In 1832 Parker Ranch on the Big Island hired Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) to work on the ranch. They were expert horsemen with plenty of cattle ranching experience. They also trained his Hawaiian ranch workers to become cowboys. They knew horses and cattle but they also loved their booze and music. And believe me, it was not Hawaiian Music or American Music. They loved a different kind of rhythm. They married mostly Hawaiian women and the Mexicans disappeared. But much of the Mexican rhythms remained. Everyone got along and many asked them what language they were speaking. Very simple. Español, pronounce espaniol and it became easy in describing these people as Paniolos.
On November 22, 1900, the first group of Puerto Ricans consisting of 56 men, began their long journey to Maui, Hawaii. The trip was long and unpleasant. They first set sail from San Juan harbor to New Orleans, Louisiana. Once in New Orleans, they were boarded on a railroad train and sent to Port Los Angeles, California. From there they set sail aboard the "Rio de Janeiro" to Hawaii. According to the "Los Angeles Times" dated December 26, 1901, the Puerto Ricans were mistreated and starved by the shippers and the railroad company.
They arrived in Honolulu, on December 23, 1900, and were sent to work in one of the different plantations owned by the "Big Five" on Hawaii's biggest four islands. By October 17, 1901, 5,000 Puerto Rican men, women and children had made their new homes on the four islands. Records show that, in 1902, 34 plantations had 1,773 Puerto Ricans on their payrolls; 1,734 worked as field hands and another 39 were clerks or overseers (foremen). They loved their booze and they loved their music and their rhythms. Latin Rhythms anyone?
"Social dancers know that there is a need to find and sing their own song, to stretch their limbs and shake and move them in a dance to their favorite music.”
On November 22, 1900, the first group of Puerto Ricans consisting of 56 men, began their long journey to Maui, Hawaii. The trip was long and unpleasant. They first set sail from San Juan harbor to New Orleans, Louisiana. Once in New Orleans, they were boarded on a railroad train and sent to Port Los Angeles, California. From there they set sail aboard the "Rio de Janeiro" to Hawaii. According to the "Los Angeles Times" dated December 26, 1901, the Puerto Ricans were mistreated and starved by the shippers and the railroad company.
"Adoro" por Armando Manzanero
They arrived in Honolulu, on December 23, 1900, and were sent to work in one of the different plantations owned by the "Big Five" on Hawaii's biggest four islands. By October 17, 1901, 5,000 Puerto Rican men, women and children had made their new homes on the four islands. Records show that, in 1902, 34 plantations had 1,773 Puerto Ricans on their payrolls; 1,734 worked as field hands and another 39 were clerks or overseers (foremen). They loved their booze and they loved their music and their rhythms. Latin Rhythms anyone?
“Yesterday I was so clever, so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am a little more wise, so I am changing myself.”
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