May 18, 2013 by nupepa

Festivities at Hilo Union School, 1927.

A FAIR AT HILO UNION SCHOOL

This past Saturday there was held a fair on the school grounds of Hilo Union, under the direction of the parents of the students of this school.

The activities began at 1 in the afternoon until the evening. The classrooms on the first floor was where the work of the children being taught at that school were placed, so that the parents could view them. There were also flowers on display. There was also a large bag, and from within this bag an item was given to the the parents and the people who came.

In an area near the kitchen, there were tables of all sorts of goods from all the ethnicities. One of the tables was filled with all the many delicacies of the Hawaiians. Haupia, laulau, and the other good foods of the Hawaiians. On the table of the Chinese, there was Chinese foods like Chinese candy, rice made into sweets, and many other Chinese items. On the Japanese one, was Japanese goods, and so too with the Portuguese table, they had Portuguese bread. On all of these tables, the people taking care of the items were dressed in the clothing of their people.

Near the kitchen, there was a place decorated by Miss Alice Spencer. On this table, tea to drink was served by girls dressed in aprons of all colors skillfully [made?] by Miss Spencer. The decorations on these tables were identical to the clothes of the girls serving tea to those who wanted to drink tea. In one of the rooms all the way at the bottom of the school, a movie was shown, and this is something always done, and the teachers thought it would be good for the parents to see the type of movie seen all the time by the children. Below that play house of the children in times of rain, there were other activities to do, set up by the teachers, and it was thought that these activities would entertain the children, parents, and friends of this school.

[Just passed by Hilo Union the other day and thought I'd put this article up that I had put aside some time ago.]

(Hoku o Hawaii, 5/3/1927, p. 2)

Ka Hoku o Hawaii, Buke XX, Helu 49, Aoao 2. Mei 3, 1927.

April 17, 2013 by nupepa

The children are your future! 1909 / timeless.

DON’T DECREASE THE PAY OF THE TEACHERS.

To the Editor of the Kuokoa, Aloha oe:—Please allow me some space in your newspaper for my humble thoughts dealing with the salary of teachers and the age at which children of the public should attend school.

It is wrong to cut the teachers’ pay because a well-educated teacher has a gift from God; it is not something readily gotten. And our children will be hurt should we let those teachers go and employ teachers for little pay.

The children of the people should be enrolled in school when they turn six (6) years of age. For there are many women who assist their husbands by endeavoring to take care of the many duties for the good of the family. And they are not able to care for and keep their children from the harm of the streets! As for the Chinese and the Japanese, they are fine. They have schools and their children are kept from wandering about.

I beseech all of you leaders who make Laws and who regulate public funds, do think carefully about these thoughts written above.

For knowledge is the backbone of man and his nation; it is the basis for fame and wealth.

Consider that the income of the majority of the Hawaiians is limited, and they are counting on the light of education for their children. The plantations of the old days are not to be reached out for, for those days are past. So all of you, please put effort into the schools, and don’t feel hesitant in investing more.

Sincerely,

MRS. A. A. MONTANO.

Honolulu, Malaki 22, 1909.

[Times have changed. Hopefully we learn from the past...

This letter is written by famed composer, Mary Jane Kekulani Montano.]

(Kuokoa, 3/26/1909, p. 4)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XLVI, Helu 13, Aoao 4. Maraki 26, 1909.

April 1, 2013 by nupepa

Response to hula commentary, 1891.

THE HULA AND THE “P. C. ADVERTISER.”

Another example of the “P. C. Advertiser’s” moral attitude appears int the announcement, that a hula given by the Hon. J. A. Cummins at his resident at Waimanalo was a glorious affair.—We have no doubt, that the display was exceptionally fine, since the ex-Premier has a well earned reputation as a connoiseur in that line, and is said to use the collection of females, formerly of boat house fame, second to none in the country.—Still there is something about the hula, that has so far excluded it from the programs of church festivals and school exercises.—It has never been recommended to lure the mind to thoughts of higher and better things or to produce rigid uprightness of morals.

