Pantheon Block

February 20, 2025 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

It was a time before the automobile; folks rode horseback or were carried in horse or mule drawn carriage, trolley or omnibus (the automobile didn’t make it to the Islands until 1890.)

“James Dodd has leased the premises known as the Bartlett House, at the corner of Hotel and Fort streets, he called it the Pantheon Hotel. The premises have been renovated, repaired, painted and papered throughout, making them look almost as good as new.” (Hawaiian Gazette, October 30, 1878)

“Mr. Dodd has had experience in the hotel business, and from his urbanity of manner and good business habits we doubt not but the new place will be well kept. He intends to have, in connection with the hotel, a finely arranged livery stable with a full complement of carriages and saddle horse for the accommodation of the public.” (Hawaiian Gazette, October 30, 1878)

The May 23, 1883 issue of the Daily Bulletin noted, “James Dodd’s Pantheon Saloon is nearly finished building. It is very handsomely designed.”

He also had the Long Branch sea bathing baths in Waikīkī and ran an omnibus (bus) line from downtown to Waikiki.

“The Pantheon Saloon has a large commodius room attached to the bar where its patrons can sit at ease and pass their leisure tune reading the latest papers.” (Hawaiian Star, February 13, 1895)

Then, the “Black Death” (Bubonic Plague) struck Honolulu.

Its presence caused pause in the opening months of 1900 and was on everybody’s mind, with good reason; the same disease had decimated a third of the world’s population during the fourteenth century. It started to spread in Honolulu.

“The other center of infection is block 19, north and east of block 20 at the Pantheon livery stables and saloon. From this place 3 cases in all have been traced, 2 Chinese and 1 white American.” (Public Health Reports, February 8, 1900)

As more people fell victim to the Black Death, on January 20, 1900, the Board of Health conducted “sanitary” fires to prevent further spread of the disease.

The Pantheon premises were condemned and burned.

With five fire engines strategically placed, the controlled incineration of the Pantheon stables and saloon took place in the morning of February 7, 1900. Other places connected with the four victims were also disposed of. (Papacostas)

“The structure mainly consists of a series of heavy timbers for the walls upon which has been laid a corrugated iron roof. … the premises in rear of the stables disclosed the same ramshackly series of lean-tos and sheds as were generally found all through the Chinatown district”. (Hawaiian Gazette, February 6, 1900)

Another fire, started between Kaumakapili Church and Nuʻuanu Avenue, blazed out of control, due to the change in wind. The fire burned uncontrollably for 17 days, ravaging most of Chinatown. People trying to flee were beat back by citizens and guards into the quarantine district.

The extent of the fire and the estimates of the area ranged from 38-65 acres. The fire caused the destruction of all premises bounded by Kukui Street, River Street, Queen Street (presently Ala Moana Boulevard) and Nuʻuanu Avenue.

Dodd died January 21, 1900 – but the Pantheon returned.

“Like the Phoenix the Pantheon arose from its ashes. Although it is not on the same spot it is so near it that one looking for the favorite drinking place cannot go far astray. Ever since the old Pantheon was started many years ago by the late James Dodd it has been noted for the good cheer obtainable there.”

“Now that its old proprietor is no more, the reputation of the place is kept up to its former old standard and there is nothing to be desired in the way of refreshment for the inner man that cannot be obtained there.” (Honolulu Republican, June 16, 1901)

“The Pantheon saloon reopened in the new building at Fort and Hotel streets last night. TA Simpson. FM Kiley and JF O’Connor are in charge there. The house is quite large and looks neat.” (Hawaiian Star, September 25, 1900)

“The Pantheon is homelike and as an oasis in a desert to the tired and thirsty traveller. It is the place to drop in and take a drop. Never is a want left unsatisfied in the Pantheon. To make your want known is to have the want catered to and in a way that is satisfactory. Courteous treatments the rule and although there are other places there is but one Pantheon, the Pantheon on Hotel street.”

The name of the saloon is over the door. It is on Hotel street. There the thirsty may be refreshed and the weary rest. (Honolulu Republican, June 16, 1901)

On July 19, 1909 the Evening Bulletin announced, “Architect HL Kerr has just completed the plans for a two-story building on the Ewa-mauka corner of Hotel and Fort streets, and bids on its construction will shortly be called for. The building will be of concrete and steel construction and will be built so as to allow the erection of more stories if necessary.”

