Kaʻahumanu Society in Hilo, 1907.
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Hoku o Hawaii published on July 25, 1907.
The Hawaiian language newspapers reported in its pages the activities of the many organizations across the Archipelago. Whether it be a Christmas performance by the Makawao Sunday School, a meeting to select new officers of the Kauikeaouli Society, a Lahainaluna School examination, or a hula performance by Ioane ʻŪkēkē and his troupe, talk of these events would find its way into the newspapers. Today, you can glean much about these groups by reading through the pages of the newspaper.
The following article describes the beginnings of the Kaʻahumanu Society in Hilo.
THE KAʻAHUMANU SOCIETY STOPS IN HILO
As was made known last week, the President Miss Peabody, Secretary Mrs. Lahilahi Webb, and Mrs. Aima Nawahī did indeed arrive on yesterday’s Kinau, and a meeting was held among the women of Hilo nei at Haili Church at 4:30 p.m. George C. Beckley and S. L. Desha were asked as well. Mrs. Aima Nawahī gave words of aloha from the head Kaʻahumanu Society, and also introduced the President Miss Lucy K. Peabody. The President explained the reason for establishing this Society and put before the assembly the subject of Establishing the Society. Mrs. Lahilahi Webb read the Proclamation pertaining to establishing a Kaʻahumanu Society here in Hilo. The Pastor of Haili [Stephen Langhern Desha] described a few matters pertaining to this Society like the presentation by the President.
Mrs. Aima Nawahī read the Bylaws of the Society and those who wanted to sign their names under the Bylaws were summoned. The women moved forward with much enthusiasm, and in no time 56 new members signed their names. Combined with the previous members, there were 60 members, and received was $60.50, and after the members signed their names, the names of the Officers were submitted by Mrs. Aima Nāwahī, and they were voted in unanimously.
Honorary Presidents Mrs. Mary Shipman and Mrs. Hattie Hapai.
President Mrs. Rose Desha.
Vice President Mrs. Nailima.
Treasurer Mrs. Isabella Desha.
Assistant Treasurer Mrs. Harieta Wery.
Secretary Mrs. Helen Siemsen.
Assistant Secretary Mrs. Annie Ewaliko.
Auditor……
And this afternoon at 2 p.m. another meeting will be held for others to come and sign their names under the Bylaws. We hope the Hilo Branch of the Kaʻahumanu Society will move forward, and that we will see fine fruit produced in the future through this endeavor.
(Ka Hoku o Hawaii, 7/25/1907, p 2)
Image: Lucy Kaheiheimalie Kaopaulu Peabody seated at the dining room table of “the old cottage;” Nuʻuanu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Bishop Museum Archives. SP 59349
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org .
Image: Lahilahi Webb, Bishop Museum guide; Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Bishop Museum Archives. SP 19791.
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org .
Image: Emma Aima Nāwahī in her Ke Aloha Aina newspaper office, as published in the biography, “Ka Buke Moolelo o Hon. Joseph K. Nawahi,” written and edited by J. G. M. Sheldon. Honolulu: Bulletin Publishing Co., Ltd. 1908. Bishop Museum Archives. SP 216998.
Image sharing on social media is welcome. For all other uses please contact Archives@BishopMuseum.org .
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
