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'Iolani School Archives - People of 'Iolani: Roberta Caldwell

Notable people in the history of 'Iolani School.

 

The ‘Iolani School Archives collects, organizes, preserves and provides access to historical records of ‘Iolani School.

Roberta S. Caldwell

Roberta Caldwell

'Iolani School at the Time

During Ms. Caldwell's tenure, 'Iolani School was located on the St. Andrew's Cathedral Grounds and was under the jurisdiction of the Missionary District of Honolulu, American Episcopal Church. 

The governing body of the school was a committee headed by the Bishop and functioned much like a board of directors.
The following is an example from the 'Iolani School Catalogue for school year 1924/25:

'Iolani School Committee School Year 1924/25.


Church Happenings

Quick Facts

  • Name : Roberta Caldwell 
  • 'Iolani Tenure : circa 1917 - Spring 1928
    • Science faculty
  • The only woman to lead the school,
    served as acting principal in October - December 1921 (SY 2021/22).

A Different Time

 

'Bishop La Mothe appointed Miss Caldwell acting principal until he could find a properly qualified man for the position.'

"Mr. Tracy resigned soon after the arrival of Bishop La Mothe [sic]. At the time of his resignation the school was in a very disorganized and incoherent condition. Bishop La Mothe appointed Miss Caldwell acting principal until he could find a properly qualified man for the position. Miss Caldwell worked very hard at her task until relieved by the Rev. Maitland Woods, who arrived from Suva, Fiji Islands, in January, 1922. At the time of Mr. Tracy's resignation the school was heavily in debt, there was no proper system of accounting, and many valuable records had been lost. Miss Caldwell secured the services of Mr. Lynn Fisher as bookkeeper. He installed an excellent system of keeping the school books, and set to work collecting the numerous small outstanding accounts. When Mr. Woods took over the school he retained Mr. Fisher in office..."

Excerpt from "The Recent Past and the Immediate Future,"
by Robert R. Spencer, Principal
Ka Moolelo O Iolani, 1924, page 29
(Publication title did not use diacritics at the time.)

 


The History of Women at 'Iolani School

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