“The structure will be known as the Pantheon building and will be erected by the Pantheon Building Company, of which Mrs JM Dowsett is the principal stockholder.” (Hawaiian Gazette, July 20, 1909)

In the 1950s, owners decided to modernize the facade. Concentrating on the shop-fronts the owners added shiny Arizona sandstone surrounds and new plate-glass windows. Failing to transform the building sufficiently to attract shoppers heading to the new Ala Moana and Kahala shopping malls, the owners added paneled treatment for the upper story. (Papacostas)

Contractor Lucas called it “an ornament to the city” and, in its retrospect for 1911, Thrum’s Hawaiian Annual described it as “the principal structure of the year.” (Papacostas) The Pantheon remains today at Hotel Street and the Fort Street Mall.

September 12, 2022 by Peter T Young 1 Comment

George Lucas

George Lucas (May 7, 1821 – March 2, 1892) was born in County Clare, Ireland; he first came to Hawaiʻi in 1849. His father, the first George Lucas, moved his family to Australia by the British government to take charge of the government domain there.

He remained there for several years, and met and married Miss Sarah Williams. Shortly after his marriage, hearing of the gold excitement in California, he set sail, accompanied by his wife, for San Francisco.

En route, they stopped in the Islands for three weeks for the ship to re-provision, finally reaching California on the last day of December, 1849. He met with little success as a miner, deciding, instead, to remain in San Francisco and establish himself as a carpenter. He prospered for about six years; however, had a severe loss due to a fire.

He could not forget Hawaiʻi, and in July, 1856, he returned there to make the Islands his home. He began his contracting and building business, and founded the Honolulu Steam Planing Mill.

The energy and perseverance of the man brought its reward when he opened the Mill on the Esplanade – a “shapely stuccoed brick structure.” This mill was one of Honolulu’s leading manufacturing establishments, and has always furnished employment to a large number of mechanics and laborers. (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, March 03, 1892)

Although the plant began in a small way, turning out finishings and equipment needed for his contracting jobs, its volume of business grew steadily and became the largest concern of its kind in the islands. (Nellist)

“This mill is well fitted and complete in every respect, having machines of the latest patterns and make, and capabilities for turning out work in great variety. It is fitted with a planer, strikers, blind machines, morticers, running lathes, band and jig saws, tenoning machine, and rip and cross-cut saws of every size, and other machines.”

“The proprietor, Mr. George Lucas, first started business in this city March 7, 1859, but found that the rapidly-increasing demand for woodwork finish, in all its requirements, made it absolutely necessary for him to open the present establishment, which now ranks second to none in any city.”

“First-class workmen are employed in this establishment, and all work is guaranteed. The mill is of brick, 82 x 42 feet, and 14 feet high. The engine is of twenty-horse power. Twenty men are employed in this establishment.” (Browser; Maly)

Lucas’ Honolulu Planing Mill building served a couple other critical purposes at Honolulu Harbor. First, the clock tower served as a range marker for ships aligning to enter/leave the harbor. (“The line of the harbor light (red) and the clock tower of the Honolulu Planing Mill on Fort … just touches the west side of this channel at the outer end.”) (Hawaii Bureau of Customs)

In addition, the clock served as a local time piece, as well as the official time to mariners. “Time-Signal at Planing Mill … a time-signal has been established at the Honolulu steam-planing mill, Honolulu, Sandwich islands. The signal is a whistle, which is sounded twice daily by electric signal from the survey office; … (giving time associated with) Greenwich mean time. (Nautical Magazine, January 1890)

The Lucas clock didn’t always work, “Lucas’ clock … At 7 this morning the clock was of the opinion that 10:45 was about the correct time.” (Hawaiian Star, October 25, 1895)

“Lucas’ clock on the Esplanade has been groggy for some time lately but repairs are being made. It’s a godsend to the waterfront people and the government should keep it in repair.” (Evening Bulletin, July 12, 1897)

Others wanted to be different, “Maui wants to adopt the Government time on Lucas’ clock with five minutes added, but some few will not agree to it. The result is a great uncertainty in times. (Maui, June 28)” (Hawaiian Gazette, July 1, 1890)

Lucas was one of the first contractors and builders in Honolulu, and constructed many of the business buildings in the city.

He built the Campbell Block, the Pantheon Block, the Brewer Block and many other large downtown buildings, and was responsible for all woodwork construction in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the one downtown, it was later the Army/Navy YMCA and now the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.)

Most notably, when King Kalākaua decided to build ʻIolani Palace, he named George Lucas as general superintendent and the contractor for all of the cabinetry, woodwork and finishing in the Palace. (Nellist)

George Lucas supervised the carpentry, using fine imported (e.g., American walnut and white cedar) and Hawaiian (koa, kou, kamani and ʻōhiʻa) woods.

