Historical Document | Hawai'i Girls State
HISTORICAL SKETCH
Compiled in 1961 by Mrs. Ethel E. Tassock, Director
Subsequent to the organization of Boys State and Boys Nation as an American legion project, several State Departments of the American Legion Auxiliary organized a similar project to train girls of High School age in the responsibility of Citizenship.
The fact that Girls State has not changed in any way in its aims and objectives, and only in minor details from the set up of the original planners, speaks very well for the quality of their planning. The success of their efforts so inspired other Departments that they decided to undertake such a training program for girls. However, it was not until 25 years later that our Hawaii State Department decided to inaugurate a Girls State program.
A group of devoted women worked hard in 1961 to lay the foundation for a Mythical State following governmental procedure as closely as possible. Many problems of preliminary work, such as planning programs, finding good speakers, arranging for health and accident insurance, securing counselors and nurses, overcoming the "can't be done attitude", securing financial backing, and finding suitable housing and accommodations were encountered by this inspired group of women who supervised the first session.
The First Hawaii Girls state became a reality in June of 1961. Thirty-eight girls in their Junior year in High School spent the week of June 18th through the 24th at Castle Hall, Punahou School, Honolulu.
Three citizens came from Kauai, representing Kapaa, Kauai and Waimea High Schools; one came from Molokai, representing Molokai High School; one came from Baldwin High School on Maui; Girls came from the "Big Island" representing Hilo, Waimea, Kau, Kamuwela, Kohala, Honokaa, Konawaena, Laupahoehoe and Pahoa High Schools; Oahu girls came from Roosevelt, Kaimuki, Farrington, Punahou, Kailua, Castle, Kahuku, Leilehua, Kamehameha High Schools and Sacred Hearts Academy.
Girls State was financed by Auxiliary Units, Legion Posts, individual Auxiliary and Legion members. Contributions were received from local club., firms, civic minded individuals, of the various communities in the state and one very well known Trust Company. The nature of the project, its aims and objectives were wholeheartedly endorsed by the contributors, and as time goes on more and more people will become aware of Girls State, more and more will recognize the fine work we are doing for our girls until the matter of financing will become established from year to year.
Each one, as she registered, became a citizen of Hawaii Girls State and was given a number. The odd numbers designated one political party and the even numbers the other political party, conforming to our two-party system democratic government but having no connection or reference to existing political parties. The names, Alii Nui (High Chiefs) and Na Makaainana (Commoners) were recommended by the citizenry and upon approval by the counselors, the two were officially adopted as permanent name; for Hawaii Girls State political parties.
HISTORICAL SKETCH
Compiled in 1961 by Mrs. Ethel E. Tassock, Director
Subsequent to the organization of Boys State and Boys Nation as an American legion project, several State Departments of the American Legion Auxiliary organized a similar project to train girls of High School age in the responsibility of Citizenship.
The fact that Girls State has not changed in any way in its aims and objectives, and only in minor details from the set up of the original planners, speaks very well for the quality of their planning. The success of their efforts so inspired other Departments that they decided to undertake such a training program for girls. However, it was not until 25 years later that our Hawaii State Department decided to inaugurate a Girls State program.
A group of devoted women worked hard in 1961 to lay the foundation for a Mythical State following governmental procedure as closely as possible. Many problems of preliminary work, such as planning programs, finding good speakers, arranging for health and accident insurance, securing counselors and nurses, overcoming the "can't be done attitude", securing financial backing, and finding suitable housing and accommodations were encountered by this inspired group of women who supervised the first session.
The First Hawaii Girls state became a reality in June of 1961. Thirty-eight girls in their Junior year in High School spent the week of June 18th through the 24th at Castle Hall, Punahou School, Honolulu.
Three citizens came from Kauai, representing Kapaa, Kauai and Waimea High Schools; one came from Molokai, representing Molokai High School; one came from Baldwin High School on Maui; Girls came from the "Big Island" representing Hilo, Waimea, Kau, Kamuwela, Kohala, Honokaa, Konawaena, Laupahoehoe and Pahoa High Schools; Oahu girls came from Roosevelt, Kaimuki, Farrington, Punahou, Kailua, Castle, Kahuku, Leilehua, Kamehameha High Schools and Sacred Hearts Academy.
Girls State was financed by Auxiliary Units, Legion Posts, individual Auxiliary and Legion members. Contributions were received from local club., firms, civic minded individuals, of the various communities in the state and one very well known Trust Company. The nature of the project, its aims and objectives were wholeheartedly endorsed by the contributors, and as time goes on more and more people will become aware of Girls State, more and more will recognize the fine work we are doing for our girls until the matter of financing will become established from year to year.
Each one, as she registered, became a citizen of Hawaii Girls State and was given a number. The odd numbers designated one political party and the even numbers the other political party, conforming to our two-party system democratic government but having no connection or reference to existing political parties. The names, Alii Nui (High Chiefs) and Na Makaainana (Commoners) were recommended by the citizenry and upon approval by the counselors, the two were officially adopted as permanent name; for Hawaii Girls State political parties.
ALA Hawai'i Girls State Alumnae Foundation
The Primary purpose of the Girls State Foundation is to support and promote the
American Legion Auxiliary's Aloha Girls State program and its alumnae.
If you are an alumnae from Hawaii's original Girls State,
or another state we welcome you to join our foundation!
American Legion Auxiliary's Aloha Girls State program and its alumnae.
If you are an alumnae from Hawaii's original Girls State,
or another state we welcome you to join our foundation!
Contact Us!
Department Email - alaALOHAgirlsstate@gmail.com