The Humboldt/Hawaii Connection

Mahalo for Alex Grey's art:  alexgrey.com

No, this is not an ancient island goddess, but it does reflect one of the many connections between Humboldt County California and the Big Island. We know folks from both places who apparently wave to each other while taking opposing flights seeking jobs in the industry.

Well, now it looks like we found yet another interesting Hawaii/Humboldt connection through the purchase of a book that Phil wanted for his birthday. Hawaiian Yesterdays is a collection of over 500 historical photographs taken by Ray Jerome Baker. Baker was an early 20^th century photographer who first came to Eureka in 1904.  His first studio was a temporary tent on E Street but the wet winter forced him to establish a permanent studio at the corner of E and 5^th. (Our gallery of 22 years was at the corner of F and 2nd.)  

Baker’s extensive photo collection of Humboldt County is now in the collection of Humboldt State University.  He became friends with Jack London who visited Eureka often and who also encouraged Baker to visit Hawaii. Baker and his wife Edith (who hand tinted his color photos) visited the Hawaiian Islands in 1908 – they loved it and after staying for several months they returned to Eureka, closed the studio, packed up and made the permanent move to Hawaii.  (This reminded us of our buying a house in Puna while on vacation…and moving to the Big Island one year later!!)

Big Island: Woman weaving lauhala into hat( 1915)

“Baker’s camera caught everything around him: the people, places and events …of the Hawaiian people and their vanishing lifestyles, members of various ethnic groups, aerial landscapes, historical sites and native flora." (from flyleaf of book)

We both expect to spend many hours pouring over this extensive collection. It helps us appreciate the cultural renaissance here in Hawai'i with deep roots in the traditions of the past and a forward-looking vision for the future through the revitalization of language, dance and cultural traditions.

Baker has a room dedicated to his photography at Oahu's Bishop Museum - "The Ray Jerome Baker room." To learn more about Baker and his lengthy collection of books and published articles: LINK to Jerome Baker