July 4 in Hawaii: Makee Plantation, Ulupalakua, Maui 1866

(Picture Credit: www.old-map-blog.com)

“The Fourth” at Rose Ranch

Source: Pacific Commercial Advertiser. Honolulu

July 14, 1866

The celebration of this anniversary on the Makee Plantation at Ulupalakua came off in magnificent style. At midnight a salute of twenty-one guns was fired which made the welkin ring for miles around with patriotic echoes, and reminded the slumberers of the of the plantation that the “Glorious Fourth” had returned, and that their assistance in the celebration was required. The call was responded to by male residents of the ranch, who immediately arose and went on a serenading expedition assisted occasionally with choruses from the stentorian voices of the plantation hands, mostly Hawaiians, who enjoyed the celebration of the day as much as others, and seemed just as good Americans so long as festivity was in the programme. The day dawned beautifully beneath a clear blue Italian sky-such skies as the fortunate dwellers on the “House of the Sun” often witness-and not a cloud spotted the heavens, making the day in that high altitude (two thousand feet above the sea) a most delightful one.

At sunrise the bright stars and broad stripes of America were run up to the head of the lofty flagstaff, accompanied with a national sunrise salute mingled with loud hurras for the “Fourth of July,” and Ulupalakua Plantation, whikch were reechoed by every man, woman and child within the precincts of Ulupalakua. At 10 A.M., some three hundred natives belonging to the district paraded through its entire length on horseback-some dressed in red shirts, others in blue and white. In forming the procession the red shirts came first, white next and blue closing up the rear-making a cavalry company of red, white and blue, suitably for the occasion. After parading about two hours they proceeded to an extensive lanai, which had been erected for the occasion, and under which was spread a grand luau, given to the workmen by the worthy proprietor of the plantation. As they sat around the festive board the noon salute was fired, which was responded to by cheers from the “gallant boys” who enjoyed themselves most heartily for two hours, after which they indulged in horse racing, &c., for the rest of the day.

At 2 P.M., a dinner party took place at Capt. Makee’s residence, where were present the Consult of Russia and lady, the Sheriff, Postmaster, Marshall and Collector of Maui together with many ladies and gentlemen resident on the island, besides some few from Honolulu who, upon invitation, went up by the streamer of July 2d. More guests would have represented our metropolis had it not been for quarter day and court week, which unfortunately interfered. Toasts were offered and responded to by several, the dinner closing with the following toast: “The ladies-our ministering angels; may innocence and love ever be their portion.”

The festivities of the day closed with a salute which was fired at sunset, the echoes of which from the craggy summit of the mountain had hardly died out when the preparation of the evening display commenced by setting off from a platform, erected for the purpose, a large and varied assortment of fireworks. For nearly two hours the broad canopy of heaven was most brilliantly illuminated by the resplendent flashings of rockets, Roman candles, blue lights, bengolas, serpents, &c., which were traversing the heavens in all directions with every possible movement, rendering the sight a most beautiful one.

In the evening a FANCY DRESS BALL took place and the rooms were very tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags, &c. At ten o’clock dancing commenced, and the fancy costumes added much to the gaiety of the evening. “Brother Jonathan” and the “Goddess of Liberty,” it is said, made quite a stir, to say nothing of the “Maid of the Mist,” and pretty flower and peasant girls who mingled with the rest and made themselves agreeable. Dancing was kept up merrily till one o’clock, when the company repaired to the supper table which was bountifully supplied with all the sweets and delicacies of the season. After supper dancing was resumed and kept up till “the wee sma’ hour ayont the twall.”

“Of all that did chance ‘twere a long tale to tell,

Of the dances, and dresses, and wim was the belle;

Bust each were so happy, and all were so fair,

The night stole away, and the dawn caught them there.”

We are unable to report at length, owing to want of space in our columns, but will close by saying that the guests of Capt. Makee will never forget the pleasant Fourth of July they passed on his Plantation, or the generous hospitality of the worthy host and hostess.