In 1823 Queen Kaahumanu assumed the Office of the Regent while King Kamehameha was in England. She became closely associated with the missionaries and learned to read and write. She recognized quickly the importance of education as a civilizing force. This discovery led to her conversion to Christianity and she used her own great political lowers to support the objectives of the American Mission. The 5th law she decreed was that after schools were established all should learn reading and writing.
In 1863 the Advertiser thought ''...English day schools for Hawaiians are a failure...a failure, we mean, as to bringing about the time when the nation will be an English speaking people...The Advertiser advocated their discontinuance and the substitution of boarding schools...''
''...The 1850'|s-1860's witnessed a quickening of interest in the education of Hawaiian girls...from 1855 onward...establishment of schools especially for girls, to teach them the English language and to give to them training in the domestic arts...The editor of The Friend deplored the neglect of female education among the Hawaiians...''
In 1861 Mr. & Mrs. C.B. Andrews, missionaries of the American Board, purchased land in Makawao on the slopes of Haleakala, ''a place of scenic beauty with its invigorating air." There a school for Hawaiian girls was opened where they could be educated in the atmosphere of a Christian home and so be equipped for their future life work.
In 1864 the attendance reached over 70 and the attendance over the years stood between that number and 100.
Unfortunately in 1869 a fire destroyed the school and through Mr.
Andrews, Dr. Kittredge and Mr. Edward Bailey the Seminary re-opened
in a newly built 2-story building in 1871.
In 1898 another disastrous fire destroyed the school building and in 1900 Maunaolu was rebuilt in a place closer to Paia adjacent to Sunnyside at Puu Makani (windy hi11). This was brought about by the generosity of the honored trustee, Mr. H. P. Baldwin. In 1905 the 6 girls of the 8th Grade were graduated, the first graduation in the history of the school and certificates of graduation were given.
The work of the school was done by the girls, learning to care for it, even in its details. Bible study was an important part of the school program. The Christian Endeavor Society had its place in this line of instruction.
MAUNAOLU (A HOME ON FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN)
Home Economics was greatly stressed. The girls were required to take sewing and cooking. Special courses were offered in gardening, home nursing, care of babies and interior decoration. Each girl sewed her own graduation outfit.
Mrs. H.P. Baldwin entered into the affairs of the Seminary life with unbounded interest and through the years she was looked upon as Maunaolu's kind friend and loving ''Mother.''
Through fires, diseases, financial struggles and challenges of the times in the work of the Seminary, the purpose of developing Christian character was always in sight.
"Every foundation has its first stone and though he who places it may little dream of what shall be built thereon, yet another stone is placed beside it, by another worker, and so on, until all are welded together by the mortar of loving service and become the foundation upon which is built the character of a strong and noble Womanhood.''
References:
Kuykendall, Ralph Simpson, 1885-1963. The Hawaiian Kingdom, U.H. Press
Judd, Gerrit Parmele, 1915. Hawaii an Informal History, 1st edition. N.Y., Collier Books, 1961
Turner, Charlotte I., The Story of Maunaolu Seminary, The Friend, 1929
1941: The school was turned over to the Military
1950: Maunaolu College.
Compiled by: Rose Soon