The hula is a graceful and rhythmic representation of certain actions of the human animal. There is no doubt, that from the earliest ages the physiology of reproduction has been the most intrinsically interesting known to man. After the question of food and personal safety, it is the most important consideration in the lives of man, savage and civilized. The Hindoos and Budhists covered their temples and public buildings with indecent pictures, which in some instances took the form of a cross. This was imported to Rome together with the worship of Isis. So every spire on a Christian Church represents a resurrection of the flesh. But civilized society has decided for good reason to cover Isis with a vail and put Osiris in a straight-jacket. It is only those, who believe in the infallibility and prerogatives derived from gold—as some of our friends—who may wish to go back to the first principles and have the hula taught as an accomplishment in our public schools, so that it might prove more attractive in catching a husband and certainly in domesticating him when caught, than the art of piano playing or embroidery. There are great posibilities in the hula! But at present it is prohibited by the law, and we are sorry to see the law violated by those who ought to know better.

(Leo o ka Lahui, 5/14/1891, p. 4)

Ka Leo o ka Lahui, Buke II, Helu 193, Aoao 4. Mei 14, 1891.

March 20, 2013 by nupepa

Introduction to the reminiscences of Hawaiian missionary James Kekela, 1901.

THE LIGHT IN MICRONESIA.¹

Rev. J. Kekelaokalani and Naomi

On the 22nd of May, 1821, at Mokuleia, Waialua Oahu, born of Awilinui and Kauwanui, his wife, was a big well filled-out baby with the blessings of the Heavens, and child was called by the name Kekelaokalani. This was the thirteenth of their children. Twelve were born prior, and with the [unclear phrase] of that fine offspring.

It was here that that child was raised until he was capable of understanding things for himself.

In the year 1832, Emerson, Sr. [Emekona Makua] arrived in Waialua, and in the following 1833 [unclear] he built a schoolhouse with his wife for the young men and women to enlighten them with knowledge. From among the first women to be taught there at that school was Kahaweli, the younger sister of the mother of that child. And following her, his mother as well attended the school until she was educated; and she began teaching the children the alphabet [Pi-a-pa], the beginnings of knowledge. It was this mother who guided him at that time in the knowledge about God and Sunday School, and it was thus that the sacred work of God was instilled a top the fontanel of the head [piko o ke poo] of this child, which is silver now, as in the picture above.

When that child was thirteen years old, being that he had received the beginnings of the light of true knowledge, he began to travel the width of the plain of Mokuleia for Waialua, with patience and without exhaustion, to receive the good teachings of the elder Emersons. In this year, those fine elders got great help in the form of Mr. Rose (Loke), a haole teacher. After one year of attending this school, Emerson went to Lahaina, and from there he told Kekelaokalani to come to Lahainaluna.

In August 1838, he entered Lahainaluna, and there he patiently remained for five years and he graduated in the year 1843. During those years at Lahainaluna, he learned everything about the true knowledge, as well as actual knowledge; and he remained, following the rules of the school, and as a result of his following the rules, he gained the full trust and total faith of the teachers.

After his days of learning were over, and he received his Diploma [Palapala Hoomaikai], Emerson, Sr. encouraged him to join the school for the clergy [Kula Kahunapule] that was started that very year. There were six students at the time, and Emerson wanted greatly for him to join. And because of the guidance of the righteous Spirit, he agreed, and so began his actual performing of the work of God. He spent four years at this work, and graduated with a Diploma from the teachers, in the year 1847.

When he received his Diploma, he married Miss Naomi, one of the educated young women of the time, and was living under the instruction of the teachers of the Girls’ School of Wailuku, Maui. After they were wed, he was sent to teach the Word of the Lord in the District of Kahuku, Oahu, and there he began his work with patience, with the word of life.

And he thus patiently continued as but a preacher; and when his readiness and progress was seen, he was ordained at his own parish.

