Have you ever wondered what it was like for your ancestors working on Hawaii’s sugar plantations? This is a brief look into the typical day of a plantation laborer including the wages they might earn for their work. A typical day in the life of a plantation worker ca. 1900: 4 am–Wake up. Women prepare…
Why Did They Leave? Part Two: Risks And Rewards For The Madeirans And Azoreans Migrating To Hawaii
The Azoreans and Madeirans who came to Hawaii were looking for a better life for themselves and their children. There were more opportunities in Hawaii than they could find at home. This was a risky proposition and it took courage to undertake this journey. The Sugar Plantation Migration The birth of the sugar industry of…
Why Did They Leave? Part One: Reasons For Azorean and Madeiran Migration To Hawaii
It’s difficult to know the exact reason each Azorean and Madeiran ancestor immigrated to Hawaii. By researching history and culture at the time of emigration, it’s possible determine what factors played into their decision to leave. Difficulties of Everyday Life Imagine for a moment the migration your ancestors undertook. They left the home of their…
Whaler, Ranch Hand, Saloon Owner, And Shepherd
Guest writer, John Vasconcelos, has shared this story of his ancestors with us. Although his ancestors did not got to Hawaii, these stories, especially about whalers, are our stories, too. —– Jose Joaquim de Freitas From Flores My maternal grandfather, Jose Joaquim de Freitas, left his natal home on the Island of Flores in the…
Madeira’s Feasts
On the Island of Madeira where the vegetation is lush and exotic and the climate gentle, numerous festivals take place every year, many of them steeped in religious and local traditions. The Festivals of Madeira The Festival of “St. Peter” takes place in Ribeira Brava on the 28th and 29th of June. It is especially…