AND NOW FREEHAWAII.INFO PRESENTS THE CONCLUSION TO -
"Finding The Past At The Palace" -
What Really Happened At 'Iolani Palace - The Royal Seat Of Government Of The Hawaiian Nation
Before Olds began her exposition on Hawaiian historical events predating the palace era, the students revealed themselves as a mix of about half Hawai'i residents and half from the Mainland or foreign countries. But even some of the longtime local residents admitted that much of the palace story was news to them.
Tiny details, such as the star-shaped apertures in the palace steps being used as hidden gun turrets, had eluded malihini and kama'aina alike. Few realized that the palace had electricity even before the White House, thanks to King Kalakaua's world tour.
Olds also told of how the side gate, nearest the state library, was barred to all but relatives of the royal family, how the front gate was for dignitaries. Thus she made clear the queen's humiliation upon being brought up the rear steps frequented by the servants for her imprisonment within.
And by what surreptitious means did the queen, locked up in that corner room except for evening strolls along the outer lanai, get her news?
"There was a couple who brought her fresh flowers," Olds said. "And how were the flowers wrapped? In newspaper, of course."
Cruz invited anyone interested to inquire about next term's Classroom Without Walls program, which will accommodate the public on a space-available basis, usually on the first weekend of each month. The hope, she said, is that people on their own will nurture the connection with the Islands established through these brief introductions.
"We're not a gateway to the community," she said, "we just want to open the door. Thereafter if they want to interact with the community on their own, they can."
