Judd Building - Honolulu, Oahu, HI - People-Named Places on Waymarking.com

The Place:

"The Judd Building at the corner of Merchant and Fort Streets combines elegant features of Italianate architecture with businesslike functionalism. Designed by Oliver G. Traphagen, newly arrived from Duluth, Minnesota, it boasted Hawaii's first passenger elevator when it opened in 1898. A fifth floor was added on top in the 1920s, the interior was remodeled in 1979, and the ground floor has also been reconfigured. However, the exterior of the middle three floors reflects Traphagen's original design, with arched windows, simulated keystones, and decorative wreaths and floral designs. Built on land that used to house the medical offices of Dr. Gerrit P. Judd, the new building served as the first headquarters of Alexander & Baldwin, and also of the Bank of Hawaii until 1927. The bank bought the building in 1998, and A&B repurchased it in 2000. Judd Building is a contributing property of the Merchant Street Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1973." (visit link)

The Person:

"Gerrit P. Judd, (born April 23, 1803, Paris, N.Y., U.S.- died July 12, 1873, Honolulu) U.S. missionary to Hawaii who played a crucial role in governing the islands.

The son of a physician, Judd studied medicine in his father’s office and at a medical school in Fairfield, N.Y. He was graduated in 1825 but the following year underwent a religious experience and decided to become a missionary. In 1827 the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions appointed him physician to the Sandwich Islands Mission, and in 1828 he arrived in Honolulu.

Until 1842 Judd occupied himself primarily with his missionary responsibilities, although he gradually came to be involved with the government—first as translator and interpreter, later as an adviser. On May 10, 1842, King Kamehameha III appointed Judd a member of the treasury board. Judd later became minister of foreign affairs (1843), minister of the interior (1845), and minister of finance (1846). Actually, he was the prime minister, actively directing nearly all aspects of the Hawaiian government. Judd represented the monarch on the committee that drew up the liberal constitution of 1852. He then returned to his life as a missionary but maintained an active interest in Hawaiian politics. He won a seat in the legislature in 1858 and took part in the constitutional convention of 1864—opposing King Kamehameha V’s attempts to increase monarchical power. From 1863 until his death, Judd served on the board of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association." (visit link)

Year it was dedicated: 1898 Location of Coordinates: Entrance to the building Related Web address (if available): [Web Link] Type of place/structure you are waymarking: Building

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