THE TWENTIES

The League’s first project in 1923 provided layettes for Japanese earthquake victims, followed by a nutrition program for Free Kindergarten children that won a national award in 1928.

Other early efforts included occupational therapy at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, a motor corps for transporting children to treatment, a follow-up clinic at Queen’s Medical Center, and a sewing committee supplying hospitals and institutions.

Fundraising in the 1920s was lively and creative.

Events included the 1923 Rag Ball and the hit musical “Tropic Topics” in 1925, followed by “Hula Moon” in 1928. That same year, the Junior League Shop opened, later serving as an outlet for Hawaiian handicrafts during the Depression. In 1929, The League produced the film “The Kamaaina,” featuring an authentic Hawaii storyline.

THE THIRTIES

The League continued many earlier projects, including the nutrition program, which ran until 1938 before being turned over to the Community Chest and Free Kindergarten Association.

Plays and puppet shows remained popular and culminated in the creation of Children’s Theater in 1938, which brought live performances to over 180,000 children for more than 30 years. Fundraising highlights included the 1934 Liberty House Dollar Day, and in 1937, The Junior League Shop was sold for a final profit of $3,000.

THE FORTIES

World War II

During World War II, formal League activities were suspended and the office was closed. League members used their volunteer training to support the war effort.

Post-War 

Reactivating after the War, an office was opened in space donated by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and served as The League’s base of operation for 25 years.

The first post-war project was sponsorship of a radio program, “Books Bring Adventure.” Projects with the Oahu Health Council the Volunteer Service Bureau and the Council of Social Agencies followed. Children’s Theater was augmented by the creation of the Red Feather Marionettes, a group who told the Community Chest story through the use of puppets. The League resurrected its balls and fashion shows.