The sophisticated mansard roofs and the detailed brickwork, moldings and wrought iron were completed in time for Kalākaua’s coronation ceremony on February 12, 1883, for which the palace served as centerpiece. (Kamehiro)

For many years Mr. Lucas was Chief Engineer of the Honolulu Volunteer Fire Department, and during the reign of King Kalākaua he was offered the position of superintendent of public works, but declined it. (Nellist) After retiring, he was acting Chief for six months, as the Department was unwilling to nominate anyone else, and only did so because he refused to serve.

“It was through his persistent efforts that the first two steam fire engines were imported to these islands, and when he retired from the office of Chief he still retained a deep interest in the department, and was made an honorary member of No. 1 Engine.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, March 3, 1892)

Lucas was the founder and first president of the old Mechanics’ Library (Honolulu Library and Reading Room,) now the Hawaiʻi State Library.

George and Sarah had nine children; the seven who lived were Thomas, Charles, John, George, Albert, William and Eliza. (Nellist)

Following his death in 1892, sons Thomas, Charles and John formed a partnership, Lucas Brothers, to carry on the trade and business of carpenters, builders and contractors; it lasted until April 19, 1910, when son John incorporated the concern.

“No citizen was better known than he. He could count his friends by the score, and when he made a friend it was a friendship that would last forever.”

“There are few individuals in Honolulu who have done more in the way of charity and benevolence in proportion to their means than Mr. Lucas.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, March 3, 1892)

June 26, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Pantheon Saloon

“If you want to eat go to a restaurant. If you want to drink go to a saloon, and if you want a good drink of the best beer on the market go to the Pantheon. No silver mugs (glass is good enough for a thirsty man), no clam chowder. In fact no Chinese hash house in ours.”

“Just plain Enterprise beer. No first awards or medals needed. If you got one glass you want two and you don’t care whether you drink it out of a silver mug or a pail. The quantity of Enterprise beer consumed in Honolulu equals that of all other beers combined. Call at the Pantheon. James Dodd, Prop.” (Evening Bulletin, October 8, 1896)

Dodd opened the Pantheon in 1878 … ”Mr. James Dodd has leased the premises known as the Bartlett House, at the corner of Hotel and Fort streets, to be called hereafter the Pantheon Hotel.”

“The premises have been renovated, repaired, painted and papered throughout, making them look almost as good as new. Mr Dodd has had experience in the hotel business, and from his urbanity of manner and good business habits we doubt not but the new place will be well kept.”

“He intends to have, in connection with the hotel, a finely arranged livery stable with a full complement of carriages and saddle horse for the accommodation of the public.”

“This latter arrangement will be a great convenience, and we hope Mr. D. will be well supported in both undertakings.” (Hawaiian Gazette, October 30, 1878) (An associated advertisement in the same paper noted, “The best ales, wines and liquors constantly on hand.”)

He later replaced the building … “The old Pantheon building that has stood on the corner of Fort and Hotel streets for so many years is a thing of the past.”

“Mr. James Dodd has caused it to be torn down, and on its site he intends erecting a building with a fifty feet front on each street.”

“The new building will be one story in height with a seventeen foot ceiling, and will be opened as a billiard and bar room when completed.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, March 24, 1883) “Mr James Dodd’s Pantheon Saloon is nearly finished building. It is very handsomely designed.” (Daily Bulletin, May 23, 1883)

Then, “Disastrous Conflagration. Last Tuesday night witnessed one of the most disastrous fires that has ever occurred in this city. … In a few moments, … at 12:35 am, the bells pealed forth their alarm, but several minutes elapsed before the engines were started on their way to the fire.”

“Engine No. 1 was manned by only Jim Ward and 3 or 4 boys until Mr. Evans assisted, and although there were from 20 to 30 men running alongside of the engine, on the sidewalk, scarcely any of them could be prevailed upon to assist in dragging the engine, which unnecessarily delayed its arrival at the fire. …”

“By the time the first alarm was sounded from the Bell Tower, Mr. J. B. Warner watchman at Dodd’s Stables assisted by Joe Wiseman and Jim Sherwood, had connected the 2-inch private hose, belonging to the Pantheon Stables, with their water pipe …”

“… and mounting a ladder entered the second floor of Fishel’s building and played on the fire for nearly twenty minutes before any of the engines could get a stream of water on the building.”

“This doubtless saved Dodd’s Stables from catching fire by keeping the fire from making rapid headway until the engines got fairly to work, as It was not until 12:58 am – 23 minutes after – the first stream of water was started. …”

“It was only after frequent attempts, during which several bystanders were thoroughly drenched with water, that they finally succeeded in getting ready for operations …”

“… and their first performance was to play from their station opposite the Parisian restaurant on Hotel street, over the rear of Dodd’s stables and Pantheon saloon, drenching many of the lookers-on of both sexes who were on the side walk hemmed by ropes stretched across the street and along the sidewalk, so they were unable to escape in time.”

