The Friends of Iolani Palace continues its treasure hunt

From the Wall Street Journal

Built in 1882, Iolani Palace was richly furnished when it was the home of Hawaii's last two monarchs. But by 1969, the creaky, termite-infested Italianate palace stood vacant. The Junior League of Honolulu helped found a nonprofit group called The Friends of Iolani Palace, which ended up running the palace as a museum. They tapped Princess Abigail Kawananakoa's mother, Liliuokalani Kawananakoa Morris, to be the Friends' first president.

The groups commenced their recovery mission in the late 1960s. Working from a desk in the state archives, they spent several years scouring 19th-century newspapers for clues as to where the stuff might have gone missing. To compile a list of items, they used old palace photographs, household ledgers, furniture purchase orders, details from the last king's probate and auction records.

Known as the “Register,” the list includes everything from the wines in the king’s cellar to sterling flatware. Pattie Black, the sole remaining acquisitions volunteer, continues to follow up on tips of possible sightings on eBay. The Palace also posts a “Most Wanted” list on its website.  Click here to read more.