POIPU — Tom Armbruster of Orange, California had a question about the Koloa Hospital that was on display Monday when the Historic Film and Exhibit opened at The Shops at Kukuiula. “I’m five generations from Dr. James W. Smith who
POIPU — Tom Armbruster of Orange, California had a question about the Koloa Hospital that was on display Monday when the Historic Film and Exhibit opened at The Shops at Kukuiula.
“I’m five generations from Dr. James W. Smith who practiced in Koloa,” Armbruster said, noting the Koloa Hospital must have come later. “Dr. Smith arrived in Koloa as an ABCFM medical missionary in 1887 and was practicing until 1842, mostly working from out of his house.”
Armbruster said Dr. Smith was succeeded by Dr. Jared Knapp-Smith who started practicing in 1897 until he was assassinated.
“He diagnosed several women with leprosy,” Armbruster said. “The women’s boyfriends who didn’t want them to go to Kaulapapa, assassinated him thinking the women wouldn’t have to leave if the doctor was dead.”
Members of the Kauai Historical Society will maintain the exhibit through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. across from the Palms Gallery.
“Friday night, we take everything to the Anne Knudsen Park where it will be available for viewing Saturday during the ho‘olaule‘a,” said Stu Burley, a Kauai Historical Society member.
Carol Ann Davis was busy touching up her autographed copies of the closure of the Grove Farm mill, but noted several historic pieces including a vintage Japanese bento box lined with fabric and decorated with calligraphy.
Info: www.koloaplantationdays.com.