“This proceeding was totally unnecessary, as by this time the upper portion of Fishel’s building had fallen in and Dodd’s stables were past all danger of taking fire. The Pacific Hose Co. No. 1 and Protection Hook and Ladder Co were stationed on Hotel street opposite the Pantheon saloon and did effective service. …” (Saturday Press, January 24, 1885)

Then, later that year, “About half-past 2 o’clock yesterday morning, Mr. James Dodd, who was sleeping in a room in the second story of Campbell’s block, Hotel street, immediately opposite his extensive stables, was awakened by the crackling sound of fire and the pungent smell of smoke.”

“Looking out of the window, he saw a bright flame rising from near the northwest corner of the large building known as Bertleman’s mill on Fort street.”

“As this locality adjoined his stables and was on their windward side, Mr. Dodd knew that for the third time his property was in danger from fire, and made all speed to the stables. …”

“The night was clear and bright, and, fortunately, there was but little wind, so although the Pantheon stables on the side next the fire were deeply charred, they were saved from destruction.”

“On the north side of the burning mill, however, the flames communicated with a dwelling-house standing but a few feet distant, and it, with a smaller building in the rear, was totally consumed.”

“This dwelling was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. McShane and some lodgers. None of the occupants of this house or of Rose Cottage succeeded in saving anything but a little clothing and a few trifles….”

“A noticeable feature of the fire was the admirable order preserved by all. Though there was the Pantheon Saloon standing unprotected, and in such imminent danger of being burned that in many cities the crowd would have felt themselves justified in trying to save its contents …”

“… and secure unlimited drinks at the same time the place was not touched, and even when the suggestion was made that the firemen and sailors might have a bottle or two of whisky distributed among them, the idea found no supporters and nobody got drunk.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, May 4, 1885)

Dodd died … “There are many a poor fellow who will miss ‘Jim’ because the hand of our late fellow citizen was always in his purse, and ready to help some who deserved help and very many who did not deserve it.”

“Mr Dodd was born in Ireland in 1848 and was Irish to the backbone. He had live an adventurous life and finally settled in Honolulu in the early 70s. As owner of the Pantheon saloon he became very popular and through his excellent business and successful operations in stocks and real estate he made considerable money.” (The Independent, January 22, 1900)

Later that year, the Pantheon faced fire again … “The Pantheon saloon block will be destroyed by fire this morning. Orders were Issued last night by Chief Hunt to have everything in readiness for the application of the torch by 6:30 o’clock.”

“The condemned area extends from Ed Williams’ undertaking parlors to Hotel street, thence to the lanai of the New England Bakery, taking in the whole block which Includes the Uncle Sam restaurant, the Owl lunch rooms, the Pantheon livery stables, the saloon and barber shop and John Phillips’ plumbing establishment.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, February 7, 1900)

The Pantheon was brought back, again … “Yesterday afternoon workmen commenced breaking ground for a new building to be erected on the old Pantheon site, comer of Fort and Hotel streets. The ground is owned by the Widemann estate. LC Ables, David Dayton and the estate of James Dodd have an unexpired five-years’ lease on the property.” (Honolulu Republican, June 27, 1900)

“Like the Phoenix the Pantheon arose from its ashes. Although it is not on the same spot it is so near It that one looking for the favorite drinking place cannot go far astray.”

“Ever since the old Pantheon was started many years ago by the late James Dodd it has been noted for the good cheer obtainable there. Now that Its old proprietor Is no more, the reputation of the place is kept up to its former old standard and there is nothing to be desired in the way of refreshment for the inner man that cannot be obtained there.”

“The Pantheon is homelike and as an oasis in a desert to the tired and thirsty traveller. It is the place to drop in and take a drop. … The Pantheon Saloon is the whole name of the place. Everybody knows it by the name Pantheon.”

“The name of the saloon is over the door. It is on Hotel street. There the thirst may be refreshed and the weary rest.” (Honolulu Republican, June 16, 1901)

Later, Joe Silva took over the operation – he opened with a Luau at the Pantheon, “Tonight is opening night at the Pantheon saloon (late Jim Dodd), now under the management of Joe T Silva, assisted by Dick Sullivan. A big spread awaits the public and friend at the new managers. Don’t forget the location – Hotel and Fort Streets.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, July 7, 1906)

Silva was later “notified by the owners of the Pantheon block that he will he will have to vacate … the new place into which he expects to move will not be completed for about three months and during the interim her will be out of business.” (Pacific Commercial Advertiser, October 8, 1910) The marque at 1129 Nu‘uanu Avenue identifies the building as ‘1911 – JT Silva – Pantheon’.

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