Posted by Communications Liaison Ellie Simpson, thanks to Archivist Jon Coss.

After World War II, Hawaii worked to develop tourism from the U.S. mainland. In May 1953 the Huguenot Women’s Society held its annual mother-and-daughter dinner. The theme was a Hawaiian luau, and the gymnasium was decorated with native flowers and travel posters.

All attendees received leis (left). The menu featured native Hawaiian foods.

After dinner, the curtains opened on a beach scene, the cast being members of the church school who sang Hawaiian songs. Dr. Vernon Smith, Field Director, Board of Christian Education, spoke about the 50th State, followed by a movie about Hawaii furnished by United Airlines. (Many Americans had yet to fly on a commercial airplane.)

Sources:

HMC Archives. Photo Collection. Huguenot Women’s Society, Minutes and Scrapbook.