First Visit: June 1878 – July 1883

Iolani School Life (1879-82) Dr. Sun attended Iolani College, an Anglican school for boys, and earned distinction for his studies.   (Courtesy of University of Hawai`i, Hamilton Library) Section of 1897 Map, Nuuanu District The site of Iolani College is identified on the upper side of Bates Street (not labeled), between Judd and Kuakini Streets on the left of Nuuanu Avenue.   O`ahu College (Spring 1883)   (Courtesy of Punahou School Archives) “Punahou School ledger showing account of Sun Tai Chu (Yat-sen) on June 19, 1883. The bill “To Sundries” $55, was paid in cash on June 30. Punahou School Ledger, 1883

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Family in Hawaii

Sun Mei, Dr. Sun’s older brother, arrived in Hawai’i in 1871. He became a farmer, merchant, and rancher on Oahu and Maui islands and raised his family in Hawai’i. He arranged for Dr. Sun to join him.   Sun Family Photo (Courtesy of Iolani School archives) Group photo of the Sun Family on Maui that came to include Sun Mei’s and Dr. Sun’s mother and their families.    Kula Ranchhouse (Courtesy of Iolani School archives) The large, rambling house built by Sun Mei at his prosperous ranch in Kula, Maui. From Jinian Sun Zhongshan xiansheng.   Triplicate Certificates of Identity…

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Events in Asia in Dr. Sun’s Era

Happenings in China and Elsewhere   Meiji Restoration in Japan 1868; reforms in era of Emperor Meiji, 1868-1912     Dr. Sun traveled, lived and organized political activities in Japan where thousands of Chinese went to study.   Sino-Japanese War 1894-1895, Statesman Li Hongzhang negotiates Treaty of Shimonoseki for a defeated China.     Dr. wrote Li a letter offering his ideas and services to modernize China; he received no answer and left for Hawai`i where he organized the Xingzhonghui.   Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine nationalist reformer, executed by Spanish, 30 December 1896.     Dr. Sun sympathized with Philippine nationalism and the…

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Sun Yat-Sen The Man and the Myth: A Humanities Guide

Sun Yat-Sen – The Man and The Myth   A Humanities Guide    (Courtesy of Iolani School Archives) A Humanities Guide Portrait of Sun Yat-sen, 1896. Chinese Revolution Museum Collection   Sun Yat-Sen and Hawaii by William M. Zanella The “South” in Chinese History by D.W.Y. Kwok Sun Yat-Sen in China’s Heroic Tradition by Loretta Pang Educating a Revolutionary: Sun Yat-Sen’s Schooling in Hawaii by Alfred L. Castle Hong Kong: Where a Future Revolutionary Leader was Nurtured by Francis Tsui

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Sun Yat-sen in Hawaii: Activities and Supporters

    By Yansheng Ma Lum and Raymond Mun Kong Lum   (SUMMARY) FOREWORD Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great revolutionist, is well-known and highly respected by people of China and people all over the world. He was the Founding Father of modern China, the Republic of China. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, he led the Chinese people in a revolutionary movement that succeeded in overthrowing the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and established a republic government. He was elected the First President of the Republic, thus bringing to an end to more…

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Financing Revolution: Sun Yat-sen and the Overthrow of the Ch’ing Dynasty

ALLEN F. DAMON*   Financing Revolution: Sun Yat-sen and the Overthrow of the Ch’ing Dynasty   ABSTRACT Allen F. Damon. “Financing Revolution: Sun Yat-sen and the Overthrow of the Ch’ing Dynasty.” The Hawaiian Journal of History 25 (1991): 161-186. Financial and political issues were intimately linked in Sun Yat-sen’s early career because raising funds to carry out revolutionary activities was one of his principal occupations from 1894 to 1911. His persuasive rhetoric, dedication, and and integrity appealed to a broad range of people who contributed to his causes. In his fundraising he drew from family, supporters, and the overseas Chinese…

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Sun Yat-sen’s Christian Schooling in Hawai`i

Sun Yat-sen’s Christian Schooling in Hawai`i**  Abstract Irma Tam Soong. “Sun Yat-sen’s Christian Schooling in Hawai’i.” The Hawaiian Journal of History 31 (1997): 151-178. The schooling that Sun Yat-sen received in Christian schools during his first sojourn in Hawai’i (1879-83) exposed him to Western ideas and Christianity, both of which influenced him thereafter. In September 1879 Sun entered Iolani College, a boarding school for boys established by the Church of England. Boarding school life was carefully regulated and the curriculum and instruction were rigorous, but Sun did well, receiving second prize in English grammar at completion exercises in July 1882….

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Dr. Sun Yat Sen Commemoration – Nov. 12, 2002

Overview   Hilton Hawaiian Village Honolulu, Hawaii November 12, 2002 HONOLULU (3 November 2002) – The birthday of historic statesman and renown thinker Sun Yat Sen — credited for creating modern China — will be commemorated at a special evening gathering on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Entitled “Hawaii’s Impact in Shaping Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Activities and Modern China,” the event will feature remarks by Mr. Al Castle, historian and Executive Director and Treasurer of the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation, and Dr. Michael Lestz, China scholar and Special Advisor to the University of Hawaii President. The featured moderator will…

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9th East-West Philosophers’ Conference – May 29-June 10, 2005

Overview     The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Foundation of Hawaii participated in the 9th “East-West Philosophers’ Conference,” held May 29-June 10 at the East-West Center. The conference was co-sponsored by the University of Hawaii Philosophy Department. For the program, participant abstracts, and additional information, please visit the conference website.   In conjunction with the conference, the foundation presented “Educating Sun Yat-sen: Hawaii and the Chinese Revolution” on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 featuring moderator Sigfried Ramler (East-West Center), Hao Ping (Peking University), and Alfred Castle (Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation). The presentation program and photos from the event are now…

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Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony – November 5, 2005

Chinatown Gateway Park   Chinatown park open following renovations Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Sunday, November 6, 2005 “[Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman] announced plans to erect a memorial at the park to Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese revolutionary leader who was educated in Hawaii and is known as the father of modern China. Details on the memorial have not been finalized, but Hannemann said it will be funded by the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation.”   Gateway Park reopens in Chinatown ceremony Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, November 6, 2005 Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced during the ceremony a new partnership to maintain the park and plans…

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