Guard, Thomas, House
a.k.a. Wylie House; Leonard House;3-2-3-15-20
240 Kaiulani St., Hilo, HIThis site is significant based on a combination of architectural interest and historical association. The house is unique in Hilo, Hawaii, for its Neoclassical Revival style and open breezeways that were more typical of plantation houses in the Southern Part of the United States at the time. The style reflects the influence of the Columbia World Exposition where concepts of the "City Beautiful" created many Neoclassical towns throughout the United States. The use of the vast lanai, wide overhangs, and large windows show a consciousness of Hawai'i's tropical climate. It is one of the most intact examples of a house and site built during this era in Hawaii.
The building has further significance in that the architects, Ripley & Davis, were notable architects from Honolulu, Hawaii during the 1910-1930s. Clinton Briggs Ripley was born in 1849 and Louis Edward Davis was born in 1884. Both had begun their architectural careers in other towns before coming to Honolulu to set up practice. Ripley worked in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California, Manila, Philippines, and Oakland, California before starting his firm in 1910. Although he had no formal training in architecture, Ripley's designs have been widely recognized in Honolulu architecture.
Ripley formed partnerships with various well-known architects, including C.W. Dickey (his partnership with Dickey provided such landmarks as the Stangenwald Building, Progress Block Building), Makiki Fire Station and numerous homes of the wealthy) and Arthur Reynolds, one of the first partnerships in Honolulu. It was a prolific partnership producing such notable buildings as Pauahi Hall at Punahou--National Register, Hawaii Hall at the University--State Register, the Kamehameha School for Girls and other prestigious commissions. Reynolds went out on his own in 1913, and Ripley made a new partnership with Louis E. Davis (designer of McKinley High School, Old Tax Office and many other significant buildings throughout the state).
The owner/builder, Thomas Guard, was an executive with Theo. H. Davies Co. Ltd., (Sugar Factors, Merchants and Commission Agents; Agents for Lloyds) where he began working as an office boy at the age of fifteen. He quickly rose in the company to become its vice president, and when he died in 1964 at the age of 83, he had been with Davies for some 55 years. Mr. Guard left Hilo in about 1928 to move to Honolulu. Mr. Guard sold the house to Mr. George Sherman of Honolulu when Mr. Guard was transferred from Hilo to Oahu. Mr. Sherman did not live in the house but rented it to a widowed piano teacher, Mrs. Lewis. Around 1933, Mr. And Mrs. George Watt purchased the property but did not move into the house until 1935. The only change the Watts made to the property was to enclose the northern lanai with windows to keep out the Hilo rains. William and Elizabeth Watt Wylie (daughter of George Watt) moved into the house in 1964, a few years after her parent's death. Mr. Wylie passed away in 1982, and Mrs. Wylie passed away in 1997. The property was purchased from the Wylie Estate on June 7, 2002, by George M. and Barbara J.B. Leonard, who currently reside on the property.
Local significance of the building:
The building has further significance in that the architects, Ripley & Davis, were notable architects from Honolulu, Hawaii during the 1910-1930s. Clinton Briggs Ripley was born in 1849 and Louis Edward Davis was born in 1884. Both had begun their architectural careers in other towns before coming to Honolulu to set up practice. Ripley worked in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California, Manila, Philippines, and Oakland, California before starting his firm in 1910. Although he had no formal training in architecture, Ripley's designs have been widely recognized in Honolulu architecture.
Ripley formed partnerships with various well-known architects, including C.W. Dickey (his partnership with Dickey provided such landmarks as the Stangenwald Building, Progress Block Building), Makiki Fire Station and numerous homes of the wealthy) and Arthur Reynolds, one of the first partnerships in Honolulu. It was a prolific partnership producing such notable buildings as Pauahi Hall at Punahou--National Register, Hawaii Hall at the University--State Register, the Kamehameha School for Girls and other prestigious commissions. Reynolds went out on his own in 1913, and Ripley made a new partnership with Louis E. Davis (designer of McKinley High School, Old Tax Office and many other significant buildings throughout the state).
The owner/builder, Thomas Guard, was an executive with Theo. H. Davies Co. Ltd., (Sugar Factors, Merchants and Commission Agents; Agents for Lloyds) where he began working as an office boy at the age of fifteen. He quickly rose in the company to become its vice president, and when he died in 1964 at the age of 83, he had been with Davies for some 55 years. Mr. Guard left Hilo in about 1928 to move to Honolulu. Mr. Guard sold the house to Mr. George Sherman of Honolulu when Mr. Guard was transferred from Hilo to Oahu. Mr. Sherman did not live in the house but rented it to a widowed piano teacher, Mrs. Lewis. Around 1933, Mr. And Mrs. George Watt purchased the property but did not move into the house until 1935. The only change the Watts made to the property was to enclose the northern lanai with windows to keep out the Hilo rains. William and Elizabeth Watt Wylie (daughter of George Watt) moved into the house in 1964, a few years after her parent's death. Mr. Wylie passed away in 1982, and Mrs. Wylie passed away in 1997. The property was purchased from the Wylie Estate on June 7, 2002, by George M. and Barbara J.B. Leonard, who currently reside on the property.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The Hawaiian Islands were once home to a powerful class of priests known as kahuna, who served as intermediaries between the gods and the people. The kahuna had great influence over Hawaiian society and were responsible for performing important rituals and ceremonies.
About Hawaii County
Hawaii County Timeline
Hawaii County, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. The history of Hawaii County is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians, Europeans, and the eventual annexation by the United States.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
Hawaii County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hawaii County, Hawaii.
- Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
- In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
- In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
- In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
- In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
- In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
- In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
- In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
- In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
- In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
- In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.