Golden year

No state fought harder than Hawaii to become a full-fledged member of the United States, and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin beat the drum for the movement from the beginning. Within five years of annexation, the Territorial Legislature passed a statehood resolution. The first bill seeking Hawaii statehood was introduced in Congress by Territorial Delegate Prince Kuhio in 1919.

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State of your knowledge

Every day through Aug. 20, we’ll offer a trivia question to test your knowledge about the 50th state. Each day's question will answered the next day on this page.

Isle identity brings cultures together

Ask a 20-something or a teenager their thoughts about statehood, and most will be nonplused simply because through their lives, Hawaii has always been a part of America and they know no other way of the world.

'Good, loyal citizens' were not to be denied representation

Forget the sugar treaties, the military demands for a mid-Pacific harbor and the idea of American colonialism; here's the reason Hawaii became America's 50th state.

Star-Bulletin 'kept beating the drums'

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin "violated a lot of canons of present-day journalism" to promote statehood for Hawaii, the late Adam A. "Bud" Smyser reflected in a 1990 interview conducted by the Center for Oral History.

Missed opportunities

The air shimmers with heat as thousands of cars inch along the H-1 freeway, their exhaust pipes spewing fumes as the engines labor to keep the occupants in air-conditioned comfort.

6 John kids and parents saw parade from sidewalk

The kids gathered on the sidewalk, plopped down on the curb, scoring front-row seats for history in the making. Congress had approved Hawaii's statehood, then the Senate, and President Eisenhower was signing it into law. Hawaii could not help itself and burst out into parties, celebrations and parades.

A matter of opinion

Fifty years, half a century -- it's a milestone, all right, a reason to commemorate, but it's also an artificial number. We hit it, we move on. When we look at the past, it's through a rearview mirror as we rocket headlong into the future.

'It's surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.'

How much a part of all our lives are the memories of places gone, "some forever, not for better," as the Beatles lamented in the '60s? Probably more than we realize.

Musical journey

Hawaii's first 50 years as a state were eventful ones for Hawaiian music. No one anticipated in 1959 that Hawaii was nearing the end of an era in island music.

Sports first, foremost in isles

To define sports in Hawaii is to define a culture, one with roots in royal recreation and nurtured by international success decades before statehood.

Subdued tribute reflects dissent

Alaska celebrated its 50th anniversary as a state with parades and parties, but Hawaii's commemoration is more restrained, reflecting mixed feelings here about the islands' path to statehood.

Then & now

STATEHOOD!

WASHINGTON, March 12 (AP) -- House speaker Sam Rayburn, Democrat of Texas, today swung his powerful support to the Hawaii Statehood bill as the House neared a final vote, and almost certain passage.

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Other stories from the March 12, 1959, Star-Bulletin

Sirens, Bells Herald Statehood Arrival

The wail of civil defense sirens informed Honoluluans today that Statehood, long awaited, had finally been approved.


Many Changes in Status Due With Statehood

Statehood will bring many changes to Hawaii, some of them intangible, others matters of law.


Isle Statehood Means Changes Also for U.S.

Just as Statehood will change Hawaii, it also will change the United States.


Celebration Cues From 6 Honolulans

Here's how some of Honolulu's citizens say they'll celebrate Statehood Day.


Whig Paper Urged Statehood Back in 1849

Back as far as the landing of the first American traders and missionaries the potentialities of the Islands as a state were recognized.


Isle Congressmen Probably Will Be 'Middle-of-Road'

How will Hawaii's two U.S. Senators and one Representative vote on key national issues?


49th State Record Company Isn't Going to Change Name

Admission of Alaska to Statehood last year caused a scramble among Jaycees who were sponsoring the 49th State Fair when the bill cleared Congress. It'll be the 50th State Fair this year, with no danger of a quick change since Congress seems to be making it official. The 49th State Hawaii Record Company isn't following the Jaycees example, however.


Reasons for Statehood, As Advanced Over Years

Why does Hawaii deserve Statehood? Here are some of the reasons given by its backers over the years.


Union's 50th State Can Boast Unique Geography, History

Admission of Hawaii as the 50th State creates ...

April 14, 1959

Eisenhower writes to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin

August 21, 1959

President Signs Proclamation; Hawaii Becomes the 50th State

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Hawaii became a state today.


Eisenhower Unveils New Flag Design

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A new 50-star U.S. flag was unveiled today by President Eisenhower.


Statehood Proclamation

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Following is the text of President Eisenhower's proclamation admitting Hawaii as the 50th State in the Union.


At Statehood: A Flutter, No Furor

The throbbing heart of the Islands didn't skip a beat at 10:03 a.m. as the Paradise of the Pacific became a State.


Quinn, Kealoha Sworn In; 'Greatest day for Isles'

William F. Quinn was sworn in as first State Governor of Hawaii at 10:19 a.m. today.


Statehood Stamp Sale May Establish Record

While Governor Quinn was sworn in as Hawaii's first state governor, Honolulu's citizens were swamping the Post Office to set a record in the sale of stamps.

Statehood gallery part 3

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Statehood gallery

Statehood gallery part 2