PBA Galleries

First edition of the first Honolulu city directory, with a significant historical sketch and chronology of events, the author of which is believed to be the prominent newspaperman Henry L. Sheldon. Sketches of Hawaiian History and Honolulu Directory 1869. The actual directory is on pages 77-86, and is based on street numbers assigned to buildings and residences by the compiler. The directory was issued in September of 1869, and David Forbes quotes the Pacific Commercial Advertiser of September 18th as stating "The price of the book (three and a half dollars) may prevent its general circulation, though it is just such a work as is needed... All who can afford it...should assist in its circulation, as it will be found a valuable aid to business men." This is the first of two editions, both dated 1869, though the second was actually published in 1871. The 1871 edition can be identified by the added text "Historical Events 1869-1871" on pp. 77-80. With rubberstamp of the Mercantile Library, San Francisco, dated Jan. 10, 1870, to title-page, along with later rubberstamp of the San Francisco Public Library; there are occasional rubberstamps within, and circular rubberstamp of SFPL to front cover (with stain around it, likely from attempt at removal). Forbes 2821.