The first missionaries, members of the Park Street Church in Boston and led by Reverand Hiram Bingham, arrived in Hawaii, in 1820 and were welcomed by the monarchy. Land was granted to them in order to build their missions and to develop their Christian religious goals with the locals. On the 100th anniversary of their arrival, the "Hawaiian Children's Society" established the Mission Houses Museum to help educate the public about their goals and their time in Hawaii. Located a short distance from the Iolani Palace, the three restored homes depict the lives and times of the 1820 to 1863 Missionary Period. Two of these homes are the oldest in the state. Built in 1821, the "Oldest Frame House" was constructed from materials that were measured, cut, and transported around Cape Horn, from Boston.. This would become the principle home of Daniel Chamberlain and his family. From time-to-time, however, it was also occupied by as many as five other families (must have become pretty crowded!). In 1831, the "Chamberlain House" was constructed to serve as a store house and separate residence for the family. Coral blocks cut from off-shore reefs were used in the construction of this building, along with lumber salvaged from ships. Ten years later, the "Print House" was built for the first printing press in the Pacific. It was here that the first printed matter in the Hawaiian language was created. Be aware that anyone can walk around the grounds on their own, but only guided tours are available for the interiors of the structures. Still, this is well worth the visit. Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, just a short walk from the Iolani Palace, the restored Mission Houses Museum provides some insight into 19th century missionary life in Hawaii. The Oldest Frame House, The Print House, and the Chamberlain House comprise the heart of the museum. Built in 1821, this is the oldest of the three buildings ( and one of the oldest in the state). For this construction, the design was created as if it was being built in New England ( e.g. With narrow windows to help keep the cold out and the heat in). All of the materials were measured and cut in Boston and then transported around Cape Horn for assemblage in Hawaii. While the furnishings were fairly sparse, they were of typical New England style and quality. Ten years after the first house was built, the "Chamberlain House" was constructed for use as a storing supplies for the missionaries, as well as a separate residence for the Chamberlain family. The basement area was utilized as the storehouse... ...while the upper floors were residential areas... ...as well as a "doctor's office." The very first printing press in the Pacific was located here in the "Print House" .... ...where the first Hawaiian language material was printed. Typical of pretty much most early 19th century homes, fresh water was obtained outside, by means of a well and a hand pump.
2 Comments
3/2/2017 09:22:45 pm
Its really very useful blog. thanks for shearing with us.
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Carl Aveni
3/2/2017 09:33:11 pm
Thank you.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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