November News: History, Harvests, and UH Volleyball
A Gift That Brings History Full Circle
Grove Farm recently committed to give 2+ acres of land on Ho‘omana Road, along the eastern slope of German Hill, to the Līhuʻe Lutheran Church for their expansion. The gift continues a long legacy between the iconic church, its settlers and Grove Farm’s/Līhuʻe Plantation that stretches back over 150 years.
During the mid-1800’s a group of German immigrants made the nearly six-month journey aboard a sailing ship around Cape Horn to Kauaʻi. They settled on the knoll near the Līhuʻe Sugar Mill that would become known as German Hill.
In 1885, the group with the financial assistance of Līhuʻe Plantation President Paul Isenberg who had come to Hawai`i in 1858, established the church and his younger brother, Hans was their ordained pastor.
The church’s original architecture reflected their long sea journey. The pulpit resembles the ship’s bow with the balcony representing the captain’s bridge, the ceiling has long planks like a wooden ship’s hull, and the lighting fixtures resemble ship lanterns. Even the floor slants like a ship’s deck. After Hurricane ʻIwa destroyed much of the original building, it was faithfully restored.
Earlier, Paul Isenberg had also assisted Grove Farm’s founder. In 1870, young George Wilcox bought the then struggling Grove Farm from Judge Widemann for $12,000. He borrowed $6,000 of the purchase price from Paul Isenberg and by 1874, due to George Wilcox’s hard work and ingenuity, he successfully paid off the note in full.
The German immigrants made many positive contributions to our Island and their legacy lives on. After Hurricane ʻIniki, six church members founded the Dorcas Society in 1993. Its members have made many quilts and lap throws for people in need both locally and on the mainland, including residents of Kauaʻi long-term care facilities. That spirit of giving also takes shape through Mobile Munchies, whose volunteers gather at the church to prepare bagged lunches for distribution through community organizations and youth programs. Earlier this year, the church invited donations to support Kauaʻi cancer patients needing off- island care through the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Honolulu.
Today, Grove Farm still oversees much of the former Līhuʻe Plantation sugarcane lands once managed by Paul Isenberg and is committed to honor our founder’s legacy.
Sharing the Harvest at Grove Farm Market
More than 400 locally grown pumpkins were given away at the Grove Farm Market on Saturday, October 24, bringing a little fall fun to Kauaʻi families.
After the hurricane prompted the cancellation of the Annual Harvest Festival, Stephanie Iona coordinated pumpkin giveaways throughout the island with support from festival donors, including the Grove Farm Foundation. The market once again served as one of the distribution locations, with Coach Charlie Wade and the UH men’s volleyball team helping hand out pumpkins and visiting with residents and vendors.
The morning also highlighted a student’s efforts to help others grow food at home. Paka Citron-Chandler, a senior at Waimea High School, gave away 500 tomato seedlings as part of his senior project. Stephanie worked with his teacher, Ryan Kakuda, to coordinate the giveaway.
The Kauaʻi Fire Department also joined the market to highlight fire prevention for Fire Prevention Month, rounding out a morning of sharing locally grown produce, connecting with neighbors, and supporting community efforts.
Bringing UH Volleyball to Kauaʻi’s Keiki
More than 100 keiki had the opportunity to learn from the UH men’s volleyball team during a free clinic at the Kauaʻi High School gym on Friday, October 23. From second graders to high school students, participants practiced their skills with guidance from Coach Charlie Wade and his players.
Coordinated by Stephanie Iona and a team of volunteers, the weekend brought the team together with Kauaʻi youth and fans. The Grove Farm Foundation contributed $5,000 as one of several sponsors helping make the visit possible.
After helping distribute pumpkins at the Grove Farm Market on Saturday morning, the players returned to the gym that evening for a free scrimmage. Fans cheered as they watched the team in action.
Mahalo to Stephanie, the volunteers, fellow sponsors, and the UH team for bringing this opportunity to Kauaʻi. We wish the team much success in the coming season!