From then until 1852, he strove to convert the Koolau Cliffs, and the fruits of his patience were many. When the head Missionaries saw his progress of his work, he was sent by the first Evangelical Convention held here on Oahu in the year 1852 as a Representative to travel to the places suitable to build parishes of the Lord in the Micronesian Islands.

He went to the islands of the South Pacific four times:

1. 1852—Went and returned that same year.

2. 1853—Went and returned in 1858.

3. 1859—Went again and returned in 1879.

4. 1880—Returned to his parish until this past year 1899, and came back, in feeble health.

Here is the entire story of his first excursion, copied from his journal:

[A long account follows. Perhaps i will post it here one of these days...]

¹Kekela was based in the Marquesas Islands, and not the Micronesian Islands.]

(Kuokoa, 1/18/1901, p. 5)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XXXIX, Helu 3, Aoao 5. Ianuari 18, 1901.

March 10, 2013 by nupepa

Martha Poepoe Hohu and three Hilo women honored, 1929.

THREE HILO STUDENTS HONORED

Honolulu, Dec. 11—Three Students from here in Hilo, who are boarding at the Teachers’ School in Honolulu, were honored by being initiated as members of the Society of “Sigma Eta Omega,” which is the Association of the Students who were honored for doing good works among that Association of those in the Teachers College [Kula Ao Kumu] in Honolulu. This Association is honorably named in Greek, and they are bestowed this position because of their standing in this Teachers College of Hawaii.

The ones from Hilo upon whom were bestowed this honored name, were Miss Wilhelmina Roback, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Roback of Hilo nei.

This honor was conferred upon this girl from Hilo because of her singing abilities at that Teachers College.

This honor was also conferred upon Veronica Lui Kwan, the President of this Association, and this honor was bestowed upon her because of her skill in organizing the association; and to Mrs. Georgian Sutherland for her progress in studies. There were others as well receiving this honor and were initiated into this Greek Honors Society, the only society established in Hawaii nei; the daughter of Rev. H. K. Poepoe was also one included in this honored position, that being the Organist of Kaumakapili Church, Mrs. Martha Hohu.

A gathering was held at the College to initiate those who were honored, and on the evening of that day a celebratory party was held at the Blaisdell Hotel.

[Hoku o Hawaii, the last of the historic Hawaiian-Language Newspapers and one of the longest running (1906–1948) was printed in Hilo. For some reason, there seems to be at this time no issues online from before 5/31/1917. Eleven years of this paper is available on microfilm, but are not online as of yet. Hopefully, this newspaper can get reshot in entirety soon, because much of the available images are hard to read.]

(Hoku o Hawaii, 12/17/1929, p. 1)

HOOHANOHANO IA HE EKOLU HAUMANA O HILO NEI

Ka Hoku o Hawaii, Buke XXIII, Helu 27, Aoao 1. Dekemaba 17, 1929.

March 9, 2013 by nupepa

More on Jane Loeau, 1867.

[Found under: "LOCAL NEWS: Hawaii."]

Instrument is sought after.—Eleio, Hawaii is putting effort into raising money to purchase a melodeon [melodiana] for its church house. If they should obtain one, then it will be Jane Loeau who will play it. An English school is also being taught by her there. It is hoped that her education effort for her dark-skinned [iliulaula] race will progress

(Kuokoa, 1/12/1867, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke VI, Helu 2, Aoao 2. Ianuari 12, 1867.

January 15, 2013 by nupepa

Kamehameha Boys’ School, Bishop Hall, 1894.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLHOUSE.

The picture above is a picture of the Kamehameha Boys’ Schoolhouse, which stands on the grounds in Kalihi, upland of King Street [Alanui Alii], and its area is 82 acres.

