Kailua Historical Society

KAILUA book is here!

kailuahistoricalsociety — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:34:01 +0000

KAILUA
Published by Kailua Historical Society

In January 2010, our book Kailua will be available for purchase. We invite you to become a member for 2010 and support our continued efforts to bring Kailua’s unique history alive. As a special member benefit, you will receive a 15% discount on the purchase of this extraordinary publication.

Kailua will showcase the rich cultural an environmental history of the ahupua’a through vintage and contemporary photographs, maps, insightful essays and stories, and songs written by residents. The book has been in the making for several years. It is nearly 300 pages, includes over 180 photographs, and features the perspective of 23 contributors on topics such as early land ownership, culture, archaeology, geology, environment, and the reflections of kama’aina – past and present.

While the book will be available in January, we are accepting pre-orders now so we can reserve a copy in our first shipment for you. We re also providing the opportunity to give gift cards to family and friends that can be redeemed in January You can even arrange to have the book mailed.

Pre-order KAILUA for January Delivery.

Lucille’s Bench

kailuahistoricalsociety — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:01:47 +0000

A few years ago the Friends of the Boettcher Estate disbanded and gifted their remaining treasury to the Kailua Historical Society. They asked us to have a bench placed on the grounds of the Estate in memory of Lucille Gibson. Lucille was a gracious lady with flaming red hair who was active in the real estate markets of the Windward side. (Click each photo to see a larger version.)

She and her husband, Ted, were among the founding members of the Friends as well as the Historical Society. She became a most knowledgeable, tireless advocate for our community concerns over the years.

We worked with the Department of Parks and the “Lucille Bench” was placed at the entrance of the Estate (now known as Kalama Park, on Kalahao Road). Those of you who use the park, stop by, have a rest, enjoy the view of the Koolaus and remember this great lady who gave so much to our community.

Contributed by Mary Jane Heilbron

Barefoot Days in Kailua: Minding the Store

kailuahistoricalsociety — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:15:36 +0000

Beginning in the early 1900’s, all Kailua stores were located where the streams enter into the Kawai Nui Marsh. It was here that a thriving rice industry had sprouted – including three rice mills. The stores played a central role in the emerging urbanization.

Before the moderni Pali Haighway was constructed (1955 – 1960), a thriving early community of immigrant farmers blended in with the Hawaiian families already there to experiment in a consumer lifestyle. It demanded patience, trust, hard work, cooperation, and, when making a purchase, a good credit rating. It was an experiment demanding much flexibility – so much so that today all of Kailua’s stores are situated three miles down the road.

A panel of early residents – moderated by Dr. Paul Brennan – will share their memories.

September 17, 2008
7:00 pm
Trinity Presbyterian Church
875 Auloa Rd