay. The breakwater was completed in 1929 and extended roughly halfway across the bay. In 1912, contracts were awarded to construct Kūhiō Wharf, to dredge the approach to the new wharf, and to lay railroad track into the new harbor facility.

Work was completed at Kūhiō Wharf, Pier 1 in 1916. Pier 1 was a 1,400-foot long by 150-foot wide wharf with a wooden storage shed. By 1917, a mechanical conveyor for bagged sugar with derricks for loading ships, was constructed.

In 1923, Pier 2 was constructed just west of Pier 1. Additional dredging was conducted in Kūhiō Bay as part of the construction. By 1927, Pier 3 was added on the west side of Pier 2.

Between 1927 and 1928, the approach to Pier 3 was dredged and the pier was widened. In 1929, the 10,080-foot long rubble mound breakwater was completed.

Contrary to urban legend, the Hilo breakwater was not built as a tsunami protection barrier for Hilo; it was built to dissipate general wave energy and reduce wave action in the protected bay, providing calm water within the bay and protection for mooring and operating in the bay.

In fact, in 1946, Hilo was struck by a tsunami generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands; it was struck again in 1960 by a tsunami generated by the great Chilean earthquake – both tsunami overtopped the breakwater and Hilo sustained significant damage, including to the breakwater.

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Hilo_illustration,_c._1870s