The school supervisors are the Hon. C. R. Bishop, President; Rev. C. M. Hyde, D. D., Vice President; Hon. S. M. Damon, Treasurer; C. M. Cooke, Secretary; Hon. Joseph O. Carter. Financial Committee—Bishop, Damon, and Cooke. Education Committee—Bishop, Hyde, and Carter.

Instructors—Theodore Richards, Principal; U. Thompson, Science and Carpentry; R. B. Anderson, Mathematics and Manual Labor; D. S. Ruevsky, Science, Political Science, and Printing; G. H. Babb, Drawing, Wood Shop, and Military Education; L. C. Lyman, Head of the Steam and Electric Engines; Mrs. Andrews, Matron; Miss Katherine Pope, English Language and Reading; Miss A. A. Snow, Geography and History; D. Kanuha, Sewing Teacher; N. N. Kauhane, Assistant Steam Engineer; S. S. Mahuka, Librarian.

(Kuokoa, 6/2/1894, p. 1)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XXXIII, Helu 22, Aoao 1. Iune 2, 1894.

January 13, 2013 by nupepa

A haole kamaaina’s advice on teaching English instead of Hawaiian, 1872.

Pertaining to the English Language.

O Kuokoa Newspaper: Aloha oe:—

In the year 1866, I asked a missionary, “What is the reason English isn’t being taught in the government schools,” and he replied, “That is what I think as well, but we are weak, there are not enough of us, and we teach Hawaiian, and from amongst our students we find teachers.”

The Hawaiians are often astounded at seeing how quickly the haole gains wealth, and one asked me, “How does the haole get rich?” I answered this way, “Why is the cow in the fields fatter than the cow that works, isn’t it because it isn’t tamed? or because it is independent? or because it refuses to have it’s neck put in a yoke? That’s it. So when shown the yoke of the haole, your necks are put within it and your noses are soon wired; some may say, ‘How are we to live if we don’t work under the haole; they have the work, to them belongs the land, because soon our land will all be taken by you.’ It is true, you cannot survive without working for the rich (haole), but you can think about your children, lest they fall into the abyss with you. This race was called a race of slaves in a newspaper in New York, and I say to you that this will soon be true. ‘Your noses will be put through with a wire.’ until the day when the English language spreads amongst you, then you’ll will be able to remove your yokes and associate with the haole.

If you all understand the language and the knowledge of the haole, then you’d be able to climb the path and meet up with them in law, medicine, &c.

What is the reason that the college of Lahainaluna is not changed, having only English taught there?

This college is currently a waste. And so too the other schools, the government schools. We must all think carefully about the good of our children. That is no reason for them to forever more work under yearly contracts, for we’ve worked under yearly contracts during out lifetimes.

If the schools were changed so that just English was taught, I predict that after fifteen years, and if the haole leave, then you’d become your own leaders in the government, and not only haole would be appointed.

Kamaaina haole.

Lahaina, Maui.

{This is a letter written by a haole, and it is for us to determine his competence.}

[The argument over what language should be taught in schools is a heated topic that can be seen throughout the life of the Hawaiian-Language Newspapers. At first the argument is whether or not to teach English, and in later years when more and more schools are taught in English, the argument for teaching Hawaiian in schools will become prominent. Most everyone it seems were concerned with the future of the children (whether they were for English or Hawaiian-language education).]

(Kuokoa, 10/26/1872, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XI, Helu 43, Aoao 2. Okatoba 26,1872.

January 4, 2013 by nupepa

Announcement for the opening of Kamehameha School for Boys, 1887.

THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL FOR
BOYS

THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL FOR BOYS
will be ready for the admission of students on the

First Tuesday of October, 1887

Only a limited number of Students will be received this year, and those desiring to enter the School in the future must apply on the 1st day of September 1887.

Each student will occupy a separate room furnished with bed, table, and chair; and a list of items to be furnished by each student will be sent if asked for in advanced to the teacher.

Each student will be allowed to carry out 12 hours a week of manual labor. For industrial arts, two hours a day, and five days a week. Military drilling and physical education will be a portion of the curriculum everyday.

