W. H. Shipman House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
W. H. Shipman House
|
|
The historic W. H. Shipman House in Hilo, Hawaii
|
|
 Location in Hawaii
|
|
| Location | 131 Kaʻiulani Street, Hilo, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Area | 4.9 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | Henry Livingston Kerr for J. R. Wilson |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001013 |
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1978 |
The W. H. Shipman House is a historic mansion located in Hilo, Hawaii. Built in 1899, this grand Victorian home sits on a scenic piece of land known as "Reed's Island." Over the years, the estate has played an important role in Hawaiian history and culture.
The house is located at 131 Kaʻiulani Street. This street was named in honor of Princess Kaʻiulani, who was the last crown princess of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The mansion is famous for its unique architecture, lush tropical gardens, and famous guests who stayed there over the past century.
Contents
The History of Reed's Island and the Land
The Early Royal Land Lease
Long before the mansion was built, the land had an interesting origin. In 1856, King Kamehameha IV leased a parcel of land called Kolo iki to a businessman named William Reed. Reed originally used the land as pasture for raising cattle.
In 1861, Reed purchased the entire 26-acre property. Because of his ownership, the surrounding neighborhood became known as "Reed's Island."
Why Is It Called an Island?
Even though people call it an island, Reed's Island is not surrounded by ocean water. Instead, it is a raised strip of land tucked between two waterways.
On one side flows the active channel of the Wailuku River. On the other side sits an ancient riverbed that once held water long ago. This natural layout made the property feel private and protected, like a real island in the middle of a tropical rainforest.
Building the Iron Bridge
For many years, reaching Reed's Island was difficult because of the deep river gorge. In the late 1890s, workers constructed a sturdy iron bridge across the river channel.
This bridge made it possible to transport heavy building materials to the island. It also opened up the area for new construction, allowing wealthy residents to build beautiful family estates on the hilltops.
Designing and Constructing the Mansion
J. R. Wilson Builds a Dream Home
A local businessman named J. R. "Jack" Wilson bought an 8-acre lot on Reed's Island in 1899. Wilson owned Volcano Stables, a successful horse and carriage rental company in downtown Hilo.
Wilson wanted to build a modern, stylish residence for his family. He chose a site high on a hill that offered sweeping views of the surrounding river and lush green landscape.
The Vision of Architect Henry Livingston Kerr
Wilson hired Henry Livingston Kerr, a well-known architect from Honolulu, to design the grand house. Kerr specialized in Victorian architecture, a popular style known for its decorative woodwork, steep roofs, and asymmetrical shapes.
Kerr incorporated the latest technology of the late 19th century into the house plans. When the mansion was finished in 1899, it included modern indoor plumbing and full electrical wiring, which were rare luxuries at the time.
Unique Architectural Features
The W. H. Shipman House features several distinct design elements that set it apart from other homes:
- A dramatic two-story round tower topped with a conical "witch's hat" roof.
- A sweeping circular veranda (porch) that wraps around the tower, offering fresh breezes.
- Large curved glass windowpanes custom-made to fit the rounded walls of the tower.
- High ceilings and tall windows designed to keep the interior cool in the warm Hawaiian climate.
- Decorative wooden railings and trim work hand-crafted in classic Victorian fashion.
The Entire Estate Grounds
The main house was only one part of the estate. The property was designed to be fully self-sufficient and comfortable for entertaining large groups of people:
- A separate guest house to host traveling visitors.
- Quarters for household staff and groundskeepers.
- A large carriage house and garage for transportation.
- Sprawling gardens planted with exotic palms, rare ferns, and colorful orchids.
The Shipman Family Legacy
Who Was William Herbert Shipman?
In February 1901, William Herbert Shipman purchased the Reed's Island estate. Shipman was a prominent Hawaiian businessman, rancher, and agricultural pioneer.
Shipman was born in Hawaii and had a deep respect for Hawaiian traditions and natural environments. He played a major role in developing local agriculture, cattle ranching, and land conservation on the Big Island of Hawaii.
A Center for Island Hospitality
Under the Shipman family, the mansion became one of the primary social centers in Hilo. The family frequently hosted dinners, musical evenings, and cultural gatherings.
The house was filled with fine furniture, Hawaiian artifacts, and a grand piano. The Shipman family lived in the home for generations, carefully preserving its historic charm and family heirlooms.
Famous Visitors to the Shipman House
Queen Liliʻuokalani
One of the most notable guests at the house was Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The Queen was a talented musician and composer. During her visits to the Shipman House, she would sit at the grand piano in the living room and play her musical compositions for the family and guests.
Jack London and His Voyage
In August and September of 1907, the famous American author Jack London and his wife Charmian stayed at the mansion for five weeks. London was famous for writing adventure novels like The Call of the Wild.
London's sailing vessel, The Snark, required major repairs while docked in Hilo. While waiting for the work to finish, London stayed with the Shipman family and explored the island. He later wrote about his travels in his 1911 book, The Cruise of the Snark.
Hollywood Filming with Cecil B. DeMille
In the early 1930s, legendary Hollywood director Cecil B. DeMille visited the estate while filming the adventure movie Four Frightened People.
DeMille used the rugged river gulch below the house and other Shipman family lands in Puna as natural filming locations, bringing the sights of Hilo to movie theaters around the world.
Artist Georgia O'Keeffe
In 1939, the renowned American painter Georgia O'Keeffe traveled to Hawaii to create artwork for an advertising campaign.
During her stay at the Shipman House, family members guided her around the island to see waterfalls, volcanic craters, and tropical plants. These visits inspired several of her famous paintings of Hawaiian flowers and landscapes.
Preservation and Modern Use
Historic Recognition
Because of its rich architectural and cultural significance, the estate received formal protection:
- On December 5, 1973, it was added to the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places.
- On June 23, 1978, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoration as a Bed and Breakfast
In 1997, Barbara-Ann Andersen, a great-granddaughter of William Herbert Shipman, began a major historical restoration of the estate.
She carefully restored the antique woodwork, repaired the original curved glass windows, and opened the home as a historic bed and breakfast. For roughly 20 years, travelers from around the world could stay in the home and learn about Hawaiian history firsthand.
Summary of Estate Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1899 |
| Architectural Style | Late Victorian |
| Original Architect | Henry Livingston Kerr |
| First Owner | J. R. "Jack" Wilson |
| Longtime Owner | William Herbert Shipman (bought 1901) |
| Total Grounds Area | Roughly 4.9 acres |
| Key Feature | Two-story round tower with conical roof |
See Also
