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| Koa furniture crafted by Hilo Boarding School students is featured in Rev.Lyman’s barter room |
The restoration and up keep of historic houses can amount to a costly, exacting, and ongoing labor of love for those who undertake such efforts. For the past eight years the staff of the Lyman Museum in Hilo, assisted by historical architect Spencer Leineweber and several top-notch contractors, have worked to restore the adjacent Lyman Mission House (the oldest frame structure on the Big Island) to its mid 19th-century appearance and functions.Most of the work was carried out in 2002—2005, but following an extensive period of research and planning the final phase of the process was completed in 2010 when a small wing of the House resumed its former identity as Rev. David Lyman’s office and “barter room.” Added in 1845 to the 1839 Mission House, this two-room wing or annex was the locus of considerable activity. Rev. Lyman’s role as principal of the Hilo Boarding School meant long hours of administrative work in his office. Adjoining this room was another in which cotton cloth, Bibles, candles,nails, and other desirable goods were stored and accounts kept. Currency was scarce in Hilo in the mid 1800s, so people bartered goods for the other things they needed. The Lymans traded cloth and other items for school and family necessities. The office is arranged as if Rev. Lyman has just stepped out. The barter room is stocked with trade goods, and one section of the room showcases exquisite koa furniture built by the Hilo Boarding School students. A special (and possibly unique) exhibit reveals the different stages of preparing and finishing a plaster wall. Sarah Lyman had originally finished the interior walls of the House with lime plaster, patiently patching the cracks caused by seismic tremors until a very powerful earthquake in 1868 destroyed most of the work. Thereafter Sarah papered the walls over stretched muslin. Enjoy this remarkable view of Hawai‘i’s history next time you’re in Hilo! Complete tours of the Lyman Mission House are given Monday—Saturday at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. and are included in the cost of Museum admission. Visit www.lymanmuseum.org
