Rearview Mirror: Remembering Honolulu’s Hell’s Half Acre, Tin Can Alley
I’m sure most of my readers could point to where such Oahu neighborhoods as Waipahu, Palama, Manoa or Kapahulu are. Read more
Rearview Mirror
Columnist Bob Sigall writes the weekly column “Rearview Mirror,” which takes a look back at historic Hawaii through stories, interviews and photos.
Rearview Mirror: Chinatown exhibit and arches to celebrate Chinese culture
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Co-chairman Eddie Flores Jr. called in January. He’s leading a project to build two arches in Chinatown, at the Hotel Street side of Kekaulike Street, and the King Street side. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Readers relate their brush with fame in meeting VIPs
Recently, I wrote about locals who crossed paths with Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, James MacArthur and Helen Hayes. Several readers wrote to tell me about their star-crossed experiences. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Alexander Estate search leads to trifecta of interesting tales
Readers often ask how I get the idea for a column. Sometimes it begins with a question, and sometimes I run into one interesting thing while searching for another. Both those things happened this week. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Kamaaina know to leave slippers outside the house
Of all the ways those of us in Hawaii differ from our counterparts on the mainland, one we can’t overlook is footwear. Let’s face it. Here in the islands we have different rules. That can be confusing for visitors. It can also be awkward for those of us who go to mainland homes. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and Mitzi Gaynor among celebrity sightings in Hawaii
Recently, I asked readers whether they had crossed paths with any celebrities in Hawaii. Here are three famous entertainers and stories about the islanders who met them. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Misconceptions between Hawaii and the mainland make for amusing stories
Welcome to the new year! I’m hopeful this will be a better year than the last. In my first column of 2022, I thought I’d take another look at how those of us in the islands misunderstand or are misunderstood by those on the mainland. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Part 2 of Rearview Mirror’s annual awards
Last week I gave out awards to several people who, I feel, made, preserved or shared Hawaii history in a way that makes Hawaii the special place it is. Here’s Part 2. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Drum roll, please: It’s time for annual awards
Every year at this time, I honor those who have made, preserved or shared Hawaii history. They have all done something special, in my estimation, to make Hawaii a better place for all of us. Read more
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Rearview: Sears rooftop shows stood out as a great tradition
Some readers might remember a great Christmas tradition in Honolulu: Sears used to put on a Christmas show at its Beretania Street store in the 1950s. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Misunderstandings and other things that I learned in 2021
Last week, I began this two-part review of things I learned in 2021 with a look at the interesting, unusual and just plain wacky proposals Hawaii had for locating its City Hall, state Capitol, Neal Blaisdell Center, Convention Center and university. Read more
Rearview: Looking back at things learned during 2021
Every year about this time, I write about the things I learned in the past 12 months. Read more
Rearview: Historic Merchant Square has been home to several bars and restaurants
I’ve been talking to people recently about Merchant Square — the bars and restaurants in the Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street area. It’s one of the most historic and interesting places on Oahu. Read more
Rearview: Babe Ruth challenged Hawaii governor to pitch to him at Honolulu Stadium
Eight years ago, I wrote about Babe Ruth playing baseball in Hilo. My wife’s uncle was a photographer and she came across several photos of the 1933 event, which accompanied my article. Read more
Rearview: Singer and film star Frank Sinatra had a close relationship with the islands
I’ve talked recently with a few islanders who remember that in the 1940s and 1950s, a popular concert venue in Honolulu was the McKinley High School auditorium. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Chicken skin stories abound with Halloween approaching
Dr. Stephen Arnold suggested that with Halloween approaching I ask my newsletter readers whether they had any spooky stories. Did they witness something they could not explain? Had someone who died returned in some form to give them a message? I didn’t know what to expect, but several readers responded with some chicken skin experiences. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Musashiya, the shirt maker, advertised in pidgin 100 years ago
One of the most interesting retail stores in Hawaii was a dry goods and fabric store named Musashiya. It began in Chinatown on the makai side of King Street near River Street in 1896. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hawaiian Electric, other local companies reach milestones
I wrote two columns earlier this year about companies that are having significant anniversaries this year. I think it’s important to celebrate the people and organizations that have been able to serve the residents of the state for so many years. Read more
Rearview: Actor-performer Al Harrington also excelled as history teacher and football coach
I mostly know Al Harrington, who died Sept. 21, as an actor and performer. But he was also a history teacher and football coach at Punahou. Many of his former students have fond memories of this man, who they say never forgot them. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Kapiolani college’s early roots traced back to 1946, a pivotal year in Hawaii history
Kapiolani Community College is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and I participated Thursday in a webinar about Hawaii in 1946, the year the college started. Read more
Rearview: Volunteering in the Peace Corps brought about lifelong memories
Last month I shared Ethel Fleming’s story about answering John F. Kennedy’s challenge to join the Peace Corps. I heard from several others like her. Read more
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