Posted on: Sunday, May 27, 2001
We tuned in, saw movies and bowled
By Victor Yamashiroya
Editor's note: Victor Yamashiroya proposed various subjects from the past to himself and let his memory go. Here's the first of two parts.
• Before TV: Remember when we listened to the radio during the years before television and certain programs would stick in our minds? The programs were "The Shadow," in which the phrase "the Shadow knows" would always appear. Also "The Lone Ranger," with his faithful sidekick, Tonto, and the phrase "Hi Yo, Silver! Away!" and "The Whistler," with his distinct whistle. • Popular movies: When we were kids, Westerns were very popular, and it would be a treat to go to the many theaters that proliferated in downtown Honolulu. My favorite cowboy movie stars were Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Durango Kid, Lash LaRue with his bullwhip and Gene Autry, "The Singing Cowboy." • Movie theaters: There were so many movie houses in downtown Honolulu, and you could have your pick of where to go. Japanese chambara (samurai) movies were very popular in the '50s, and long lines of patrons would eagerly stand in line to see their favorite heroes.
The movie houses are long gone now or have been converted into other businesses. I will never forget the ones that have given me so much pleasure and entertainment: Toyo on College Walk between Beretania and Kukui, with its distinctive Japanese architecture with fishponds and bridge; Nippon, in an alleyway leading to A'ala Street from A'ala Park; Kokusai, on the corner of Beretania and Nu'uanu; Roosevelt, on Maunakea between Pauahi and Beretania; Princess, on Fort Street where Kukui Plaza is now; Kewalo, on Queen Street; Palace, on Beretania near Ke'eaumoku Street; American, in an alley off Hotel Street across Kekaulike Street, in which bingo was a popular attraction; Palama, at King and Palama streets; A'ala, on A'ala Street between King and Beretania; International, behind the Toyo Theatre; Golden Wall, on School Street; Kaimuki and Queen, on Wai'alae Avenue; King Theatre, on King Street between Fort and Bethel; Liberty Theatre, on Nu'uanu Avenue between Beretania and Pauahi; Cinerama, at King Street and Punahou; and Kapiolani, on Kapi'olani Boulevard. • Tea houses: Tea houses were the place to go when you had a party for various occasions. Everyone would sit on the tatami mats in front of their table and partake of the delicious Japanese food spread before them. You would furnish your own entertainment, and occasionally the waitresses would play games with you.
There weren't that many tea houses, but I remember the Natsunoya, on Makanani Street in 'žlewa; Nu'uanu Onsen, on La'imi Street in Nu'uanu; Kanraku, on Kohou Street between King and Dillingham; Shinanomi Betsu, by the University of Hawai'i on Kalele Road; Rainbow Gardens, on Kunawai Lane; Ishii Gardens, on Huna Street off Kuakini Street; and Mochizuki Tea House. • Bowling alleys: Remember when there were about two dozen bowling alleys on O'ahu? They were the Play More, on Hotel Street across the One Capital Building; Waikiki Bowl, on Kalakaua where Kuhio Beach is now; Classic Bowl, on Dillingham Boulevard; Stardust, on Ke'eaumoku Street; Stadium Bowl-O-Drome, on Isenberg Street; Bowling City, at the intersection of Alapai and King streets; Kaimuki Bowl; Aloha Bowl, on Bethel Street and Chaplain Lane; Windward Bowl, in the Windward Shopping Center; Kapi'olani Bowl, on Ward at Kapi'olani; Country Lanes, in Waipahu; Kalakaua Bowl, on Kalakaua at Young Street; Pearl City Bowl, on Waimano Home Road below the once-famous Pearl City Tavern; Kelly's Bowl, that was part of Kelly's Drive Inn; Wahiawa Bowl; Ewa Bowl; Jet Lanes, on Waiwai Loop in the airport area; and Boulevard Bowl, on Dillingham, where the Honolulu City & County Federal Credit Union is now.
Victor Yamashiroya lives in Waipi'o Gentry. A second compendium of his memories will appear next Sunday.
