Theodore Heuck facts for kids
Theodore C. Heuck (born 1830, died 1877) was a very skilled person who worked as an architect, a merchant, and a painter. He designed several important buildings in Hawaii. These include The Queen's Medical Center, which was built for Queen Emma of Hawaii, the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii in 1865, and ʻIolani Barracks in 1871.
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Early Life and New Beginnings
Theodore Heuck was born in Hamburg, Germany. He grew up as an only child. He traveled all the way from Australia and arrived in Hawaii on January 20, 1850. When he first arrived, he advertised himself as the first professional architect in Hawaii.
However, he didn't find much work as an architect right away. So, he teamed up with Herman Von Halt and opened a retail store called "General Commission Merchants." Heuck later became a citizen of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He married a woman named Mahiki on March 22, 1852.
Working for the King
Theodore C. Heuck was trained as an architect, a carpenter, and an engineer. King Kamehameha IV first noticed Heuck's talents while visiting his retail store. The King was impressed by Heuck's work and immediately wanted him to start designing buildings in Honolulu.
Heuck agreed to work for the King. He and his business partner, Herman Von Halt, decided to go their separate ways. Their retail store closed down. Von Halt continued as a merchant, while Heuck began his exciting new career building for the King.
A Strict Agreement
Before starting his big projects, Theodore Heuck signed a special agreement on May 26. This agreement stated that he would be responsible for any problems or mistakes in the buildings he constructed. It was a very strict rule! Other workers on the projects were paid just to check on Theodore's progress. Heuck was not happy about this, but he didn't complain too much. He was grateful for the chance to build for the King.
The Queen's Hospital
King Kamehameha IV ordered the creation of the Queen's Hospital in 1860. Today, it is known as The Queen's Medical Center. This hospital was dedicated to Queen Emma and all the people of Hawaii. It was Heuck's first major building project.
To start this important project, King Kamehameha IV needed approval from the government. In 1854, he told the government about his goal to build a hospital. At that time, many Hawaiian people were getting sick from diseases brought by visitors. Queen Emma strongly supported the idea of a hospital. She and the King worked very hard to make it happen. They even went door-to-door to raise money. They quickly raised more than their goal, collecting $13,530. The government also provided $6,000.
Heuck finished his work on the hospital by November 1, 1860. The people in charge thanked Heuck for his hard work. They promised his name would be placed on the building, but he did not receive any money for his efforts.
Heuck also served in important roles in the Hawaiian government. He was a member of the King's special advisory group from 1863 to 1864. He was also elected to the legislature of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1864 to 1867. He also worked as the secretary for the Board of Health. Heuck was honored as a Knight of the Order of Kamehameha I. He also became a trustee for the Queen's Hospital. Today, The Queen's Medical Center is a very important hospital for the people of Hawaii. It is located near downtown Honolulu.
The Royal Mausoleum
King Kamehameha IV passed away on November 30, 1863. His brother, Lot Kamehameha, became the new ruler, King Kamehameha V. King Kamehameha V immediately hired Heuck to build a special place for the late King and his son. This building became known as The Royal Mausoleum.
Heuck built the Royal Mausoleum in Nuʻuanu, Oahu, at a place called Mauna ʻala. The building was surrounded by a black fence with the royal seal on the gate. He also built a small chapel near the center of the grounds. This was Heuck's second major project. After he finished this structure on February 3, 1864, a large national funeral was held for the King.
ʻIolani Barracks
In 1871, Heuck designed the ʻIolani Barracks, also known as Halekoa, which means "House of warriors." King Lot Kapuaiwa (King Kamehameha V) oversaw this project. The barracks were built using coral blocks and blocks cut by prison workers.
The barracks were used by the kingdom's army, called the "Household Troops." About 60 soldiers lived there. Heuck designed the barracks to look like a medieval castle from Europe. It had strong coral block walls and a slate roof. The building was surrounded by rooms that were used as a dining hall, kitchen, medical room, and jail.
The ʻIolani Barracks was first built where the Hawaii State Capital building now stands. In 1965, every stone of the barracks was carefully moved to its current location. It is now at 364 South King Street, on the grounds of the ʻIolani Palace. This was Heuck's third completed project. It cost a bit more than planned, totaling $25,103.78. After the building was finished, Heuck's name was placed on the back of the barracks. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
After the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in 1893, the barracks were used as headquarters for the National Guard of Hawaii many times. Today, the building houses a palace shop, a ticket office, a video theater, and a membership office.
The End of a Great Career
Throughout his years in Hawaii, Heuck was very excited about his work. He loved seeing people's reactions to the amazing buildings he created. On September 28, 1874, Heuck left Honolulu and returned to his home in Hamburg, Germany. He passed away in Germany in 1877.
