Hawaii

The USS Virginia visits Lahaina, Maui

The Third Division was tasked with visiting the Ex-Queen to discuss the possibility of Japan attacking the Hawaiian Territories.  Admiral Emory went ashore to meet with her while a portion of the crews from the division were allowed liberty.

The USS Virginia was part of Third Division that was sent to Maui to visit the Ex-Queen before heading to Honolulu.  The card at left was mailed by Frank and shows the Ex-Queen on her throne.  

Frank Lesher wrote two letter while visiting Hawaii, the two pages to the left were written while anchored in Honolulu, the second letter written in Lahaina after being ashore.

These two scenes from Maui are unique because they were both canceled  in Lahaina on the day that the ship was in port.  

Left:  Beach Scene

Right:  Sugar Mill

"Was ashore on Friday in Lahaina and had a most enjoyable liberty.  The dock was loaded with fruit of all sorts, and everybody helped themselves to all they wanted.  They served a barbecue in the afternoon consisting of barbecued meat and a sort of native dish consisting of a form of potato prepared like mush, only of a greyish color."

"Visited the largest sugar plantation and plant on the Island.  They make 27,000 tons of sugar a year , pack it in bags holding 120 pounds and ship it to the States where it is refined.  The employees are chiefly Japs although the overseers are chiefly Germans and Americans.  The owners are Germans.  The plantation from which the plant draws its supply consists of about 7000 acres."

"They gave a dance for both the enlisted men and the officers, out in the open air part of the music being furnished by the natives.  We illuminated ship for them while there.  It was at Lahaina that I got my first view of the South Sea Island canoes which are a very rude and clumsy affair, although they seem to serve the purpose very well.  On account of our stay at Lahaina, I was not able to get ashore at Honolulu.  It is the first stop I have missed so far, of course it is a little hard luck, but then I can I have been ashore on the Islands.  From where we are anchored I can plainly see the volcano craters of the Punch Bowl and Diamond Point.  Of course they are extinct.  I can also see the fine hotels that you spoke about in your letter.   The inhabitants

Photo of the Royal Throne Room and Casket

 gave us a very hearty welcome, and this stop will long be remembered by the follows who were fortunate to get ashore."