Arithmetic, English Language, Popular Science [Akeakamai], Elementary Algebra [Anahonua], Free-hand and Mechanical Drawing [Kakau me Kaha Kii], Practical Geometry [Moleanahonua], Bookkeeping [malama Buke Kalepa], tailoring [tela humu lole], printing [pai palapala], masonry [hamo puna], and other similar things, and blacksmithing.

tuition for the schooling.

($40) FORTY DOLLARS PER YEAR.

$20 to be paid at the beginning of each quarter.

The students must get prior approval from the Doctor attesting to their good health, and letters of recommendation from other schools.

Examinations for those entering will be held on MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1887, at the schoolhouse at Palama, 8:30 A. M. They will show their knowledge in reading, writing, geography, the four rules of Arithmetic, writing in English, and the spelling of 100 English words.

As for anything else, you may find out by asking the principal.

REV. WILLIAM B. OLESON.

[See also the English-language announcement found in the May 24th issue of the Hawaiian Gazette. It is interesting to note especially the difference in the wording for the part about manual labor.]

(Kuokoa 5/28/1887, p. 2)

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XXVI, Helu 22, Aoao 2. Mei 28, 1887.

January 3, 2013 by nupepa

E o, e Kaleleonalani! Queen Emma and Kamehameha Schools, 1887.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL.

The gates of the Kamehameha School for boys will open in October of this current year. The imperfections of one of the dormitories of 30 x 64 [feet] are almost smoothed out, and another was complete before. These dormitories are two storied, bottom floor and top floor, and each of them have 24 rooms of 8 x 12, and a hallway [keena waena loloa]. One room of each house is furnished with facilities to wash up and clean, and the rest of the rooms are bedrooms, each being supplied with a iron bed, desk, chair, closet, and some other furnishings. The rooms are clean and lighted, and well-furnished for the student.

The dining hall of 29 x 81 feet is a separate building, and it is 18 feet from the bottom to the ceiling, and it will fit two-hundred people. A stone building will be built behind this, which will be the kitchen and and a place to store the food and all cookware and dinnerware.

A proper schoolhouse will be built after the buildings that are desired to be completed quickly are done, and in the meantime, parts of the dining hall will be set aside as school rooms.

A clear spring will supply the school with water and it is by steam pumps that the water will be brought up and filled into a separate water tank, and from there into many pipes laid all over the grounds and buildings.

The curriculum at this school teaches thoroughly the branches of the English language; and outside of that are the teaching of industrial arts. Some rooms of the school house will be set aside as rooms for carpentry, printing, tailoring, blacksmithing, and masonry. The instruction will take place under the direction of a mechanic [mekanika]. Some time will also be set aside for military drilling, physical development, and so forth.

There are fun and cheerful activities for the students. This school sits on a serene site, living there is pleasant, and it is separated from the town of Honolulu.

In a section of this paper, the reader will see the advertisement dealing with this School. This is the educating home established for the benefit of Hawaii’s children who seek education, and built by way of the estate of the late Dowager Queen Ema Kaleleonalani. This home stands in the plain of Kaiwiula in Kalihi, and it is near completion. On the first Tuesday of October 1887, this school will open to students.

It has been heard that the assets of the school will be increased for the good of the children, and for now, parents who want their children to progress forward are being urged to rush to this new home where knowledge is increased. Much benefits will be gained if patient and if the aloha of the royal parent Ema Kaleleonalani is held resolute as well by Hawaii’s children, the one who left this great gift behind. Look at its published notice.

[On this, the day after Queen Emma's 177th birthday, i thought it would be a good thing to look back at her role in the establishment of the Kamehameha Schools, a role which she is not recognized often for today.

Notice the difference between the article appearing in the May 24th edition of the Hawaiian Gazette, "The Kamehameha Schools." (probably what the article is based upon) and this Hawaiian-Language article.]

(Kuokoa, 5/28/1887, p. 2)